Humanitarian Committee endorses procedure to probe alleged misconduct of INGOs

The Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance (CCHA) at its monthly meeting on Tuesday reiterated decision taken in January on the established procedure to investigate the alleged misconduct of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs).

CCHA Chair Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the Government appreciates the efforts of all genuine international organisations as well as bilateral and multilateral agencies, engaged in humanitarian assistance and development work in the country and said their efforts have greatly contributed to the welfare of Sri Lankans.

In the event of an accusation of misconduct on the part of an INGO involved in humanitarian or development assistance, the Minister said the Government has the right to initiate an investigation into the conduct of an organisation accused on illegal activities and will inquire into these charges fairly and impartially; the accused party will be given the opportunity to put forward its case at the earliest opportunity; and until all investigations have been concluded, shall refrain from issuing any statement.

This endorsement was welcomed by international members of the CCHA, including, Dominick Chilcott, Representative of the President of the Council of the European Union and High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Nell Buhne, UN heads of agencies and Donor representatives present at the meeting.

Samarasinghe said with the aim of ensuring transparency and accountability of all development and humanitarian work in Sri Lanka, a CCHA subcommittee, consisting of Government, donor, UN and INGO stakeholders, has been tasked to develop a mode of operations to strengthen cooperation between and amongst, all humanitarian and development actors - both Government and non-government.

This will ensure that all actors discharge their mandates for the good of the people of Sri Lanka - in a coordinated manner, in line with the principles of good governance.

The mode of operations will lead to increased confidence and trust between all humanitarian and development partners and it will reinforce the Government’s commitment to assist those in need.