How NGO's Often Destroy Trust
"How did seashells wind up 600 miles inland in Ethiopia?"
They were used for currency. Cowrie shells as money in Africa emerged centuries later, with significant trade in East Africa (including Red Sea/Gulf of Aden sources) during medieval times (11th–15th centuries), as seen in sites like Harlaa in eastern Ethiopia, where shells were processed for trade, adornment, or possible currency/divination.
But it took more than seashells. It took Reputational Currency between two human beings. A person trading on the coast would trade with a person far inland. The trader far inland accepted the seashells as currency because they could be traded in the future.
Trust. Reputation. Mutual Benefit.
I think most NGO's (Non-Government Organizations) have little or no reputational currency. Why is that? In today’s headlines, we can see hundreds of Minnesota-Ohio-Washington (and other state) daycare centers are plagued with waste if not outright fraud. Worse, some in Minnesota might have gone to fund terrorist groups, particularly al-Shabbab,
back in Somalia.
Here are seven points explaining why an NGO might be considered a bad idea, building on the four points you provided:
Government Funding Contradiction: An NGO funded by the government undermines its very definition as a "Non-Governmental Organization." This creates a fundamental contradiction and raises questions about its independence and true purpose.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Many NGOs operate with limited oversight, making it difficult to track how funds are used. This lack of transparency can lead to inefficiencies, mismanagement, or even corruption. Check out
Managerial Abuse: Some NGO managers exploit their positions by awarding themselves excessive salaries, benefits, and perks. This diverts resources away from the organization's stated humanitarian mission and erodes public trust.
Perpetuation of Problems: NGOs may inadvertently (or deliberately) structure their missions to ensure the problem they aim to solve persists. This "problem dependency" sustains their funding and operations but fails to deliver meaningful, long-term solutions.
Donor-Driven Agendas: NGOs often rely on external donors for funding, which can lead to a shift in priorities to align with donor interests rather than the needs of the communities they serve. This compromises the integrity of their mission.
Duplication of Efforts: In many cases, multiple NGOs work on similar issues in the same regions, leading to redundancy, competition for resources, and inefficiencies. This lack of coordination can dilute the impact of their efforts.
Cultural and Local Disconnect: NGOs, especially international ones, may impose solutions that are not culturally appropriate or fail to consider local contexts. This can lead to ineffective programs and resentment from the communities they aim to help.
These points highlight some of the systemic challenges and criticisms faced by NGOs, though it's worth noting that not all NGOs fall into these pitfalls. But here are some examples:
NGOs, while often doing vital humanitarian work, have faced documented cases of abuses including sexual exploitation, financial corruption, and mismanagement. These incidents span major organizations and highlight systemic vulnerabilities in the sector, though they do not represent all NGOs.
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Oxfam in Haiti (2010-2011) — Staff, including senior figures, allegedly paid for sex with prostitutes (some potentially underage) during the earthquake response. An internal 2011 investigation found a "culture of impunity," with some staff resigning or fired, but handling was criticized as inadequate. This led to funding suspensions and resignations.
Reference: Oxfam's own 2011 report (oxfam.org) and UK Charity Commission inquiry (gov.uk).
UN Peacekeeping Missions — Widespread allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers, including child exploitation in Haiti (Sri Lankan troops involved in a sex ring, 2004-2007), Central African Republic, and Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 2,000 allegations globally since 2000s, with few prosecutions due to jurisdictional issues.
Reference: Wikipedia summary of reports; Human Rights Watch (hrw.org); Associated Press investigations.
Save the Children UK (2010s) — Complaints of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior against senior staff (e.g., former CEO Justin Forsyth and Brendan Cox). Mishandled internally, leading to a Charity Commission finding of "serious failures" and mismanagement.
Reference: UK Charity Commission report (gov.uk); Guardian coverage.
Financial Corruption and Fraud
Aid Diversion in Congo and Syria → Leaked reviews revealed kickbacks, bid-rigging, and bribery in humanitarian contracts. In Syria, NGOs (including Save the Children and others) faced U.S. investigations for fraud in USAID-funded programs, with millions diverted.
Reference: The New Humanitarian (thenewhumanitarian.org); USAID OIG reports.
General Fraud Schemes — Common issues include inflated procurement, ghost employees, and diversion of aid. Examples from various NGOs in conflict zones, with blacklisting of whistleblowers.
Reference: International Anti-Corruption Resource Center (iacrc.org) guide on schemes.
Other Criticisms
Amnesty International — Accusations of ideological bias (e.g., disproportionate focus on certain countries like Israel), internal workplace issues (bullying, discrimination), and controversial policies (e.g., on sex work decriminalization).
Reference: Wikipedia criticisms page; NGO Monitor reports (ngo-monitor.org).
These cases often stem from power imbalances, weak oversight in crisis zones, and funding pressures. Many NGOs have since strengthened safeguarding policies, but critics argue accountability remains insufficient. For deeper reading, check reports from the UK Charity Commission, USAID Inspector General, or investigative outlets like The New Humanitarian.
If taxpayers want their money used to better the world, then there must be defined problems with on-target solutions which empirically reduce or eliminate the problem. No more open ended ‘forever wars’ mentality heaping profits into the pockets of highly overpaid ‘activists’.
After all, nobody wants their money worth less than seashells.
