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Globalisation & Law Network seminar with Domenico Carolei

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are traditionally perceived as good-faith actors firmly committed to human rights and democratic values. At the same time, a series of high-profile scandals involving NGOs demonstrated a strong need for enhancing their accountability. Dr Domenico Carolei, Lecturer in Public International Law and Public Law at the University of Stirling, unpacked this complex issue at the Globalisation & Law Network seminar which took place on 12 June 2024. Drawing on his monograph ‘Non-Governmental Organisations and the Law: Self-Regulation and Accountability’ (Routledge, 2023), he gave a fascinating account of the challenges of regulating NGOs and presented alternative accountability pathways.

There is a growing consensus that the NGO sector should move beyond self-regulation. At the same time, it remains uncertain how NGO accountability can be meaningfully enacted. To set the stage, Domenico outlines the main obstacles to regulating NGOs at both domestic and international levels. After that, he discussed three possible means of enhancing NGO accountability, namely the establishment of an international ombudsman for the NGO sector, the application of the business and human rights framework for NGOs, and the recognition of extraterritorial jurisdiction for criminal and tort liability. Even though each of these mechanisms has certain important advantages, neither of them can fully replace self-regulation. Domenico concluded his talk with some thoughts on the possibilities for its reform.

Domenico’s talk was followed by a vivid discussion led by Doudou Huang.

The Globalisation & Law Network will soon announce the program of the seminar series for the academic year 2024-2025. Stay tuned!

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