The activity of some of the nongovernmental organizations that are more critical or visible on particular segments is hampered by pressure that is manifested through lack of openness on the part of representatives of the state towards organizations that have the necessary expertise, executive director of the Association “Promo-Lex” Ion Manole, who is the facilitator of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum National Platform, stated for IPN.
“From our viewpoint, this is not normal and we want the authorities to show openness towards all the nongovernmental organizations, especially those with a critical view,” stated Ion Manole. He noted that the NGOs pursue the only goal of ensuring public benefit, which is also the role of the authorities. That’s why the NGOs and the authorities should identify together solutions to the problems signaled by civil society based on the activities carried out at local level and on the analysis of national legislation or international practice.
As regards the public accusations about the obscure financing of civil society organizations by politicians, including through the stolen US$1 billion, Ion Manole said there are many accusations and rumors, but these should be reasonable.
Asked to state his opinion on the same issue, director of the Resource Center for Human Rights (CReDO) Sergiu Ostaf said there are several factors that led to the worsening of the situation of civil society and the image of civil society is one of these. The last Public Opinion Barometer showed the people’s confidence in civil society decreased by 10% in a short period of time, to 15%. The figures reveal a problem that should not be ignored. If such things are neglected by civil society, the level of confidence in NGOs could decline to 6%, as in the case of political parties. There are a number of explanations for such a problem.
“Some say this is the result of the more active involvement of organizations in political activity. Thus the people start to perceive the NGOs as something very similar to political parties. Another explanation is the fact that the NGOs are not sufficiently transparent and do not publish reports on the done work. Also, these excessively depend on foreign financing, when the donors practically determine the priorities so that the organizations feel detached from the people’s interests,” stated Sergiu Ostaf.
He added that civil society should understand the rules of the game and the ethical principles of behavior. If they have to publish reports or to declare personal incomes, these aspects should be regulated and the Ethics Code adopted by the Nongovernmental Organizations Forum in 2008 is a solution that hasn’t been yet applied. Unfair competition is another problem. “Someone claims to have control over an area and does not allow other organizations to compete freely in particular areas, with other ideas. Groups of organizations are created, with particular affiliations, and this surely does not contribute to the positive image of nongovernmental organizations. An open, sincere discussion is needed. I think the sector is able to overcome all these problems,” said the CReDO director.
As to the accusations concerning the financing of civil society from obscure sources, in political interests, Sergiu Ostaf said that if this is true, the situation is serious and any NGO will be affected, but things should be substantiated. “I heard that persons representing particular organizations are investigated, but the situation will become clearer in a year or two. Those concerned should not wait and should withdraw as this is normal. They should tender their resignation of honor,” noted the CReDO director.
A number of civil society organizations recently informed about the worsening of the situation of civil society. A number of calls and public statements were made in this regard.
