Kompletterande underlag inför diskussion om RGB och MR-Fonden Underlag till styrelsemöte 1-2 juni 1999

Kompletterande underlag inför diskussion om Rådgivningsbyrån och MR-fonden.

Title: Guidelines for Subsidiary/Partner Organizations
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AI members only
AI Index:POL 30/01/98
Distr:SC
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Amnesty International
International Secretariat
1 Easton Street
London WC1X 8DJ
United Kingdom


To: All Sections

1. The overriding principle, as in the conduct of all Amnesty International affairs, is to avoid actions which call into question the impartiality and balance upon which the organization’s reputation depends. In particular, a subsidiary or parallel organization with the same or virtually the same governing body should not be formed for the purpose of doing what an Amnesty International section or structure cannot do because it would be outside the mandate, use government funding for advocacy activities, or otherwise breach the rules under which Amnesty International operates.
2. It is understood that in some countries, such as the UK, parallel organizations may be necessary or desirable for certain activities because of tax or liability concerns, but written consultation with the IEC should be undertaken before any such organizations other than those already in existence are formed.
3. What types of commercial ventures might be appropriate for Amnesty International sections or structures is currently under consideration by the IEC through SCHIFM. Until guidelines are issued, sections and structures should consult with the IEC before undertaking any enterprise marking a substantial departure from existing activities. Thus forming a separate organization using the Amnesty International name, assets or reputation for the purpose of undertaking commercial enterprises should also be a matter for written consultation with the IEC.
4. Although it is often desirable to join with other organizations to undertake specific activities in support of human rights, sections and structures must be careful that Amnesty International is not identified with activities that it would not undertake on its own. This is particularly problematic if there is a formalized relationship or legal entity of which Amnesty International is a part, as it is difficult for Amnesty not to be held responsible legally, as well as in the public mind, for activities of the umbrella organization even though it does not have control over them. Again, sections and structures should consult with the IEC in writing before entering into new arrangements of this sort.
5. In all of the above, all sections and structures need to be aware that increasingly we are a global community in the sense that activities in one country impact Amnesty International sections and structures elsewhere (Web sites are probably the most striking example of this) and consultation, cooperation and sensitivity are essential.