NGOs bill on the anvil: Gargash

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other competent authorities are drafting a federal bill to regulate activities of regional and international non-government organisations (NGOs), Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, told the Federal National Council yesterday. Dr. Gargash affirmed the proposed legislation should consider aspects of sovereignty of the UAE, regulate activities of NGOs founded outside the State, and pave the way for taking advantage of their experience in serving the work environment, particularly the specialised organisations. Dr. Gargash was answering a question raised by a FNC member about efforts to regulate work of regional and international NGOs under a law that will allow them establish branches in the UAE to share experiments and experiences in different fields. The minister said the question was very important as operating practices, legislations and laws are mainly governing work of organisations and societies established inside the UAE. The term international organisations, he noted, is widely general as some societies are dealing with sensitive issues. ''Regulating this process is very important and there should be a legal framework that takes into consideration aspects of sovereignty of the State,'' the minister said, noting that current developments in the region require creating such a legal framework. ''For the time being there is no legislation that regulates activities of government and non-government organisations if they want to do so in the State.'' The pill, he explained, would define terms and conditions within the UAE legal framework. He expressed hope that the pill would be ready for application by 2015. – Emirates News Agency, WAM