We can control ourselves

NGO’s are mature enough to regulate themselves. Government intervention is not welcome. That is the message from more than 40 civil society organizations in Zambia, as a reaction to the governments proposed and much criticized NGO Bill.

A civil society that isn't regulated by government, will help civil society effectively address numerous social, economic and cultural problems confronting citizens in Zambia, ZCSD believes.

Civil society organizations in Zambia are big enough to look after themselves. They don’t need government intervention. That is the key-message from a large group of NGO’s lead by Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD). As written in a press-release from ZCSD:
“We feel that just as the Law Association of Zambia internally regulates its activities, civil society organizations in Zambia are mature enough to regulate themselves”

Absolute self regulation
For seven years a proposed bill on NGO regulations has been waiting in the Ministry of Justice. If it is passed, it will allow tight governmental control on the whole NGO-sector in the Zambia.
The civil society has reacted strongly against the draft bill. Last year ZSCD was given a mandate from more than 100 representatives from Zambian civil society organizations to push for a more self regulated bill. Thursday the 7^th June, ZCSD published its proposal to a NGO bill that will give NGO’s the power to regulate themselves.
“ The stakeholders feel that Absolute Self Regulation will guarantee freedom of assembly and expression, which will help civil society effectively address numerous social, economic and cultural problems confronting citizens in Zambia”, it says in the press release.

Code of conduct
Behind ZSCD stands 40 Civil Society Organizations. The group proposes a NGO bill, where a board existing solely of NGO-representatives shall set up a policy for NGO regulation and coordination in Zambia.
ZSCD acknowledge that there is a need for a code of conduct and ethics for members, to ensure that NGO’s – like governmental institutions - can be kept responsible for promoting good governance and transparency.