The Role of NGOs in Diplomacy & Policy Process: A Case Study of the Red Cross

Abstract

This study has aimed to examine the role of NGOs in diplomacy & policy process & this study used the Red Cross as a case study to illustrate the role of NGOs in diplomacy and the policy process, highlighting their function as mediators through emergency relief operations, human rights advocacy, and the promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law. This employes secondary data, qualitative research approach and case study design. As this analysis demonstrates, the neutrality and independence of the Red Cross enable it to reach the populations in the conflict-affected areas and to negotiate with non-state and state forces, thus, providing it with an opportunity to operate in the situations when the formal diplomatic channels might not be effective. In general, this study offers an understanding of the ways NGOs, like the Red Cross, have managed to increase their activities beyond being service providers to political players in the world and Their role in the humanitarian diplomacy, mediation of conflicts and the implementation of international laws show the beginning to change the framework of world governance where the non-state actors are complementing and even challenging the conventional state-based approaches. This knowledge is essential to academics, policymakers and humanitarian workers who aim to assess the contribution of the NGOs to international relations and humanitarian intervention in the world.