NGOs and refugees in European history: assessing NGO influence on international refugee policymaking, 1919-1979

Abstract

For this research, I looked at how the position of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in international refugee policy debates changed over time. I analysed if, how and when NGOs influenced refugee policies in twentieth century Europe. I identified three types of authority that NGOs can have: expert authority, moral authority, and logistical authority. The different types of authority determined what kind of political role NGOs had and what their position was in international refugee debates. The in-depth description of NGOs’ advocacy showed which choices NGOs made regarding campaigns and strategies. NGOs were not only dependent on the socio-economic and political context but also always had room to manoeuvre and make choices. These choices had an impact on their advocacy and influence.