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Ministry says Committed to Ensure Smooth Transition to and Implementation of the New NGO Law |
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Ato Jimma Dilbo, Head of Association Registration at the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) says his office is
committed to ensure smooth transition of one-year period and implementation of the new charities and
societies legislation 621/2009.
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This was disclosed in a briefing meeting organized by CRDA on May 6, 2009 at its hall between MOJ official
and the association members to discuss on transition related concerns and lack of charities on the
implementation of the law.
The statement sent by H.E Ato Berhanu Tsegaye, State Minister of MOJ and read out by Ato Jimma Dilbo also
indicated that the introduction of the charity and societies legislation has brought members of CRDA and
the civil society to the ministry more closer than ever. The promulgation of the proclamation enables to
have sector focused and more relevant law that better govern the NGO sector with its detail internal
affairs. This is a great stride towards transforming and supporting the sector.
The state minister, in his statement further noted that the ministry, in close consultation with civil
society is determined to work on issues related to implementation of the proclamation and the resultant
legal and operational problems that might arise in due course. He said, pre-requisite arrangements such as
establishing the agency, preparing the relevant and others are currently under progress.
Dr.Meshesha Shewarega, Director of CRDA on his part said, since the official release of the law CRDA has
been closely consulting with national, faith based and international member NGOs to identify areas of
concern in the implementation of the law and transitional related predicaments. Some urgent issues which had
direct impact on the daily operation of members were discussed with senior officials of the Ministry and
kindly resolved by writing circular .The importance of such discussion was to proactively work on unresolved
situation and concerns which might create ambivalence on coping up adopting individual NGOs to the new Law.
Dr.Meshesha Shewarega duly appreciated the Ministry’s willingness and Ato Jimma’s kind cooperation at all
times to resolve legislation related problems.
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Members of CRDA raised various questions relating to the interpretation of the 30% administrative and 70%
project cost in practical application. Interpretation of pro social advocacy and political advocacy matters,
issues of punishment and penalties, the role of the would-be agency in supervision or control, the nature of
consortiums, efficiency of the agency and the intended on-line registration were discussed.
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In his presentation and reaction to the queries, Ato Jimma said, basically the new law intended to fill the
inadequacy of the existing law Civil code 1960 & regulation 321/66. It defines the relation between NGOs and
their respective sector administrators. While creating transparency and accountability, the new law allows
civil societies to engage in income generating activities.
The new law classifies NGOs as charities and societies. As indicated in Art. 14:2. a-i & i-n charitable
purpose are both developmental and political affiliated. The implication is that political affiliated
purposes are allowed only for citizens and with local funding.
Ato Jimma said, the circulation sent by the Ministry to various to Federal and regional government offices
had allowed NGOs to pursue their current projects in the usual manner until February 2010. In the mean time
the Ministry is working on the remaining tasks that are prerequisite to implement the law. These are
establishing the agency, endorsing the regulation, prior plans for re-registration, training relevant
government authorities and creating awareness among concerned organs.
The regulation among others details about registration, immediate and on-line registration, detail rules of
charity or society, formation of consortiums, procedures of merger, division and conversion, renewal of
license and registering changes, How to apply for public collection and IGA, Report and communications etc.
The Head, responding to queries also said, the regulation will further clarify administrative & project
costs. The former criminal punishment are avoided and limited to fines .Although the issue is not yet
clearly determined, the law is more sensitive to political affiliated advocacy, which it claims is the
exclusive right of citizens. However, pro-social advocacy could further be discrete for practical
application purposes in the future. As to the Board of Agency also two of the seven board members are to be
nominated from the civil society.
CRDA members appreciated the Ministry’s initiative to take such consultation and requested continuous
engagement at least until the agency goes fully operational. Ato Jimma also expressed readiness to closely
work and ease up the potential difficulties that may arise in implementing the proclamation. Similar
meetings were held between other senior officials of the Ministry and other various CRDA Forum members.
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