NGOs lead by example: World’s 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 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.”