Civil Activists Discuss Elaboration of the Code of Ethics

On December 21 the Citizens Advocate! Program hosted the leading civil activists to launch the series of discussions on elaboration of the Code of Ethics for the Georgian civil society organizations (CSOs).

The meeting was chaired by the Caucasian Institute for Peace Democracy and Development, member of the coalition of the Georgian and US CSOs implementing the Citizens Advocate! Program, which has recently re-launched discussions on self-regulation of the civil society in Georgia.

David Losaberidze of CIPDD, in his opening remarks said Georgian civil society struggles “to see [its] role and place in the society, as despite [improved] financial sustainability there is general stagnation in the activities [implemented by CSOs].”

The meeting on December 21 was seen as the first step in a cycle of discussions and, as such, was directed at general discussion on the need and feasibility of elaborating the ethics code for CSOs.

Four panelists presented their views – Ghia Nodia of CIPDD, David Usupashvili of IRIS-Georgia, Zurab Chiaberashvili of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (IFES), and Levan Berdzenishvili, Director of the National Library and head of the Civic Development International Center. All of them agreed the Ethics Code is needed.

Ghia Nodia says while the CSO sector was conceived and developed in a situation of anarchy, currently, as the sector grows in numbers and increases the influence over the government and society, there is a need to establish the common ground rules. Nodia believes the Code of Ethics would help to create general minimal standards of operation for the CSOS, and to establish the patterns of relationship with the government and the donors.

In his presentation Levan Berdzenishvili, stated that he is known for strong “anti-formalist” positions, but considers creating Code of Ethics as a necessary development. Berdzenishvili believes the Code should address two main issues: transparency and accountability of the CSOs. At the same time he believes implementation of the Code would require time, as for instance there are only few CSOs ready for ensuring uniform standards of financial transparency. Berdzenishvili considers adhesion to the code should be voluntary, encouraging CSOs to live up to the high standards of performance set by the Code.

“The code of Ethics could stabilize the relationship with the government” David Usupashvili, considers. “Allowing the Code of Ethics to regulate the accounting and other internal issues of the CSO, we can provide a good example to the government” Usupashvili says.

Zurab Chiaberashvili of ISFED proposed the Code of Ethics would create a culture of organizational growth and behavior. He considers that the CSO cadre, brought up with understanding of the Code, will be a good tool for improving any other sector of the society, if these people move to the public or business offices.

Ensuing discussion revolved around the degree of binding commitment the Code of Ethics should warrant. Most participants agreed that the code should become an inclusive mechanism for outlining shared aspirations of the CSO sector, not a tool for crystallizing the “CSO aristocracy.”
It was mentioned that the code should outline several core areas, such as the general operational commitments, human resources procedures, financial transparency and accountability. It was also mentioned, that an additional document can be created, which would define the aims of the Georgian CSO community for the coming years.

Participants have also said that the increasing number and diversified activities no longer allow the CSOs to remain a small, isolated community with most problematic issues solved based on personal relations of its leaders. As CSOs become increasingly visible and complex, codification of the principles in a written code would help to maintain sector’s identity, but become more inclusive.

The first discussion concluded with optimism that the CSOs are embarking a challenging road of seeking common ground on broadest organizational issues. It is planned to hold seven more such discussions and to create the working groups as needed. Advocacy.ge. will keep you updated about the developments.

For the additional information please visit Estonian NGO code of ethics