Stability Pact: WTI Task Force on Education and Youth Document

Documents

Stability Pact Declaration on NGO-Government Partnership in South Eastern Europe

The Participating States in the Stability Pact and the interested parties and organisations associated with the Pact:

Acknowledging that regional NGOs and civic initiatives play a key role in the process of democratisation, peace-building, promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the development of cross-border co-operation in South Eastern Europe and in carrying forward the spirit and values of the Stability Pact,

Taking into consideration that, by supporting and representing diverse individuals and groups and by strengthening communities, many independent, not-for profit organisations in South East Europe bring enormous value to society and fulfil a role complementing the state and the market, and that voluntary and community activity is fundamental to the development of a democratic, socially inclusive society,

Recognising that it is practically impossible to have a thriving and efficient NGO sector without respect for the rule of law and a stable social and political environment,

Reaffirm their adherence to the principle of freedom of association as laid down in Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 20 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the principles of the UN Declaration on the right and responsibility of individuals, groups and organs of society to promote and protect universally recognised human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as all relevant OSCE commitments.

Are determined to direct efforts to help NGOs and civic initiatives in the region strengthen their capacities and promote exchange programmes, cross-border contacts and experience-sharing among NGOs, as well as facilitate greater involvement of the NGOs in each Task Force,

Are committed to facilitating the identification of best practices implemented throughout the region and to produce an on-line inventory of regional cross-border projects already existing or in progress.

The Governments in the region, in order to promote greater NGO involvement in Stability Pact activities, will:

Facilitate and promote the free development of NGOs and other civic initiatives and ensure that civic involvement in society remains unrestricted and is encouraged.
Support the adoption, amendment or implementation of legislation with a view to establish a receptive environment for NGOs, allowing them to be created without obstacles and to operate freely.
Encourage the involvement of NGOs in activities aimed at promoting transparency and dialogue, inter-religious and interethnic harmony and the values of tolerance and multiculturalism.
Promote an increased participation of citizens and residents in political and social affairs by incorporating education for democracy and social responsibility in the education system and by supporting NGOs’ public awareness-raising activities.
Facilitate NGO’s direct and indirect (inter alia through tax benefits) access to funds, whether from private or state sources.
Ensure that access to funding for NGOs remains unimpeded and legitimate restrictions by governments on access to foreign funds are crafted in line with internationally recognised standards.
Support the creation of NGO networks in South-Eastern Europe and promote a regional approach to civic action, thus fostering communication, co-operation and the exchange of best practices between the countries of the region.
Improve communication between public administration and NGOs to ensure transparency of the administration and the legislative process, as a means to increase citizens’ confidence in the activities of public institutions and to eliminate bureaucratic sources of corruption.
Promote state-NGO partnerships and develop mechanisms for the engagement and consultation of NGOs on a sustained and systematic basis, in areas where NGOs have experience and which directly affect their work and constituencies. Such mechanisms will respect the diversity of opinions on both sides, ensure openness of communication, and be based on agreed ground rules of engagement.