October 2005
BINGO! - The Big Charity Bonanza

Big International Non-Governmental Organizations (BINGOS) have recently been getting very much bigger and more numerous. Amid the world's myriad campaigns, social movements and relief organizations, just a few - almost all of them based in the rich world - have grown into lumbering giants. Some even resemble transnational corporations, with cultures, assets and influence to match. So what are they now trying to achieve? Who, and what, do they represent? Are they the compassionate, enlightened face of globalization - or corporate predators in disguise? Some BINGOs are now coming under assault from both Right and Left. It is tempting for them to believe that they are right in the middle. But there may be no such place in the movement for global justice. This month the NI takes issue with some hallowed institutions.


NI

No.383

Contents

　

　

　

2 The big charity bonanza
Big international non-governmental organizations (bingos) are getting bigger but not better. David Ransom argues for a change of direction.

6 The return of the poster child
How exploitative and degrading images are still used to raise funds.

7 Green imperialism
The invasion of Papua New Guinea by giant conservation corporations. Glenda Freeman reports from the front line.

9 Charity or justice
Part of the solution or part of the problem? Mark Curtis takes issue with bingo politics.

11 Thunderbolts from the sewer
Pranav Budhathoki lifts the lid on the notorious Tvind organization.

12 BINGOs - THE FACTS

14 The stain in sustainability
Sharon Beder tracks the corporate takeover of environmental campaigns.

16 Silent revolution
The Chipko Movement in India, says Pandurang Hegde, has useful lessons to teach.

17 Bingobabble
The dead language that keeps poverty alive, by Jeremy Seabrook.

18 Ask before you give!
A few questions for bingos that appeal to you.

20 Tsunami business
It could have been their finest hour. But Mari Marcel Thekaekara encountered bad behaviour by bingos after the tsunami in Tamil Nadu.

22 Currents
Desperate straits for Brazil's imprisoned youth; Niger suggests democracy is no defence against famine.
PLUS: Wordpower - the language of the Neocons.
PLUS: Seriously

25 Southern Exposure
The ecological footprint, photographed by Venezuelan biologist Cesar Aponte.

26 Special Feature - The poverty of America
The disaster in New Orleans shows the US poor to be a world apart, believes Jeremy Seabrook.

28 Mixed Media
MUSIC, BOOKS, FILM review

30 Essay - Why the world is Ignoring Darfur
Becky Tinsley explains why the genocide in Sudan is allowed to continue.

32 Big Bad World
Tourists are truly, truly grateful, in Polyp's latest cartoon.
PLUS: NI Prize Crossword

33 Making Waves
Exiled singer Sultan Kurash has become a symbol of liberation for Uyghurs still under the thumb of Chinese occupation.

34 Letters
Jesus as nonviolent inspiration for Gandhi & MLK; Muslim equivocators may fuel terrorism; Live8 as distraction; Iraq sanctions the greater terror.
PLUS: Letter from Lebanon The triumphant return of a warlord sees Room Haddad lamenting people's short memories.

36 Country Profile - Rwanda

　

　

　

NI-Japan

No.71

Contents

　

<This month's article>
-Translation of "The big charity bonanza" (NI p2-5)

<Reporting from Japan>
-NGOs in Japan - and challenges
*Interview with Yamazaki Tadashi
(Secretary General of Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation: JANIC)

<Country Profile>
-Translation of "Country Profile - Rwanda" (NI p36)



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