Advocacy non-governmental organizations and sustainable human development in post-war Lebanon

The primary purpose of this research is to explore the role of advocacy Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in post-war Lebanon. Specifically, it focuses on the contributions of advocacy NGOs to the process of sustainable human development. Sustainable human development is defined in this research as development that provides for economic growth and equitable distribution of the benefits of growth; a democratic political system that respects human rights, freedom, gender equity and the rights of other marginalized segments of the population; a functioning healthy civil society; and finally, a sustainable environment. This research shows that the contributions of advocacy NGOs in Lebanon continue to be marginal and limited, due to internal organizational challenges, namely, lack of funds, lack of commitment and lack of professional human resources. A patriarchal culture and a sectarian political system and culture were shown as basic challenges to their work and contributions. Regional politics and interference were shown to be equally important negatively contributing factors. This research also demonstrates that advocacy NGOs in Lebanon are contributing mainly to the democratization process of the political system. Furthermore, this research shows that the role and dynamics of advocacy NGOs in developing countries differ significantly from those in developed countries, which makes it imperative for advocacy NGOs in Lebanon to redefine their advocacy role or expand it.