Non Governmental Organization (NGO) refers to a legally constituted non governmental organization formed under natural or legal persons without any representation of government. The World Bank divides NGOs into operational and advocacy non governmental organizations. Operational non governmental organizations relate to development related projects and advocacy non governmental organizations defend or promote a specific cause.
The legal status of non governmental organizations depends upon each country’s law and practices. Generally, NGOs are not subjected to international law.
Some of the principle aims of NGOs are to encourage the observance of human rights, improve the state of environment, and welfare of the disadvantaged.
There are literally hundreds of NGOs spanning the globe and dedicated to various causes and issues.