International NGO Accountability Charter
On June 5, 2006, the World YWCA, along with 10 other leading international Non governmental organisations*, publicly endorsed the first international cross-sectoral code of conduct for the non-profit sector.
In a time when International NGOs play an increasingly influential role and global public opinion surveys show higher trust in NGOs than in government and business, it is important for civil society organisations to come together to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Accountability Charter sets out core values and operating principals 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.
This Charter is only the first step. The next steps will involve putting in place a robust system of reporting and review of the Charter so that it can be improved and updated in the light of experience.
The World YWCA is an international volunteer membership movement uniting some 25 million women working in over 100 countries. Its purpose is to develop the leadership and collective power of women and girls around the world to achieve human rights, health, security, dignity, freedom, justice and peace for all people.
Download the International Non-governmental Organisations Accountability Charter
- International Non Governmental Organisations Accountability Charter 2005
- ONGs internationales Charte sur l'obligation de rendre des comptes
- Carta de responsabilidades de la Organisaciones No Gubernamentales Internacionales
_____________________________________________
