The Legal Framework for NGOs and the Voluntary Sector: Recommended Principles

This document presents conclusions from the “Regional Dialogue on GO-NGO Relations in Asia: Prospects and Challenges for Improving the Policy Environment for People-Centered Development” held in Chiangmai, Thailand, on 11-15 May 1991 . Almost three decades have passed since that dialogue but the principles remain valid and relevant as ever. Unfortunately, there appears to be a growing trend towards the curtailment of civil and political rights in the region. At the same time, land rights activists, CSO workers and community members either disappear, or get killed, or harassed through legal means as they assert their basic human rights and rights to land. Worse, the current COVID-19 pandemic further aggravates the situation as some States are using lockdown measures and policing social media to restrict movements and to suppress freedom of speech of CSOs and activists as they perform their monitoring role.

Thus, ANGOC is re-issuing this document as a reminder of the basic principles in relation to voluntary action that must be respected, promoted and upheld in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.