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Charter

I.      GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1

The Afghan NGOs Coordination Bureau (ANCB) is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization with objectives as follows:

  1. To cooperate and coordinate in the development, growth and welfare activities of Afghan NGOs (non-governmental organizations).

  2. To secure relations with international organizations and donor agencies for the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan, in accordance with Afghan and international principles.

Article 2 

This organization hereinafter is called Afghan NGOs Coordination Bureau (ANCB).

Article 3

The main office of ANCB is located in Kabul and other branches will be set up according to the needs in other regions of the country and abroad.

Article 4

ANCB functions in accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights approved on Dec. 10th, 1948 equally for all people of Afghanistan and is bound to the laws of the government of Afghanistan.

Article 5

The objectives and duties of the Coordination Organization are as follows:

  1. OBJECTIVES:

    1. To develop and promote the work and activity of member NGOs.

    2. To cooperate with the government in economic, social and cultural spheres for the growth and development of the country.

    3. To encourage and mobilize international organizations and donor agencies for the reconstruction and development of the country.

  2. DUTIES: To address the above-mentioned activities, the coordination organization has to fulfill the following duties:

    1. To cooperate with member NGOs in the growth and transparency of their activities.

    2. To cooperate with member NGOs for motivating research, scientific planning, systemizing, stabilizing the application of norms and standardizing for the purpose of developing their activities and growth.

    3. To cooperate in collecting statistical information from member NGOs’ activities and experiences.

    4. To encourage and maintain relations between Afghan NGOs and the Afghan government and international organizations.

    5. To establish mutual cooperation, with similar multi-national NGOs, other international organizations and donor agencies for the coordination of joint activities on a national and international level.

    6. To support the technical and financial needs of member NGOs or be a facilitator between donor agencies and implementing NGOs.

    7. To defend the religious and legitimate rights of member NGOs.

    8. To encourage the establishment of new NGOs inside Afghanistan in accordance with the charter of ANCB.

    9. To coordinate and develop the objectives and activities of the coordination organization in accordance with the principles of this charter.

II.      MEMBERSHIP TERMS

Article 6

Each member NGO of the Coordination Organization must meet the following conditions:

  1. Must be non-governmental, non-political, non-profitable and voluntary.

  2. Have an office and regular systematic financial accounts and financial sources should be known.

  3. Have clear practical activities.

  4. Must have permission from the government for activities and be able to provide proof of practical activity certified by governmental and international agencies.

Article 7

Each member must have a Board of Directors (including the director of the NGO) consisting of not less than five persons all with Afghan nationality (the persons with foreign nationality can take part in the activities of the NGO as a member or advisor to the Board).

 Article 8   

Each member must have ratification letters of activities from 5 member NGOs (excluding the Board members of the Coordination Organization). The letters should be attached to the application for membership.

Article 9   

The application forms of ANCB filled in by the applicant NGO should be checked and verified by the Board of Directors are presented to the General Assembly for voting. Upon receiving a majority of votes from the participants in the General Assembly, the applicant NGO is an accepted member of ANCB.

III.      THE RESPONSIBITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF MEMBER NGOs

Article 10 

A member NGO must submit its detailed and written information as regards its activities, personnel, and budget and donor sources to ANCB at the end of each year. 

Article 11

      A member NGO must introduce three authorized and decision-making representatives to ANCB so that one of them has to take part in the meetings and gatherings arranged by ANCB. 

Article 12 

A member NGO must abide by all policies, rules, regulations and decisions being made for the coordination and reconstruction activities inside Afghanistan and has to apply to its projects. 

Article 13 

Each member NGO must deposit the membership fee into the account of ANCB.

Article 14 

When a member NGO collapses due to certain problems, or stops its activities after settling of all its dues and accounts, etc. it should hand over all its capital and other assets to another NGO or the government and inform ANCB regarding the transfer. 

Article 15 

Members NGO should try its best to promote self-sufficiency in implementing their development and reconstruction projects. 

Article 16       

ANCB members consist of real and honorary members.

IV.      RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

Article 17

The members of ANCB have the following rights:

  1. To vote for the election of the Board of Directors, Advisory Board and offer candidates for the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee in accordance with the CHARTER.

  2. Each member NGO has the right to cast one vote in the General Assembly.

  3. Each member NGO must propose ideas and views as regards to the betterment of activities of this organization and participate in national and international activities and seminars.

  4. The honorary members do not have the rights of the 1st and 2nd parts of this article.

  5. Each member NGO will be given priority for activities.

Article 18  

Each member NGO has the right to be independent in its activities but in follow-up and application of the programs it has to abide by the rules, regulations and decisions of ANCB.

