Berkeley Journal of Social Sciences

Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

Human Rights and Non-Governmental Organizations:

A Case Study
Mughis Ahmad
Amir Ali Chandio
Fozia Naseem

Abstract
Every constitution guarantees to the people a large number of rights Governments give
some facilities to citizen and claim to so that, they may be able to solve their problems.
NGOs are working as second partner of government for human rights. Organization and
working of NGOs is discussed in this paper. Objectives and substantial work of NGOs is
also examined. The role of these non-governmental organizations for human rights in
local area is highlighted. These Organizations mostly work on Child Labor, Education,
Women Rights, Poverty elevation, Skill Training, career counseling, micro financing, and
strengthening already existing institutions. The human rights offered in constitutions are
also discussed in this paper

Introduction
Non-governmental organization (NGO) is a term that has become widely accepted
for referring to a legally constituted, non-governmental organization created by natural or
legal persons with no participation or representation of any government.
International non-governmental organizations have a history dating back to at least 1839,
Rotary, later Rotary International, was founded in 1904. It has been estimated that by
1914 there were 1083 NGOs International NGOs were important in the anti-slavery
movement and the movement for women's suffrage, and reached a peak at the time of the
World Disarmament Conference The phrase "non-governmental organization" only came
into popular use with the establishment of the United Nations Organization in 1945 with
provisions in Article 71 of Chapter 10 of the United Nations Charter. Human rights refer
to basic right and freedom to which all humans are entitled. Article 5 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, 1948: No one shell be subjected to torture or to cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.1

Assistant Professor , Chairman of Department of Pakistan Studies, GC University, Faisalabad.

Professor of Political Science,

Lecturer in Political Science, Department of Pakistan Studies, GC University, Faisalabad.

Professor of Political Science,

1
J. Shivananda,(Ed.)., Human Rights: Concept and Issues, New Delhi: Alfa Publishers,2006, p, 7.

Berkeley Journal of Social Sciences

Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reasons
and should act towards one another in a spirit (Article 1, United Nations Universal
Declaration on Human Rights)
Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are not only non governmental but non
political, non profitable and non sectarian organizations having ambition to strengthen the
community.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are based on non-profitable

relationship between citizens and workers (employee of organization) along with unpaid
citizens. It is a group which is organized on a local, regional, national or international
level on non-political base. According to Constitution of Pakistan 1973, every citizen
shall have the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions
imposed by law in the interest of sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, public order or
morality2. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, these groups
perform various types of services and compassionate functions, bring citizen concerns to
Governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political participation
through provision of information. According to Indian Constitution Fundamental Rights,
receives its treatment under Articles 12 to 35 of the Constitution and includes such
principles as right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to
religion, right to culture and education, saving of certain laws and right to constitutional
remedies3. Some NGOs are organized around particular issues, such as child labor,
education, women rights, human rights, environment or health. They provide analysis and
expertise over the issues.
Human rights, therefore, are a standard of political legitimacy; to the extent that
governments protect human rights, they and their practices are legitimate.

No less

important, they empower citizens to act to vindicate these rights; to insist, through the
exercise of their rights, that these standards be realized; to struggle to create a world in
which they are realized in practice.

Human rights express not merely aspirations,

Zain Sheikh,(Ed) The Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 [ As amended by The
Constitution (Seventeenth Amendment) Act,2003], Karachi: Pakistan Law House, 2004, p.10.
3
M.A. Khan , Women Human Rights, New Delhi: SBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd. 2007, p.372.

Berkeley Journal of Social Sciences

Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

suggestions, requests or laudable ideas, but right-based demands for social change. And
these demands may be addressed even in fact, especially to ones own government.4
There can be no denying the reality that people with disabilities in Pakistan find it
difficult to lead as independent and normal a life as is possible for them or to contribute
to national life. This would only be possible if facilities were provided to the disabled. It
is now recognized universally and the Convention on the Rights of People with
Disabilities upholds this perception that it is societys responsibility to facilitate people
with disabilities. This may well require special laws to bring disability issues into the
mainstream and incorporate these in sustainable development strategies to provide
support to the handicapped without violating their dignity. Such laws, as well as a sea
change in attitudes, would go a long way in enabling them to enjoy without
discrimination all the rights the state grants its citizens. This will take time.
The government signed the convention in 2008 but has not ratified it so far.
Moreover there is not much public awareness about the issue though it is encouraging to
see a disability movement of sorts gaining strength in the country. Article 9 of the
convention is devoted to accessibility and makes it mandatory for governments to
eliminate barriers that prevent easy access to public places such as offices, transport,
schools, housing, health facilities and workplaces. This would call for ramps, hand rails
and other such aids to be installed in places visited by persons with disabilities5

