International NGO Activity - Oxfam and Amnesty International

By NGO Monitor
June 21, 2006

A group of eleven international NGOs, including Amnesty International (AI) and Oxfam International have endorsed an "International Non-Governmental Organizations Accountability Charter." AI stated that by adopting the charter these NGOs wish to demonstrate their "internal desire to be transparent and accountable." Irene Kahn, Secretary-General of AI noted that "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 "core values" which the charter sets for NGOs include "good governance and management; fundraising and multi-stakeholder engagement... independence, responsible advocacy, effective programmes, non-discrimination, transparency and ethical fundraising." NGO Monitor will examine and report on the degree to which this new and important commitment is implemented.