Participation of Non-Governmental Organizations in Shaping International Norms

NGOs have become unavoidable participants in the emergence and monitoring the international norms. However, the best results are obtained when their actions performed within a cooperative processes with other types of actor. The Legal activities of NGOs contribute to “strengthening the networks of norms in international arena”. In addition to promoting principles and arguing for their integration into legally binding international instruments, they participate in the establishment of a new ethos for international norms. These norms imply the continuity of common values and universal principles that lead to the definition of a modern and strong international law for people worldwide. The scope of international law is changing from traditional and prevalent foundations to ethical and common principles of the global community. One of the risks, however, is that NGOs and other actors may identify themselves as the spokesman of humanity and thus monopolize the debate and serve their own interests to the detriment of the rest of humanity. The purpose of this article is to express that how the non-state actors such as non-governmental organizations, which have traditionally been excluded from the lawmaking process, increasingly take part in various stages.