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Direct Link to International NGOs
Accountability Charter:
06/06/2006
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 world's 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.
Note to editors
The following attributable quotes are available for use:
Ramesh Singh, Chief Executive of ActionAid: "It will further strengthen
our own accountability systems and deepen and strengthen the trust we have
built with supporters and the communities we serve. I hope other organisations
will join and contribute to improving standards across all NGOs."
Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International: "The legitimacy of
international NGOs to act is based on universally-recognised freedoms of
speech, assembly and association, on the trust people place upon us and on the
values we seek to promote. NGOs are playing an increasingly prominent role in
setting the agenda in today's globalised world. This places a clear
responsibility on us to act with transparency and accountability. The
Accountability Charter clearly shows that NGOs are willing to adhere to a code
of conduct, lead by example and encourage others to follow."
Kumi Naidoo, Secretary-General of CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen
Participation: "This is a true landmark initiative for the international
NGO community. An amazing diversity of organisations have united around this
charter, which is being developed at a time, when the public trust in NGOs is
already at an all time high and significantly higher than the ratings for
government and business. This clearly shows that NGOs have decided not to take
this trust for granted, but to continue to strive for excellence and even
higher standards of accountability in the crucial work they do around the
world."
Richard Lloyd, Director General of Consumers International: "Consumers
International has long supported the principles of accountability and
transparency as fundamental to the consumers' right to clear and credible
information. This Charter sends a message to governments and business that
civil society will not only hold them to account, but also lead by
example."
Gerd Leipold, Executive Director of Greenpeace International: "In today's
world, international NGOs represent stakeholders and supporters across the
world from all walks of life. This landmark Charter reminds us of the ultimate
responsibility we have collectively for transparency and accountability, which
are crucial to ensure the highest standards in our work; the same standards
that we demand of the world's governments and industries."
Jeremy Hobbs, Executive Director of Oxfam International: "What is unique
about this Charter is that it is both global and covers all sectors:
environment, human rights, humanitarian and development, women's organisations,
indigenous and disability groups. The Charter asserts the rights of NGOs to
freedom of speech and freedom of association but also outlines our
responsibilities to the people we serve, the people who support us and the
broader community."
Burkhard Gnärig, Chief Executive Officer of the International Save the Children
Alliance: "With the Charter we want to strengthen accountability across
our sector. We want to establish an efficient system which allows us to focus
our resources on the causes we serve while being fully accountable for the work
we do."
Stephen Corry, Director of Survival International: "Governments and
corporations often abuse both individuals and entire peoples. This has always
been so. The NGO sector is now the formal expression of many public movements
which have always sought justice and truth in the face of these crimes. In our
world of mass media and mass destruction, NGOs must grow to meet higher
expectations and tougher challenges. The Charter is a vital step in this
growth, defining what unites these movements, how they operate, and what they
stand for."
David Nussbaum, Chief Executive of Transparency International:
"International NGOs have an essential role to play in global governance.
To do so with legitimacy requires that we be accountable. This Accountability
Charter sets out specific ways in which we demonstrate what our accountability
means in practice. Transparency International advocates for open disclosure of
relevant information to maintain trust and credibility -- for NGOs as well as
for companies and governments."
Peter Brey, Vice-President of the Board of the International Federation Terre
des Hommes: "To be transparent and accountable is an essential basis for
relevance and sustainability. This charter reflects that experience. It
underlines our commitment to attitude and results."
Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, General Secretary of the World YWCA: "Accountability
and transparency in all aspects of our work are fundamental to our mission to
improve the lives of women and girls around the world. Through this Charter, a
wonderfully diverse group of NGOs have joined forces to express their
commitment to striving for the highest ethical standards."
Further information:
Read the Charter in PDF format
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