Case Study on NGO Accountability: The Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia The Regional Workshop on CSOs and Aid Effectiveness Hanoi, Vietnam, October , 2007

Background of NGOs in Cambodia The RGC and donors recognizes the important contribution of NGOs in Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Development efforts of Cambodia. International NGOs: around 300in 2004/05, up from 100 in 1995/96 and around 25 in 1980’s Local NGOs: around 800 LNGOs and 800 local associations now registered with the RGC Network: over 35 NGO sectoral and issue working groups come together on issues of common interest.

Evolution of NGO Program Strategies in Cambodia CharacteristicsGeneration First (79-95)Second ( )Third (today) FeaturesRelief and WelfareSmall-scale, self-reliant local development Sustainable systems development FocusShortages of goods and services Local inertiaInstitutional and policy constraints Time FrameImmediateProject lifeIndefinite long-term TargetIndividual or familyNeighborhood or villageRegion or nation ActorsNGONGO + beneficiary organizations All public and private institutions that define the relevant system

Responses to the Paris Declaration NGOs in Cambodia are responding to the cross cutting issues by promoting NGO good organisational practices and poverty eradication. Development of the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia. The NGO Code contains 9 principles and 25 practical standards. The voluntary certification system has been established based on compliance with the NGO code.

Responses to the Paris Declaration Ownership: Development of NGO Code Change from survival based to VALUES based organisation Improve WALK the TALK Improve NGO good Governance within the sector and its Impacts Effective Resource Management (HR, Finance, goodwill…) The NGO Code could help improve the effectiveness of NGO programming, and would lead to more sustainable development. The Code would “improve civil society’s contribution to or involvement in development.” Comment from target community members in NGO GPP survey

Responses to the Paris Declaration Alignment and Harmonisation: The NGO Code is a common system for NGOs and helps NGOs Response to the needs of poor marginalized people National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), sectoral strategic plans, and laws 19 technical working groups and membership liaison group Effective relationships and communication with our stakeholders The Code is a tool to guide NGOs to have better management and leadership including internal governance, financial management, and service delivery. Participant NGO

Responses to the Paris Declaration Results Based Management: Policies, strategies and quality oriented Mechanism: conflict of interest, grievance, and promotion gender and minority equity Regular organisational and programme management monitoring and evaluation Conduct annual overall financial audits Produce annual organisational reports The Code can serve the function of setting benchmarks against which organizational strengths and weaknesses can be identified, and that it can serve as a tool to build the credibility of NGOs. Comment from donor in NGO GPP survey

Responses to the Paris Declaration Mutual Accountability: Increase strategic partnership and accountable to stakeholders Publicize information sharing Truly participation of target population in the development process Promote strategic partnership and citizenship The Code would help ensure that NGOs are accountable for their work, reduce corruption, and strengthen transparency. Comment from Government Rep in NGO GPP survey

Voice to NGOs Continue to promote NGO accountability and good organisational practice by complying with NGO self-regulation such as the Code of Ethical Principles and Minimum Standards for NGOs in Cambodia. Take the opportunity to actively participate in promoting the principles of Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

Voice to Donors Align and harmonize with existing systems of NGOs Continue to support responsive aid modalities, including direct long term funding and core cost Generalize and support improvement of NGO partners for planning, funding disbursement, monitoring, evaluating and reporting. Increase meaningful engagement of NGOs in promoting and monitoring the principles of Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

Voice to Government Recognize and promote existing systems of NGOs Enhance the mutual social accountability between NGO community, donors, other governments, and target beneficiaries. Increase meaningful engagement of NGOs in promoting and monitoring the principles of Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

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