NGOs are voluntary self-governing bodies or organisations that have been established to pursue non-profit objectives. NGOs fulfil an important role in a democracy through the promotion of public awareness, participation in public life, and ensuring the transparency and accountability of public authorities.
NGOs can remain effective by using a variety of tools and adapting their resources and capabilities to the goal in question, meaning that they are able to serve many different functions, from serving as a means of communication between stakeholders and the public, to advocating active change in law or policy. NGOs may be local, national, or international in nature, and the range of their focus and reach respectively.
There are several ways to exercise your right to civic participation through an NGO. You may support the activities of a particular NGO by, for example, participating in its activities or donating to it. You may also become a member of an NGO and directly contribute to its objectives by, for example, helping to organise its activities and recruiting new members. If you are interested in either of these options, you might look up or get in touch with the NGO that you are interested in and request more information on how to support its activities or become a member. As an alternative, you may establish your own NGO.
How to establish your own NGO?
In Georgia, NGOs are commonly registered as either non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entities (N(N)LE), which operate on a not-for-profit basis.
You’ll need to prepare specific documents for submission, including:
Application Form: Complete an official application form available from the National Agency of Public Registry (NAPR )or on their website.
Founding Documents:
- Charter: the charter (or statute) should outline the purpose, governance structure, operational scope, and any rules or regulations governing the NGO
- Founders’ Decision: a signed document from the founders (usually the board of directors or founding members) agreeing to establish the organization
- Identification of founders and board members: copies of IDs or passports of founders and board members are generally required
Applications and supporting documents can be submitted in person at any NAPR office or online via the Public Service Hall.
If submitting in person, it’s best to verify if an appointment is needed at your local Public Service Hall.
What human rights violation may there be?
If you are prohibited from joining or establishing an NGO, your right to freedom of assembly and association may be violated. In addition, depending on the circumstances, this may also constitute a violation of the prohibition of discrimination.