Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the main reasons behind the tension between accountability to donors and accountability to beneficiaries, in terms of obtaining the basic needs and human rights of ...the latter. Relying on three arguments; firstly, based on Angela Crack’s (2013) theory of the three waves of accountability, the authors argue that the unequal power relations between donors, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and beneficiaries is a source of the deficit and gap of this accountability. Secondly, the authors examine the relation between INGOs and politics, their role in influencing policy making and their increased involvement with governments and states. The authors suggest that INGOs reliance on governments for facilitation and funding makes them accountable to those governments in a way that conflicts with the needs of their beneficiaries affecting their chances to obtain their basic human rights. Thirdly, the authors explore the different agendas between the global north and global south, considering the Western roots of INGOs. Finally, the paper suggests that unequal power relations, INGOs’ questionable legitimacy and the unclear relation with politics explain the causes behind the tension in accountability making it inevitable.
Design/methodology/approach
Angela Crack’s (2013) theory of the three waves of accountability.
Findings
The paper suggests that unequal power relations, INGOs’ questionable legitimacy and the unclear relation with politics explain the causes behind the tension in accountability making it inevitable.
Originality/value
Identifying and resolving the tension between INGOs accountability to donors and accountability to so-called beneficiaries can result in better obtainment of human rights.
Purpose
Despite the fact that the gender-based violence (GBV) term has different interpretations, leading to the assumption that all types of harmful acts against all gender identities and either sex ...will be addressed under the GBV umbrella, in reality, GBV remains to be synonymous with violence against women (VAW). Thus, this paper aims to assess the accountability and transparency of GBV policies and interventions in addressing the suffering of GBV victims other than women.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents two main arguments; firstly, the authors explore the understanding and the capacities of humanitarians and protection International Non-Governmental Organizations staff in GBV response and prevention, and the reliability of the data that is mobilized to build policies and frameworks for addressing GBV. Secondly, they argue that in addition to gender being a main factor in violence, age, disabilities and other factors of vulnerability can also cause being subjected to different types of violence.
Findings
The adaptation of such holistic approach when addressing the causes behind violence will result in protecting the most vulnerable from all ages, genders and people with disabilities by applying an inclusive, cross-cutting response to GBV survivors in general.
Originality/value
This paper paves the way to research studies that shed light on violence against men and boys at war zones and conflict areas especially in the Middle East where this type of violence is strongly stigmatized, and the survivors have limited access to needed services.