V.      TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Article 19

Membership of an NGO can be terminated for any the following reasons:

  1. When a member NGO, without any concrete reasons, stops its activities and assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

  2. When a member NGO insists, in writing to have its membership cancelled.

  3. When 2/3rd of the members NGOs in the General Assembly indicate that the performance of a member NGO is not in accordance with the approved resolutions of ANCB.

  4. According to Article no.13, if a member NGO has not paid its membership fee for four months, membership is suspended and if it fails to pay the membership fee for the next four months, ANCB has the right to terminate its membership.

  5. When a member NGO fails to attend three consecutive General Assemblies.

  6. When it is identified and known that a member NGO or its legitimate staff is involved in crime, embezzlement or treachery. The case is presented to the General Assembly and with 2/3rd votes of the participants its membership with ANCB is terminated.

  7. To commit such activities and behaviors that cause harm and defamation to the prestige and benefits of the coordination organization or are contradictory to the objectives and aims of ANCB.

VI.      ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF ANCB

Article 20       

ANCB consists of the following structures:

  1. General Assembly

  2. Board of Directors

  3. Supervisory Committee

  4. Finance Committee

  5. Executive Office

  6. Committees

A.      GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Article 21

The General Assembly consists of ANCB member NGOs and is the most authorized and powerful part of the Coordination Organization. 

Article 22       

The General Assembly has the following authorities:

  1. The General Assembly has the authority to change, ratify, interpret or annul (during the General Assemblies) any decision adopted by Board of Directors, the Advisory Board, the Executive Office and the Committees.

  2. To identify and approve the main the work and activity of ANCB.

  3. To elect Board members of Directors and of the Advisory Committee.

  4. To hear and assess the reports of the Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee.

  5. To accept newly- established NGOs as ANCB members.

  6. To terminate the membership of a member NGO.

  7. To cast a no-confidence vote against the Board of Directors.

  8. To elect the Election Commission for the term of one year.

Article 23       

All kinds of activity reports and information of member NGOs, registered NGOs with the government, donor agencies and international organizations engaged in the reconstruction and development activities are presented in the General Assembly. 

Article 24

General Assembly meetings are to be held once every three months. 

Article 25

On the demand of the Board of Directors, extraordinary meeting can be called under the condition that 2/3rd of the Board members have endorsed this demand.

Article 26

Upon the request of the member NGOs extraordinary meeting of   the General Assembly can be called but 2/3rd majority is needed for any decision to be taken. 

Article 27

The scheduled General Assembly can only be held on the presence of the majority of participants. 

Article 28                   

The votes in the meetings of General Assembly can be cast secretly, directly and independently.

B.     BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Article 29                   

The Board of Directors or (the BOARD) is the most powerful authority following the General Assembly. The Board of Directors is to put the ANCB’s approvals and programs into effect and is responsible to the General Assembly. The Board of Directors consists of the Chairman and 10 other members. 

Article 30                   

The decisions of the Board of Directors are made in accordance with the charter of ANCB. 

Article 31                   

The Board of Directors consists of 11 members who are elected in the General Assembly each year through the majority of direct and secret votes of the present member NGOs. The members of the Board of Directors select the vice-chairman and finance in charge or treasurer proposed by the chairman in the first meeting of the Board. The Board members must have the specifications of three year long membership or have five years experience and practical knowledge in reconstruction activities. 

Article 32       

Each Board member has the right of one vote. In case of equal votes, the chairman’s side wins. 

Article 33

In understanding with other members, the Board of Directors is making the ANCB general policy that is to be presented to the General Assembly for ratification. 

Article 34

The chairman of the Board of Directors is presiding the meetings and supervising the activities of the ANCB. 

Article 35                   

The Board of Directors has the following functions:

  1. The Board is responsible for the general activities and representation of the Coordination Organization and is bound to submit the activity report to the General Assembly.

  2. The Board of Directors has the authority to set up technical and professional committees for better coordination of reconstruction activities.

  3. To appoint an Executive Director proposed by the chairman.

  4. To hear and assess the Executive Office report.

  5. To measure and approve the budget of ANCB, control the financial affairs and plan for the future.

  6. To assess the documents and application form of the NGO applying for membership.

  7. To verify the organizational structure of the Executive Office in accordance with administrative criteria and requirements.

Article 36                   

The Board of Directors or any other personnel of the ANCB cannot adopt a separate policy orally or in writing on behalf of ANCB. 

Article 37       

The Board of Directors or members of the Board of ANCB cannot occupy any other function in other offices of ANCB. 

