Ethic Code Presentation Held

Within the framework of CAP (Citizen Advocate Program) a presentation regarding the Ethic Code for Civil Society Organizations was held on September 26 at the Sheraton Metechi Palace.

The NGO Ethics Code was elaborated by a working group of eight civil society representatives under the aegis of CAP. This process was coordinated by the Civic Development Center Alternative.

The essence of the Code is to declare minimum behavior standards for Georgian NGOs. These standards address to the openness and transparency of NGO activities, their public image, their relationships with society, government, political parties, donors and the general public, as well as internal democratic governance and financial accountability.

“The Ethics Code is a self-regulation mechanism for CSOs. It represents a collection of experiences of Georgian NGOs, gained through their 15 years functioning in Georgia,” says Irina Tsintsadze of the Civic Development Center Alternative.

As tangible indicators for an organization’s  effective functionality Five Silver Principles were also declared at the presentation: “These principles can be amended, widened or revised, but the main thing is that the whole of Georgian society and NGOs will participate in this open process,” Vazha Salamadze of the Civil Society Institute said. 

Over 30 non-governmental organizations signed the Code on September 27. All the way until the year’s end NGOs eager to share the principles and ideas of the Ethic Code have a possibility to sign it. Code signing ceremonies and presentations will also be held throughout the regions of Georgia this year.