Historical Account
Human rights have a long history, but it was in the eighteenth century that his law
of nature had begun to assert itself to protect the individual against the power of state.
This culminated in the great general declarations of the rights of man in France in 1789
and in the United States Constitutional Amendment of 1791. The American Constitution
guarantees to the people a large number of rights. In fact, as the farmers of the
Constitution agreed to a number of amendments soon after the enforcements of the
Constitution. They are the first Ten Amendments of the constitution and are now
4

Dr. Surya Narain Yadav, Dr. Indus Baghel, Human Rights in The 21st Century, New Delhi: Jnanada
Parkash (P&D), 2009, pp3-4.
5
DAWN, 04 November, 2009.

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Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

popularly called the Bill of Rights. The people are guaranteed the freedom of religion,
speech, press, assembly and petition to the government for a redress of grievances6. By
the First World War the idea of human rights had come to be concentrated on conflicts
between the individual and the state, and between minorities and the large communities
in which they lived. The post-war settlement extended the protection of human rights
through the Minorities Treaties, and between minorities and the large communities in
which they lived.The post-war settlement extended the state, and between minorities and
the protection of human rights through the Minorities Treaties.
International Convention of elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination,
racial discrimination consists of any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference
based on race, color, descent, or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition
enjoyment or exercise on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in
the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life. The convention
on the political rights of women urges parties to the convention to give women the right
to vote, to be elected to office, to hold public office and perform public functions, on
equal terms with men.7
Organization and working
There are more than one hundred thousand operational organizations in Pakistan.
These NGOs are working to secure and promote the human rights and skills of people of
Pakistan. Among these NGOs the most efficient organization in Punjab province is
Punjab Rural Support Program (PRSP), which is working for the alleviation of poverty
from province.

The role of NGOs is different in every ones view. People think that

NGOs should work along with Gos to promote the awareness and facilities to the human
6
7

Mazhar-ul-Haq, Modern Constitutions, Lahore: Bookland, 2003, pp.212 213

J.Shivananda , Human rights: concept and issues, New Delhi: Alfa publications,2006, p.6
Shabbir Hussain,Badar Naseem Saddiqui, Yousuf Mukhtar and Others : Short Communication Impact of

Loan Facilities Provided by Punjab Rural SupportProgram for Poverty Alleviation in Farming
Communities of Faisalabad, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE & BIOLOGY 1560
8530/2003/054658659, Departments of Rural Sociology, Agricultural Extension and Statistics,
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

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Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

beings. Officials, workers and others have surveyed in this regard. Their result shows that
people are so interested in the role of NGOs in the development of society. According to
5.0% people it is the liability of the NGO's to establish green spaces while (4.2%) and
(2.5%) people said that general public and nearest community should be responsible for
establishment9.

Organization and working of one of these is discussed as a case study.

Many

NGOs are working on social, political and religious scenarios. The Punjab Rural Support
Program (PRSP) was incorporated in November, 1997 as a non-profit organization.
The purpose of such a support system is to initiate and sustain a process of diversified
growth of economic, human and natural resources specifically for the poor. The bulk of
its operations are related to micro credit along with providing assistance in the areas of
business development, health and education,10

Caritas, an International organization is also working in Faisalabad. Its organization,

functions and objectives are discussed in next lines. The main effective fields of the
organization are agriculture, education and health. As for as the right of education is
concerned the Constitution of Pakistan and Universal Declaration of Human Rights have
protected this right
The state shall remove illiteracy and provide free and compulsory
secondary education within minimum possible period; make
technical and professional education generally available and higher
education equally accessible to all on the basis of merit11.
9

Adnan Younis, Atif Riaz, M. Qasim and Shahzad Akhtar: DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF

GREEN SPACES ON SUMUNDRI ROAD, FAISALABAD: A CASE STUDY, Pak. J. Agri. Sci., Vol. 39(4),
2002, Department of Horticulture University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 2002.
10

ZAHIDA MANZOOR1 AND SAIRA AKHTAR: Role of Punjab Rural Support Programme in
Increasing Economic Status and Poverty Alleviation Efforts in Rural Faisalabad (Pakistan) JOURNAL
OF AGRICULTURE & SOCIAL SCIENCES, 18132235/2006/022110111, Department of Rural
Sociology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 2006
11
Constitution of Pakistan 1973, Article 37 (b)and (c)l

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Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

According to Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 26(1);

Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free at
least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary
education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional shall be
made generally available and higher education shall be equally
accessible to all on the basis of merit12.
On 8 October 2005, a massive earthquake struck northern Pakistan, killing 70,000 people,
injuring 70,000 and leaving 3.5 million homeless. Snow fell across the earthquake zone,
cutting off the remote mountain communities from outside help. Caritas Pakistan
received US$8 million from Caritas members worldwide and took on the leading role
responding to the emergency, providing temporary winter shelters, basic items such as
hygiene kits and kitchen equipment, and health care assistance. Within the first year,
18,000 people were living in earthquake-proof shelters thanks to Caritas and Wales
(CAFOD),United States of America (Catholic Relief Services/CRS), Caritas France
Secours Catholique Caritas Switzerland staff worked closely with Caritas Pakistan on the
response13.Caritas is working in various area of the region without any
ethnicity/discrimination. The work discussed in this piece of study are provided by
official of the organization in an interview at Cathedral Church Faisalabad in April 2010
and some part of these information is also available on internet.

12
13

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26(1)

http://www.caritas.org/activities/emergencies/caritas_in_emergencies.html?cnt=318

Berkeley Journal of Social Sciences

Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

Organizational Structure of Caritas

Chairman
Director
Diocesan Board
Diocesan Executive Secretary
Diocesan Executive Assistant

Disaster
Management
Program

Finance
Deptt.

Development
Program

Projects
Deptt.

Animation
Program
1. Coordinator

18 animators

Lively Hood

Admin &
HRM
Receptionist
Driver
Janitor
Security
Guards

2. Extension workers

Health Program

Non- Formal Education

Source: Annual Caritas 2008, Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad.

The above mentioned structure shows its hierarchy like a governmental

organization and control and command system. Accountability, transparency and
working relationship show that organization is working properly without any dictation or
dictatorship instead of impolite organization. The detail of its work and achievements are
analyzed in the following lines.

Berkeley Journal of Social Sciences

Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

Main Objectives of Caritas in 2009-10

Social investigation in target area, Monthly Report and plan shared with
animation coordinator. House visit in follow up area for kitchen gardening. To meet
with the parish priest about campaign regularly. Recovery collection in follow area.
Introduction house visit in target area for survey. Recovery deposit in Bank account
of cooperative society. Visit for small Business with Cooperative (NRCS) in follow
up area. Promotion for growing vegetable in follow up area. Monitoring visit for
kitchen gardening in follow up area, working for children to promote education and
discourage the child labor. Child Labor in a restricted sense means the employment of
child in gainful occupations which are dangerous to their health and deny them the
opportunities of development14. Local and international civil society organisations
have called for elimination of all forms of child labour and asked the government to
focus on their education.15
The above mentioned objectives show the transparency and check & balance system that
is necessary for the success of any governmental and non-governmental organization.
The future planning and achievements of the past confirm their efforts and sincerity with
the organization but a lot of work is still to do in this field.

Major Achievements of 2009-10

Skill training Program

Total Number of Apprentices

112

Total Number of Male

64

Total number of Female

48

Total number of Training Workshop conducted

06

The figures mentioned in this paper are provided by Ms.Yasmine Joseph Diocesan
Executive Secretary (Fourth in Hierarchy) during her interview on April 21, 2010 at
Bishop House Faisalabad. Figures clarify the contribution of organization in the process
14

Khalid Manzoor Butt, Conceptualization of Child Labor: Theory And Practice, The Journal of
Political Science, Vol.XXVI 2007-08 Nos. 1&2, Lahore: Department of Political Science, G C University,
Lahore, 2007-08, p.114.
15
Education only tool to root out child labour: NGOs, DAWN, June 12, 2008

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of development of society. It also explains the policy making and implementation ability
of policy makers. The process of policy shaping in a political system depends upon the
political hierarchy and absolute system of check and balance.
Name of Area where program is implemented
1. Holy Rosary Warispuras, Faisalabad
2. St.Anthony 10/ 4-L okara
3. Our Lady of Mercy 6/4-L Okara
4. Cethedral of Sts. Peter& Paul
5. Sacred Heart Gojara
6. St.Pius Chak Jhumara
7. Arooj-e Mariam 7/ R.B, Faisalabad
8. Sacred Heart Church civil line jhang
9. Pir Mahal Perish Pir Mahal
Area mentioned in program of implementation exists actually not only in papers.
Eye Care Program 2009
Statistics
1. Screening
Total Number of
Persons screened for
poor vision and/ or
Eye disease

