MONGOs and Cameroon

Humanitarianism and the progress of human rights is a pressing issue around the world and the conditions in Cameroon are no exception. Humanitarian groups are prominent all throughout the country in an effort to improve the conditions in this troubled nation. Cameroon has had recurring issues with their government infringing on the rights of their citizens. MONGOs are a prime example of a humanitarian group attempting to further rights of Cameroon citizens. MONGOs are organizations of people attempting to assist the hungry, thirsty, and impoverished in order to better living conditions in Cameroon. MONGOs, standing for "MY Own NGO," are very separate from other human rights advocate groups around the world. MONGOs are different from the Red Cross, Water.org, UNICEF, and other human rights organizations in that they are not globally recognized. They lack the efficiency, global popularity, and funding that organizations like the Red Cross has, and for good reason. MONGOs use government funds to send a small amount of a certain good to "help" or give the impression of helping the cause of poverty. (The Crisis Caravan: MONGOs) But, unfortunately their main goal is to turn a profit.
Linda Polman raises considerable concerns in her excerpt of her book regarding MONGOs and human rights. Although the intentions of MONGOs are right and in line, the outcome of their efforts is not as beneficial as one may think. Polman explains in her excerpt that the members of this "proactive" group may be the issue. There is an alarming correlation of prostitution rings, for example, and working areas of MONGOs. (The Crisis Caravan: MONGOs) These problems have occurred regularly in MONGO work sites across the world, specifically in Cameroon.

Cameroon has United Nations committees on the elimination of racial discrimination, elimination of discrimination against women, as well as committees contributing to the social, economic, cultural rights, and human rights  of Cameroon citizens. The fact that these committees exist in Cameroon is very proactive and a great step in the right direction, but MONGO groups have been causing more harm than good in the areas that they focus their efforts on. The increase of prominence in prostitution rings, drug consumption, and not to mention use of government funding far outweighs the small help MONGO provides in the support of humanitarianism. (https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2011-07-01/humanitarianism) The United Nations' special representative stated that material and food aid stocking at the Cameroon seaport of Douala is extremely important to the well being of people in Cameroon and the impoverished nations surrounding it. As I have stated before, Cameroon's imports and exports are essential to the financial well being of the country. The humanitarian aid being imported from other countries is no exception. These imports of human bodies willing to help, along with food/water and other necessities are imperative to the health of the country. In order to further the progress of humanitarian organizations in Cameroon and nations around the world, it is important for governments and other higher-ps to have a watchful eye on the productivity of these organizations. Having a higher power intervene when problems occur can immensely help the efforts and maximize the goods being donated to the given cause.

SOURCES:
water.org
The Crisis Caravan: MONGOs (homework reading)
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2011-07-01/humanitarianism