The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Influencing State’s Policy: A Case Study of Human Rights Watch in China’s Human Rights Violations Against Uyghurs

Abstract

As a result of fast-paced globalization, there has been a shift in the international system in which States are no longer viewed as the only legitimate actors, but Non-State actors are known to also be involved, especially for NGOs. This enables NGOs to take part in settings that are traditionally attended by the States and also to acquire an ability to influence State’s policy. With the research question of “To What Extent Does NGO as a Non-State Actor can influence State policy within the case study of Human Rights Watch’s role in China’s human rights violations against Uyghurs?”, the writer will attempt to expose Human Rights Watch’s ability to influence Chinese policy to eradicate its human rights violations in Xinjiang. In doing so, the writer will use a qualitative approach to collect legitimate data and utilize existing frames such as the Four-C Model by Najam Adil. It is revealed that the relationship shared between Human Rights Watch and the Chinese Government is a confrontation one and Human Rights Watch itself isn’t able to affect the State due to its risk exposure and how China has States who support it due to their strategic cooperation. On an end note, even though Human Rights Watch is unable to influence China’s policy, it has succeeded in influencing other Non-State actors to take action and consequently influence China’s policy. Further research on the surrounding issue is imperative to gain a deeper understanding.