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Ncc I W Eek Ly H Ig H Light If a link in the NCCI newsletter is not working anymore, it might be because the source of the document removed the article from the open access website. Generally you can EDITORIAL find it clicking here Issue 98 – February 7, 2008 ------------------------------------------- Who can protect genuine NGOs in Iraq? It is impossible to give one unique definition for an NGO. According to the UNDP/Yale report on the role of NGOs in Development Cooperation, “in its broadest sense, the term "nongovernmental organization" refers to organizations (1) not based on government; and (2) not created to earn profit. While this broad definition of an NGO is correct semantically, it presents a problem in that it embraces a large number and wide range of organizations that are structurally and functionally unrelated. This broad definition of GHT I NGO refers more to what an organization is not, rather than to what it is, and can be applied to many organizations.” L There are some widely recognised definitions such as the World Bank’s one which states H that NGOs are private organisations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development. In wider usage, the term NGO can be applied to any non-profit G I organisation which is independent from government. NGOs are typically value-based organisations which depend, in whole or in part, on charitable donations and voluntary service. H For the UN, “A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented Y and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and L humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political participation through provision of information. They K provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the E United Nations system differs depending on their goals, their venue and the mandate of a E particular institution”. In politicised contexts such as Iraq, where commercial or military entities are commonly blurring the line between agenda or economical-driven operations and genuine W humanitarian actions, it is nevertheless needed to go further in the definition of what is an I NGO. While NGOs are often presented as what they are not, there is the need to define on which definition humanitarian and development NGOs in Iraq agree on: • NGOs apply to a strict definition of principles and standards of behaviour. They are voluntary non-governmental organisations engaged in serving the public good. • They are not-for profit and act to ensure that the basic and urgent needs of the most vulnerable are met. NCC • They are accountable and transparent. They are non-violent, neutral and impartial. • They are needs-driven. They agree that “humanitarian imperative comes first” and that their actions should not harm. • They are democratic and have a charter that defines their responsibilities and mission statements. • They are vigilant to avoid unintended and potentially harmful side-effects, and by consequence they are not supposed to carry weapons and don't have rules of engagement. • They are involved in life saving or peace making, and those labelled humanitarian adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief. The lack of clear legislation in Iraq is of course a major problem. Indeed, according to the CPA1 order 100, in the absence of Iraqi domestic laws, CPA’s orders remain into force. Therefore, the CPA order 45 (amended by the Order 61) appears to remain the law that should regulate NGOs’ activities. Yet, the Order 45 was then-challenged by many NGOs and international actors. It was indeed not providing for rights of defense and appeal for the NGOs, and gives full power to the authority in charge of denying, suspending or revoking an NGO’s legal status. In addition, this procedure might constitute a violation of the following international conventions: Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 63, part III of the 4th Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian persons in time of war. Thus, Order 45 obliges NGOs to follow a law that has the potential to violate basic civil and political rights. However, regardless of these high concerns, Order 45 did not miss to define that an NGO is “an organisation […] that is organised to undertake […] any non-profit activity that serves the public interest”. Yet, despite this clear distinction that has been defined since 2003, private companies, governmental or military-oriented organisations continue to claim that they are NGOs, often through a “charity foundation” that hides most of their agenda or commercial interests. Now, these companies have been one step forward according to the last Health and Nutrition Sector Outcome Team’ minutes of meeting: One company, which “provide health service to US military staff and Iraqi Staff working [in BIAP]” attended this supposedly UN-NGOs meeting. Where would be the limit? Will the military, Private Security Companies or militias that provide aid for their own agenda participate in such a meeting as well? Who should draw the line between genuine humanitarian actors and commercial or military entities? And more important who should ensure that the already existing guidelines are respected? The humanitarian action in Iraq is already polluted by politicised decisions and many organisations are not fulfilling their own principles in Iraq. Will such experience worsen the situation? How could we reproach to genuine humanitarian agencies to be conservative in information sharing in such a context, when precaution is the only way, obviously, to protect staff on the ground, when information shared is not secured and can jeopardise field operations? How much such an event may have an impact on the whole genuine humanitarian community’s credibility? Should the lines be more blurred before the entire humanitarian community reacts? --------------------------------------- Salaam, NCCI Team 1 The CPA (Coalition Provisional Authority - http://www.iraqcoalition.org) was the US-led authority before June 28, 2004. It was led by US administrator L. Paul Bremer. NCCI Weekly Highlight 2 Issue 98 – 02/07/2008 ____________________________________ Humanitarian Updates From NCCI , NGOs’ reports from the field and UN agencies Advocacy - New analysis 'confirms’ 1 million+ Iraq casualties Source: ORB Document: Press Release Date: January 21, 2008 Access: Open Further survey work undertaken by ORB, in association with its research partner IIACSS, confirms our earlier estimate that over 1,000,000 Iraqi citizens have died as a result of the conflict which started in 2003. - Arrogance, Racism and American Exceptionalism: Iraqis Are People, Too Source: ICH Document: Video Date: February 1, 2008 Access: Open Montel Williams "How many people have died in Iraq since January one? " Fox Host "It's about 20" Montel Williams "No its not about, it is 28" Montel was just counting the number of US Killed in Iraq, because for most US citizens Iraqis are not people. Do the math Montel. At least 541 Iraqi people and 28 US personnel = 569 people killed in Iraq in January. - Palestinian refugees in Iraq call for unity Source: IMEMC Document: Press Release Date: February 2, 2008 Access: Open Palestinian refugee in Iraq, facing repeated attacks, abductions and killings, voiced an appeal to the Palestinian people in Palestine and to all factions in order to save them and place their issue as a high priority. The refugees called on all Palestinian factions to end the internal tension and to unite. Operational Humanitarian Space - Encroachment on NGO space Source: InterAction Document: Magazine Date: November 2007 Access: Open As nonprofits, we are continually forced to modify the way we work in order to stay relevant in this ever-changing environment and to advance our mission to make a real difference in the field. One of our most important and current challenges is the protection of the “NGO Space.” The NGO Space defines the scope of work we engage in surrounded by multiple actors, some supportive others not. It spells out our collective competencies and our capabilities. This space has grown over the last few decades and is built on the simple premise of our leading goal to effectively make a positive difference in the lives of the world’s poor and disadvantaged. InterAction works on many policies that threaten to limit or affect our operational space. Unchecked, these policies and practices would result in drastic restrictions on international NGO operations, affect the viability of our programs and increase aid worker security risks. This issue of Monday Developments broadly touches on various forms of encroachment on NGO Space and attempts to capture your voice on emerging threats and lessons learned. - More relief aid needed in Mosul after blast Source: IRIN Document: Article Date: January 28, 2008 Access: Open Essential relief items are needed to continue relief operations, and maintain an emergency stock, for affected families in the northern city of Mosul, the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said on 28 January. NCCI Weekly Highlight 3 Issue 98 – 02/07/2008 - First Flight To Sulaimaniyah Source: Air Serv International Document: Press Release Date: January 24, 2008 Access: Open Air Serv International expands flight schedule into Iraq in support of MSF-France and other humanitarian NGOs working in Kurdistan Blurring the lines - Medical Operation Helps Iraqi School Children, Families Source: American Forces Press Service Document: Press Release Date: January 24, 2008 Access: Open Hundreds of Iraqi school children and adults received medical care Jan.
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