The article examines the importance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the context of the formation of civil society as a basic condition for the functioning of the rule of law, analyzes the functions of NGOs for the protection of human rights, their participation in public discussions and initiatives, as well as the ways in which they exercise public control over the activities of state bodies. Special attention is paid to the joint activities of NGOs and government agencies in the process of social change and reform. The article analyzes the participation of NGOs in the protection of human rights, public control and their impact on democratic processes in the context of interaction with the rule of law. The study concludes how the active participation of NGOs contributes to the development of democratic processes and increases the level of citizen involvement in public life.