Charter of values of Forus

A limited number of economic, political, social and cultural actors dominate global dialogue. NGOs intend to participate in responding to the issues brought forth by globalization, by defending their vision of global solidarity. They strive for a world where human rights and the right to selfdetermination are respected, where vulnerable populations are given a voice and where the issues of poverty, inequality and injustice are addressed for harmonious and sustainable development. Therefore, national NGO platforms in numerous countries have decided to cooperate and act together to make their voices heard in national, regional and international debates and to initiate and to promote effective development policy and practice. The Charter of values of Forus is part of this international coalition's founding documents. The national platforms and regional coalitions that apply for membership are required to accept it. This Charter is a commitment to shared values, to develop joint strategies and actions. It is also a reference framework of the overall orientation of Forus and its members. Lastly, it positions Forus with regard to other players, allies and partners, as well as to any other stakeholder in the processes and areas in which it engages.

National platforms and regional coalitions members of Forus declare their wish to work together, especially on the following issues:

Human Rights and Democracy

Convinced of the universal values and principles of human rights, democracy, the primacy of law, social and economic justice and equality of men and women, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the two United Nations Covenants, as well as of the need to promote them;

Freedom of Association

Considering freedom of association as a fundamental freedom, enabling every citizen to react and/or act together to achieve joint objectives and work for general interest; Considering that Forus members commit to support each other when this freedom of association is threatened, in particular by governmental laws and procedures that restrict non governmental arenas;

Non-governmental character

Considering the non-governmental character, non-sectarian, non-partisan and non-profit character of NGOs and of national platforms and regional coalitions of NGOs, as well as the commitment towards the principles of autonomy, independence, impartiality in relation with governments, political parties, economic actors, etc.;

Democratic governance principles

Agreeing on the mandatory respect of the principles of democratic governance in associations; which include clarity of their visions and missions, transparency, internal democracy, gender equality and equal opportunity, ownership, effectiveness, efficiency and accountability;

Actors of development and democracy

Acknowledging that the task of NGOs, national NGO platforms and regional coalitions is to promote participatory democracy, people centred development, human diversity, economical, social, cultural and environmental rights and to support vulnerable populations, especially the groups living in poverty, excluded or marginalized people, victims of conflicts or natural disasters, people or groups whose rights are infringed, victims of under- or bad-development, current or future victims of a bad management or of environmental damage; Claiming our own responsibility and commitment in strengthening the processes of democratization, development, the fight against poverty and inequality and environmental conservation;

We, Forus members, reaffirm our commitment to cooperate and act together to defend our vision of a world of solidarity, of justice and peace, and to make the voices of people living in poverty, marginalized and vulnerable populations heard by governments, international organizations and in international debates.

Adopted in Dakar, February 5th 2011. * In September 2018, the IFP became Forus.