NGO GUIDELINES

1. A non-governmental organization (hereinafter referred to as NGO) is a non-profit making organization of ASEAN persons, natural or judicial, organized to promote, strengthen and help realize the aims and objectives of ASEAN cooperation specifically in the social, cultural, economic and scientific fields.
   


2. Other groupings or associations which perform functions and activities that are governmental or quasi-governmental in nature, such as those of the legislature and judiciary, but are not part of the formal structure of ASEAN, can apply for special relationships with ASEAN through the ASEAN Secretariat.
   


3. Other groupings or associations which perform functions and activities that are governmental or quasi-governmental in nature, such as those of the legislature and judiciary, but are not part of the formal structure of ASEAN, can apply for special relationships with ASEAN through the ASEAN Secretariat.
   


4. The main objectives of affiliation are:
   1. To draw the NGOs into the mainstream of ASEAN activities so that they are kept informed of major policies, directives and decisions of ASEAN and are given the opportunity and the privilege of participating in ASEAN activities.
      
   2. To draw the NGOs into the mainstream of ASEAN activities so that they are kept informed of major policies, directives and decisions of ASEAN and are given the opportunity and the privilege of participating in ASEAN activities.
      
   3. To ensure interaction and fruitful relationship between the existing ASEAN bodies and the NGOs.
   
   
5. The Standing Committee shall consider applications of NGOs for affiliation or special relationship upon recommendation of the ASEAN Secretariat. Application for affiliation shall include information regarding the nature and purpose of the applicant NGO, its constitution and by-laws, its membership, its functions, activities, and projects, its link body, etc.
   


6. A NGO whose membership comes from the majority of the ASEAN member countries may be allowed affiliation, provided that there are no express objections from any of the member countries especially the non-participating members, and provided further that membership shall remain open for other member countries.
   


7. The Secretary-General shall formally present, with its recommendations, all applications for affiliation to the Standing Committee which shall consider the applications using, among others, the following criteria:
   1. Approval of application for affiliation of a NGO with ASEAN shall be based primarily upon the assessment of the positive contribution which such a NGO could make to the enhancement, strengthening and realization of the aims and objectives of ASEAN.
      
   2. Affiliation status with ASEAN may not be granted to a NGO if it has objectives, activities or projects which are contrary to or inconsistent with the aims and objectives of ASEAN embodied in the Bangkok Declaration and the Declaration of ASEAN Concord.
   
   
8. An affiliated NGO shall enjoy the following privileges:
   1. It may use the name “ASEAN” and display the official ASEAN emblem in correspondence and communications at its official meetings so long as the intention of displaying the emblem is non-commercial in nature.
      
   2. It may initiate programmes of activities for presentation to its link body for appropriate action.
      
   3. At the discretion of the Chairman of the link body, it may through its representative, attend meetings of the link body for consultations, especially on matters and issues of direct concern to the NGO.
      
      
   4. For purposes of doing research for its projects, it may be allowed access to ASEAN documents on a selective basis in consultation with the ASEAN Secretariat and/or its link body.
      
      
   5. Subject to rules and regulations, it may be allowed the use of the facilities of the ASEAN Secretariat for its official meetings and other official activities in Jakarta.
      
      
   6. It may be provided with other assistance including finance available from other member countries.
   
   
9. As a general rule, none of the foregoing privileges in paragraph 7 will be extended to organizations not formally affiliated with ASEAN.


10. All NGOs shall be required to comply with the following:
    
    1. They shall undertake in writing to abide by the policies, guidelines, directives and other decisions of ASEAN.
       
    2. They shall be held responsible for their actions, especially those found detrimental to ASEAN as a whole.
       
    3. They shall allow participation of ASEAN officials at their meetings and activities.
       
    4. They shall furnish reports of their activities to ASEAN through the ASEAN Secretariat.
       
    5. They shall inform the ASEAN Secretariat changes in their officials and membership.
    
    
11. The Standing Committee shall, it its discretion, terminate such affiliation whenever it is convinced that the aims and objectives of ASEAN are no longer served by such an affiliation. The Standing Committee’s decision on this matter shall be based upon recommendations made by the ASEAN Secretariat after a complaint had been lodged by an ASEAN link body or an ASEAN Member State.
    


12. A NGO whose affiliation is terminated shall be denied exercise of the privileges provided under paragraph 7.

Download Confirmation of Affiliation (1987)    Download Confirmation of Affiliation (2007)