Article 38       

The Board of Directors or its members can resign or be dismissed under the following conditions:

  1. When its fixed term expires

  2. When a no-confidence vote is cast against the Board of Directors or one of its members by a 2/3 majority in the General Assembly.

  3. When his membership with ANCB is terminated.

  4. When he fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors without any legal excuse.

  5. When a demand is made by the Board of Directors for the dismissal of its one member, provided the demand is supported and confirmed by a 2/3rd majority in the General Assembly.

Article 39               

The Chairman of the Board of Directors has the following functions:

  1. To preside over the meetings of the board of directors, general assemblies and extra-ordinary meetings of ANCB.

  2. To participate in the meetings of governmental organizations and international agencies on behalf of the board of directors.

  3. To sign all prepared documents of ANCB on behalf of the board of directors.

  4. To sign cheques with one other Board member.

  5. To employ the staff of the Executive Office.

Article 40

The Vice Chairman has the following duties:

  1. To act as acting Chairman of ANCB in the absence of the Chairman.

  2. To act as acting Chairman when the Chairman is dismissed before the end of his/ her term, or in emergency situations. He/ she will perform his/her duties until the General Assembly is held.

  3. To sign cheques in the absence of the Chairman.

C.     SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE

Article 41

The Supervisory Committee has three members who are elected for a term of two years, through secret and direct votes of the real members in the General Assembly.

Article 42

The Supervisory committee must have specifications as follows:

  1. To be honest, transparent and dedicated in the reconstruction activities of the country.

  2. Not to be accused of any offence, corruption or embezzlement and be ready to work voluntarily.

Article 43

If one or more members of the Supervisory committee fail to win a two-third majority in the General Assembly, they will be referred to voting for the second time to get membership of the Supervisory committee.  

Article 44

In case of death, resignation or permanent absence of one of the members of the Supervisory Committee, he/ she will be replaced by another person through an election in the General Assembly. 

Article 45

The Chairman of the Supervisory Committee is selected among its members. 

Article 46

The Supervisory Committee has the following duties and authorities:

  1. To supervise the application of the articles of ANCB’s Charter.

  2. To supervise the application of the decisions and approvals made by the General Assembly and Board of Directors.

  3. To supervise and control the financial expenses.

  4. To monitor and supervise the services offered to the members of ANCB.

  5. To address the complaints of the members and investigate them.

  6. To submit the activity report of the Supervisory Committee to the General Assembly.

  7. To propose an Election Commission (for electing the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Committee) to the General Assembly.

  8. To arrange a meeting at least once a month.

D.     FINANCE COMMITTEE

Article 47

The Treasurer or the person in-charge of financial affairs of ANCB has the responsibility of controlling all financial and accounting activities and is authorized to sign cheque as the second responsible person. In addition, it is the responsibility of the Treasurer to prepare and disseminate a three-monthly and annual report with the cooperation of the Executive Office.  

Article 48

The Treasurer or the person in charge of financial affairs is responsible to the Board of Directors.  

Article 49

The financial year of ANCB starts on the 1st of Hamal (first month of the Afghan year) and finishes at the end of Kab (the twelfth month of the Afghan year).  

Article 50

The Treasurer proposes the budget at the beginning of the new financial year. After being verified, it is approved by the Board of Directors. 

Article 51

During the financial year, any changes made to the budget, causing an increase or decrease; have to be approved by the Board of Directors.  

Article 52

ANCB obtains its financial income from the following sources:

  1. Membership fees

  2. Contributions and help of international organizations and national personalities.

  3. Sales of ANCB’s books, magazines and other publications.

  4. Sales of tickets for entrance into the artistic and cultural exhibitions and meetings of ANCB.

  5. Fees for technical and administrative courses.

  6. All other sources approved by the Board of Directors and the General Assembly.

Article 53

According to the demand and suggestions of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Committee a professional committee audits all the financial accounts of the Executive Office.  

Article 54

All financial documents are controlled and verified by the Treasurer every month.

E.     EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Article 55

The organizational structure of the Executive Office:

  1. Executive Director

  2. Administration

  3. Finance department

  4. Training department

  5. Statistics and planning department

  6. Other branches will be set up if needed

Article 56

The Executive Office of this organization refers to the salaried staff that carry out the following duties:

  1. To organize the administrative affairs and manage and execute the decisions made by the Board of Directors and the General Assembly.

  2. To maintain relations with national and international NGOs.

  3. To facilitate and help the member NGOs with reconstruction activities.

  4. To present the issues for discussion to the Board of Directors.

  5. To present the activity and execution reports in the ordinary and extra ordinary meetings of the Board of Directors.

  6. To carry out the day-to-day activities of ANCB so that the objectives of this organization are addressed.

  7. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and organization of all administrative activities and staff of ANCB.

