[DEBATE] : FW: World ¹ s international NGOs endorse accountability charter

[Jai Sen]

------ Forwarded Message
From: <jathialy at amnesty.org>
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2006 14:15:42 +0530
Subject: World ¹s international NGOs endorse accountability charter

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL


PRESS RELEASE

9 June 2006


   NGOs lead by example: World¹s international NGOs endorse accountability
                                  charter


ActionAid International
Amnesty International
CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Consumers International
Greenpeace International
Oxfam International
International Save the Children Alliance
Survival International
International Federation Terre des Hommes
Transparency International
World YWCA


(London) The heads of 11 of the world¹s leading human rights, environmental
and social development international organisations have today publicly
endorsed the first global accountability charter for the non-profit sector.

International NGOs play an increasingly influential role. Global public
opinion surveys show higher trust in NGOs than in government and business.
In addition to an internal desire to be transparent and accountable, the
Accountability Charter also seeks to demonstrate that NGOs deeply value
public trust, do not take it for granted and are committed to sustaining
and deepening that trust. This initiative comes at a time when the
non-profit sector is coming under closer scrutiny, both from those who want
it to flourish and those who seek to curtail NGO activities.

ActionAid International, Amnesty International, CIVICUS World Alliance for
Citizen Participation, Consumers International, Greenpeace International,
Oxfam International, the International Save the Children Alliance, Survival
International, International Federation Terre des Hommes, Transparency
International and World YWCA today endorsed the first international,
cross-sectoral code of conduct for NGOs.

In an unprecedented step, international civil society organisations have
come together to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and
accountability. This initiative builds on the individual, national and
sectoral initiatives taken by international NGOs to set standards of
accountability and codes of conduct. Although NGOs are subject to national
regulations within the countries in which they operate, the International
Non-Governmental Organisations Accountability Charter is the first such
initiative to set out international, cross-sector standards for the
non-profit sector.

The Accountability Charter sets out core values and operating principles
for international NGOs. These include good governance and management;
fundraising and multi-stakeholder engagement. It also makes specific
reference to respect for universal principles (such as the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights), independence, responsible advocacy, effective
programmes, non-discrimination, transparency and ethical fundraising.

The Accountability Charter shows that international NGOs are, and are
committed to remain, transparent and accountable, and merit the respect and
support they have. All international NGOs -- across different sectors --
will be invited to sign-up to the Accountability Charter.

The Accountability Charter is only the first step. Next steps will involve
putting in place a robust system for reporting and review of the Charter so
that it can be improved and updated in light of experience.


Public Document

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~~
Joe Athialy
Campaigns and Communication Coordinator
Amnesty International India

Email: jathialy at amnesty.org


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