Adult
Male Female Total

1. Consultations
Consultations at base/
Center Hospital

Adult
Male

274

17

368

642

Boys
05

Child
Girls
04

Female

Total

22

39
0

2. Consultation on
outreach

3. Total Consultation
17
at the Project
Patients
Total Number of Patients

22

39

Adult
Male Female Total

Total
09

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Vol. 1, No. 4, April 2011

08

10

18

Statistics mentioned in above sketch show the work progress that is on early stage and
should be expanded. All the work related to politically ignored part of the society.
Cooperative (NRCS)
Visit Executive secretary of Caritas Faisalabad and child labor coordinator for
cooperative society. In March2009 Executive secretary of caritas Pakistan Faisalabad and
child labor coordinator visited Naya Rasta cooperative society in Caritas Pakistan
Faisalabad follow up area for recovery Bank statement for recovery and present balance.
So in this visit they went in united bank Renala khurd (District Okara) and they met to
the Bank manger for account statement. In this visit area animator and president of
cooperative society were with them.

Target Area.
Target area 20/2.L Naya Rasta Cooperative Society (NRCS) is working against
poverty and improvement for economically position. Naya Rasta Cooperative Society has
30 permanent Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad Members which are giving his saving and
taking loan for small business. Before eight month we gave 1.50.000 amount to
cooperative members for small loan between 15 members. Now in cooperative account
Caritas have eight installments amount. Now members of cooperative are earning money
from his small business and giving installment in cooperative. In September 2008 NGO
gave again loan for (9) members of cooperative. They have to complete six installments
in Naya Rasta Cooperative Society and now their business are running and they are
earning money from their business in follow up area Renala Khurd.
In March2009 in target area 20/2.L Renala khurd the workers of organization are
collecting, recovering and completing its 1st first phase on Loan and now planning for
new Loan in April2009 for (15) members and each member will take Loan (20,000) from
Nara Rasta Cooperative Society. In this cooperative society more members are women
and they are earning money from business which they have in follow area.
(12)Installments of loan they have returned to cooperative and now they can get new loan
form Nara Rasta Cooperative Society for second phase of his business.

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Parallel Monitoring System (Kitchen gardening)

In follow up area Caritas is working with Agriculture Department on kitchen
gardening. Members of Naya Rasta Cooperative Society are working and after this
training they are growing vegetable in his houses in different things. (27) Members of
Naya Rasta Cooperative Society are working with caritas Faisalabad for kitchen
gardening. So for it I visited these members in their houses for kitchen gardening and saw
how they are growing vegetable. Any one can visit and see that they are happy for this
program and now they have vegetable plants in his houses and vegetable plants are
growing. So in March2009 agriculture coordinator was coming for monitoring of kitchen
gardening program so this is a preparation for this monitoring Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad
visit. The members are satisfied that twenty seven members of cooperative are growing
vegetable in their houses. Kitchen gardening program is more effective in follow up area
because before it community members are not working on it and now they are giving
interest for growing vegetable. This information is also available in brochure and web site
in 2009 annual report also.
Analytical Note
Political systems of developing countries have the structure of policy making
but unfortunately they face the problems at implementation stage which is crucial one
because the process of policy making in these countries is not quite simple. The diversity
of policy inputs is a cause that has been seen as the problem of government overloaded
and heighten the expectations of government and mass as well. Every constitution
guarantees to the people a large number of rights but the implementation depends upon
independent judiciary, perfect information, perfect communication and perfect
coordination between the institutions of the state. The hierarchy of NGOs looks dominant
at the all requirements of implementation.

It controlled all stages from initiation.>

formulation>implementation to evaluation of policy making and desires of policy.

There have been many occasion when these rights were denied to the private
citizens, not only for reasons of race and color but also for reasons of political creed,
religion, etc., as illustrated by the Civil Rights and racial riots and controversy in the
present times. Some organizations are hunted by governments in developing countries.
So, the NGOs are trying to eliminate this tendency.

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Some goals of the NGOs are to assist human beings to aware them about their
basic rights and knowledge about their national institutions and awareness about
resources to promote their skill. These organizations also specify the opportunities
through which they can avail the chances to gain more than they want. They educate the
people that how can they participate in the political process, decision making and
governance of their country. Corruption, rules violations, violence, child labor, women
rights are the main fields to point out the deficiencies. NGOs are doing well in this
regard. Human rights violation at government or group level in the society is pointed out
by NGOs. It is suggested to work more to change the behavior concerning violation of
human right at gross level and struggle at higher stage. More transparency and
accountability is recommended to enjoy the actual objectives of Non-Governmental
Organizations and have an ideal structure that can follow by Governmental Organization
as well. Rescue and relief work needed more attention. Governmental organizations
should cooperate in this regard. In short NGOs are doing best according to their capacity.