Nat'l Association of Persons with Disabilities Discuss Amendment Law for Charities, Societies

Addis Ababa September 17/2018 The Federation of Ethiopian National Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FENAPD) has emphasized on the needs for a more inclusive Charities and Societies Proclamation today. Speaking at panel discussion organized to enrich the Amendment Law for Charities and Societies today, FENAPD President Kalkidan Shimelis said the Charities and Societies Proclamation has various limitations. It, for example, forces local NGOs to generate 90 percent of their income from domestic resources and foreign to raise 90 percent income from abroad, she added. The law limits the opportunities of the association to generate more income and get organized, the President said, adding that it should therefore empower the disabled to participate in development and help them benefit in the process. Presenting the draft Amendment Law for Charities and Societies, Kumilachew Dagne, a Consultant at Civil Society Organization Group, said the discussion is aimed at identifying gaps and problems in protecting the freedom and the benefits of the associations. The previous law restricted the provision of freedom of Charities and Societies in term of areas of engagement, particularly in income generation, he added. The authorization of Ethiopian Charities and Societies Agency was too vague and broad as well as focused on penalties and control rather than creating enabling situation towards building capacity of charities and societies. The law should be very effective in ensuring existing freedom of associations as well as ensuring their accountability by building transparency among the charities and societies through putting self regulatory mechanisms, Kumilachew underlined. Federation of Ethiopian National Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FENAPD) organized the panel discussion.