<P> The issue of the legitimacy of NGOs raises a series of important questions . Legitimacy is one of the most important assets possessed by an NGO and is gained due to them being perceived as an "independent voice". Their representation also emerges as an important question . Who bestows responsibilities to NGOs or INGOs and how do they gain the representation of citizens and civil society is still not scrutinized thoroughly . For instance, in the article, it is stated, "To put the point starkly: are the citizens of countries of the South and their needs represented in global civil society, or are citizens as well as their needs constructed by practices of representation? And when we realize that INGOs hardly ever come face to face with the people whose interests and problems they represent, or that they are not accountable to the people they represent, matters become even more troublesome ." </P> <P> The origin of funding can have serious implications for the legitimacy of NGOs . In recent decades NGOs have increased their numbers and range of activities to a level where they have become increasingly dependent on a limited number of donors . Consequently, competition has increased for funding, as have the expectations of the donors themselves . This runs the risk of donors adding conditions which can threaten the independence of NGOs; for example, an over-dependence on official aid has the potential to dilute "the willingness of NGOs to speak out on issues which are unpopular with governments". In these situations NGOs are being held accountable by their donors, which can erode rather than enhance their legitimacy, a difficult challenge to overcome . Some commentators have also argued that the changes in NGO funding sources has ultimately altered their functions . </P> <P> NGOs have also been challenged on the grounds that they do not necessarily represent the needs of the developing world, through diminishing the so - called "Southern Voice". Some postulate that the North--South divide exists in the arena of NGOs . They question the equality of the relationships between Northern and Southern parts of the same NGOs as well as the relationships between Southern and Northern NGOs working in partnerships . This suggests a division of labour may develop, with the North taking the lead in advocacy and resource mobilisation whilst the South engages in service delivery in the developing world . The potential implications of this may mean the needs of the developing world are not addressed appropriately as Northern NGOs do not properly consult or participate in partnerships . The real danger in this situation is that western views may take the front seat and assign unrepresentative priorities . </P> <P> The flood of NGOs has also been accused of damaging the public sector in multiple developing countries, e.g. accusations that NGO mismanagement has resulted in the breakdown of public health care systems . Instead of promoting equity and alleviating poverty, NGOs have been under scrutiny for contributing to socioeconomic inequality and disempowering services in the public sector of third world countries . </P>

Rights and responsibilities from a non-government body or organisation