The civil society

Definition: The civil society is an umbrella term for those parts of society that consist of non-governmental organisations, various special interest groups and individuals who come together to promote a political cause or solve a task together on a voluntary basis. The civil society can also be understood as that part of society that is neither in the public sector nor the private sector (business and industry). Source: Store norske leksikon (SNL)

NGOs, some of the most important contributors in the civil society, are referred to as independent because they are free to believe and state what they want without having to agree with the state’s official view.

Human rights organisations

Many NGOs have been established by dedicated individuals who want to promote human rights. These organisations often serve as channels for vulnerable groups in the population, such as refugees, people with disability, prison inmates and others. The organisations usually have good contact with the grassroots.

In addition to counselling and providing specific assistance to individuals, they can monitor the human rights situation and give recommendations to the authorities. They can also spread information about issues and problems to the media to generate additional pressure. The work they do to inform the general public is also very important. A number of organisations also donate financial and professional support to human rights organisations in other countries.

Amnesty is the largest international human rights organisation with more than 7 million members and supporting players. Examples of other organisation are Save the Children, the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted and NOAS (Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers).

In countries where there are severe human rights violations, the authorities may see human rights organisations as meddlesome and threatening because they are critical. In many countries activists are persecuted, imprisoned and killed. Then it is important that organisations in other countries show solidarity, protest this treatment and assist in other ways.

Sources:

• "Build bridges, not walls". Lillian Hjorth and Enver Djuliman.
• Amnesty
• SNL (the Large Norwegian Encyclopedia)