The Hidden Hands of Justice: NGOs, Human Rights, and International
Courts is the first comprehensive analysis of non-governmental
organization (NGO) participation at international criminal and human
rights courts. Drawing on original data, Heidi Nichols Haddad maps and
explains the differences in NGO participatory roles, frequency, and
impact at three judicial institutions: the European Court of Human
Rights, the Inter-American Human Rights System, and the International
Criminal Court. The Hidden Hands of Justice demonstrates that courts can
strategically choose to enhance their functionality by allowing NGOs to
provide needed information, expertise, and services as well as shame
states for non-cooperation. Through participation, NGOs can profoundly
shape the character of international human rights justice, but in doing
so, may consolidate civil society representation and relinquish their
roles as external monitors.
