Codes of Conduct: Ein Gütesiegel für die Legitimität von NGOs? Eine Untersuchung anhand der Diskurstheorie des Rechts von Jürgen Habermas

Abstract

Many internationally active nongovernmental organizations face a legitimacy deficit as the distance to those concerned by their actions is growing. This article examines different approaches to solve this problem. The discourse theory of rights by Juergen Habermas serves as a red thread and discussion basis. It is according to the same theory that the suitability of the currently developing Codes of Con-duct of Nongovernmental Organizations as a solution to the problem is discussed. It is made clear that in spite of the Codes of Conducts´ great potential to provide legitimacy to Nongovernmental Organizations there are several shortcomings to be addressed.