  8. The Executive Director should participate in all board meetings. Terms of reference of the Executive Director and staff of ANCB are determined in separate rules and regulations.

  9. All financial affairs are controlled and supervised by the Executive Director.

  10. The Executive Office is responsible for applying the suggestions put forward by the Supervisory Committee.

F.      COMMITTEES

Article 57

ANCB is setting up committees for better coordination, development, betterment and growth of the activities of the member NGOs.  

Article 58

The committees are responsible to the Board of Directors. 

Article 59

Having been decided and approved by the Board of Directors, committees are established and are presented to the general Assembly for ratification.  

Article 60

Each committee has one Chairman who is selected by a majority of votes of the Committee members.  

Article 61

In collaboration with the Executive Office, the members of the Board of Directors should submit, on a regular basis, reports and information about the activities of the committees.   

Article 62

The committees are chosen from the member NGOs according to their work experience, activities and professional criteria. The professional and honorary members can participate in these committees.  

Article 63

The staff and personnel of other coordinating bodies can regularly take part in the meetings of the Committees. The duties of the committee are determined by separate rules and regulations.

VII.      MISCELLANEOUS

Article 64       

To bring changes or repeal an article of this CHARTER, a 2/3rd majority of votes is needed to support the changes in the General Assembly. 

Article 65       

To dissolve or terminate ANCB, 2/3rd majority of votes is required in the General Assembly. 

Article 66                   

When ANCB stops its activities, after settlement of all its dues and accounts etc. the Board of Directors will hand over all its capitals and assets to the Government of Afghanistan. This decision is taken in the General Assembly with 2/3rd majority of votes. 

Article 67                   

The Executive Director signs all letters and documents of ANCB activities. 

Article 68                   

The letters and documents related to the Board of Directors or international sources (outside Afghanistan) are signed by the chairman of the Board of Directors or the member authorized by the Board of Directors. 

Article 69                   

All publications and mass media of ANCB are published in accordance with the injunctions and orders of Islam, national benefits and principles of this CHARTER. 

Article 70

ANCB has a symbol and a stamp as approved in 1991. 

Article 71                   

The English version of this Charter is valid and applicable when it is studied and assessed by an authorized committee from the General Assembly. 

Article 72                   

The members of the Board of Directors and the members of Supervisory Committee are carrying out their duties on voluntary basis. 

Article 73                   

The honorary members of the Coordination Organization refer to those national and international personalities who express their dedication and interest to this Organization. 

Article 74                   

The Supervisory Committee proposes the members of the Election Commission. The Election Commission consists of five who are elected by the General Assembly for one year. 

Article 75                   

The members of the Election Commission have no right to offer themselves as candidates for other leadership positions of ANCB. 

Article 76                   

The list of the candidates for the Board of Directors has to be prepared and disseminated, at least, one month before by the Election Commission. 

Article 77                   

The Election process will be followed by a separate procedure. 

Article 78

Any member who is elected for the Board of Directors has no right to offer himself or herself as a candidate for other positions in this organization. 

Article 79                   

ANCB is helping its members in legitimate, social, economic, natural, and unnatural situations and conditions. 

Article 80

Having been changed and interpreted, this CHARTER consists of seven (7) chapters and eighty (80) articles approved and ratified by the General Assembly on 10th October, 2002 and is applicable and valid since then.

EXPRESSIONS AND PHRASES

  1. Coordination organization: Afghan NGOs Coordination Bureau

  2. Afghan NGOs’ Coordination Bureau: ANCB

  3. International organizations: international volunteer organizations

  4. Similar organizations: other coordination organizations

  5. Multi-national organizations: European Union and others

  6. Board of Directors: leadership commission of the coordination organization

  7. General Assembly: the general gathering of the members of coordination organizations

  8. Real members: members who have accomplished the membership criteria and obtained the majority of votes in the General Assembly

  9. Cooperative members: members who have not accomplished the membership criteria but can take advantages, in accordance with the charter, of the services of the coordination organization

  10. Honorary members: members who have no membership but they can cooperate with the coordination organization. National individuals and NGOs can become honorary members

  11. Supervisory Committee: a specific committee supervising the activities of the coordination organization

  12. Quorum: The number of members that legally can constitute the assembly. That is to say, the numbers of the real members that must be present more than a half.

  13. Vice-Chairman: the assistant of the chairman

  14. Treasurer: member of Board of Directors supervising financial affairs.

Translated by: Raz Muhammad Fidai

1st Hamal, 1382, (21 March, 2003)

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