NGO code of ethics proposed [Archives:2002/31/Front Page]
Organized by the Human Rights Information and Training Center (HRITC) in Taiz, a workshop on the challenges facing NGOs was concluded last week. A number of active NGOs participated in the event that was attended by more than 200 participants. The parliament approved the proposal of the HRITC that a code of ethics to organize the NGOs activities must be conducted. The proposal includes 11 articles, stressing the significance of cooperation between all NGOs to defend human rights at all levels.
It is also suggests that all NGOs should work together and without any abuse to each other. The NGOs should also sort out their difficulties with reference to their board of trustees, all clinging to principles and ethics of human rights.
Mr. Ez Eddin al-Asbahi, HRITC General Manager considered the approval as a warm welcome to the proposal from a number of civil society activists. This code of ethics aims to enhance solidarity between all NGOs against any harassment to due to their activities.
In the workshop Mr. Ali Saleh Abdullah, Deputy Minster of Social Affairs and Labor Ministry presented a paper on the law of National Organizations and considered the law issued a progress as it organizes work of these NGOs. It has also provided a margin of freedom for establishing NGOs and participation of the civil society.
He stressed that many challenges are facing these NGOs in term of administration, programs and transparency. He attacked some of these organizations and said they are not democratic and dont deal in a transparent way.
He said some of these NGOs are dominated by a simple person. He even said the Ministry is very liberal with some of these NGOs, which based on the law are not any more legal.
He pointed out that qualifying those NGOs staffers is very much needed.
On his part, Mr. Ez Eddin al-Asbahi highlighted the increasing importance of the role of civil society organizations and hence Yemen badly needs to strengthen these organizations and support them to be able to work properly. He said partnership with government doesnt at all abolish their independence and mentality for there are mutual aims that can reached it the two parts work together.
He said these organizations have a good opportunity to work together and face all sorts of administrative, legal or financial challenges together.
Lawyer Mohammed Naji Allaw and Mr. Mohammed al-Mekhlafi both pointed out that the law doesnt give these NGOs complete freedom, and that the government is still controlling them in terms of issuing licenses or monitoring. They demanded that the relationship between government and NGOs be restricted to registration only. But the Deputy Minister refuted their allegations and said the government has the right indeed to know and observe the activities of all NGOs and sources they use to finance their projects and structures.
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