Council of Europe, Fundamental Principles on the Status of Non-Governmental Organisations in Europe: Open Meeting of Contacting Parties to the European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organisation

Council of Europe, Fundamental Principles on the Status of Non-Governmental Organisations in Europe: Open Meeting of Contacting Parties to the European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organisation
Date: November 13, 2002
Type: Reports and Studies
Document: http://www.coe.int/t/dghl/standardsetting/cdcj/ONG/Fundamental%20Principles%20E.pdf

Freedom of association is effective only where it goes hand-in-hand with legislative measures facilitating its exercise and respecting the value of NGOs’ contribution to society. Although they can be fostered by passingf avourable legislation, awareness of and respect for NGOs’ contribution develop only where NGOs themselves undertake to behave in a responsible, efficient and ethical manner.