Charter of AOHR-NE

Charter

Preamble:

Considering that all human rights and fundamental freedoms are inherent, interconnected, indivisible, and inalienable rights, they must be fully upheld without diminution.

Recognizing that any infringement upon, violation of, or disregard for these rights dissipates the potential of the Arab community in Northern European countries.

Given the urgent need to defend the rights and freedoms of citizens and residents of Arab origin in Northern European countries wherever these rights are threatened or violated, and the necessity of implementing the guarantees provided in the constitutions and laws of Northern European countries, as well as in international treaties and conventions, to protect these rights from any infringements, regardless of the source, location, or means of the violation. Additionally, it is crucial to promote and safeguard the rights of Arab refugees and immigrants in accordance with international treaties and conventions.

Since defending human rights and fundamental freedoms is a duty that cannot be neglected or delayed,

It has become imperative to establish a human rights organization to advocate for, strengthen, and protect these established rights across Northern European countries. This need has prompted a number of Arab immigrants to establish the Arab Organization for Human Rights in Northern Europe.

The founders pledge not to exploit the organization for any partisan political activities, regional interests, or personal gain, and to treat all members of the community equally, without discrimination. They are committed to integrity, honesty, and transparency in all dealings, and to promoting a rejection of violence, hatred, intolerance, violent extremism, terrorism, and all forms of discrimination.

The organization is also firmly committed to the just cause of the Arab people, particularly the central issue of Palestine, and to the liberation of occupied Arab territories, including the state of Ahwaz.

Chapter One – Name, Applicability, and Interpretation

Article (1) Name
This document shall be referred to as the Charter of the Arab Organization for Human Rights in Northern Europe, and hereinafter may be referred to as the “Charter” or the “Founding Charter.”

Article (2) Applicability

• This Charter shall be provisionally applied from the date of its approval by the founding group, as per its provisions. It shall become final upon ratification by the General Assembly.
• Should any provision in a regulation or bylaw conflict with any article of this Charter, the provisions of the Charter shall prevail and supersede the conflicting regulations to the extent necessary to resolve the conflict.
• The provisions of this Charter shall serve as a guiding framework for the interpretation of all regulations issued following its implementation.

Article (3) Interpretation

1. In this Charter, as well as in all regulations and bylaws issued under its authority, and unless the context implies otherwise, the following words and phrases shall be defined as follows:
   • Arab Organization for Human Rights in Northern Europe: A non-governmental organization operating regionally within Europe, aimed at protecting, promoting, and respecting human rights and disseminating a culture of human rights in accordance with the international standards established by United Nations consensus and the international treaties and conventions ratified by European countries.
   • Arab Community: Refers to all Arab citizens and their equivalents, including residents, naturalized citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in Northern European countries.
   • General Assembly: Refers to all active members of the organization in Northern European countries who fulfill all membership requirements, in addition to the current Board members.
   • Board: Refers to the Board of Directors of the organization, elected in accordance with the provisions of this Charter.
   • Member: Refers to a member of the organization who meets the criteria specified in Article (7) of the Charter.
   • Membership Fee: Refers to the non-refundable financial fee paid once as a primary condition for obtaining membership in the organization.
   • Annual Subscription Fee: Refers to the non-refundable financial fee paid annually by a member to maintain and retain active membership status in the organization.

Chapter Two – Objectives and Means

Article (4) Objectives

• The Arab Organization for Human Rights in Northern Europe aims to establish and strengthen human connections between members of the Arab community and host societies, promoting a spirit of respect and cooperation among them.
• To defend the rights of members of the Arab community and address the challenges and difficulties they face in their migration and integration within Northern European societies, working to resolve these issues in coordination with relevant official bodies in the host countries, as well as with international and local non-governmental organizations and, where necessary, through legal channels.
• To support the educational, cultural, sports, social, and artistic activities of community members.
• To empower and develop the capabilities of the Arab community members and ensure equal opportunities for them in accordance with local laws.
• To provide legal and psychological support to organization members and the wider Arab community as permitted by applicable laws and within the organization’s principles and resources.

Article (5) Means

• The organization uses legal and peaceful methods to achieve its objectives and does not engage in any partisan or sectarian activities.
• It monitors and documents human rights violations.
• The organization opposes acts of violence, whether perpetrated by governments or by non-state groups.
• It publishes non-periodic bulletins, specialized reports, and quarterly publications.
• The organization also releases other publications as necessary, such as press releases and special reports.
• It conducts field visits and sends fact-finding missions as needed, publicly reporting the findings.
• It organizes conferences, seminars, workshops, and both general and specialized training sessions on knowledge-building, capacity-building, and skill development.
• The organization provides moral and financial support to individuals and institutions engaged in activities that serve the community’s objectives, as permitted and within financial constraints.
• The organization utilizes all available media outlets to further its goals.
• It seeks to acquire and exercise any rights, powers, or privileges granted by laws, systems, or regulations.
• The organization conducts its diverse activities in collaboration with local and international (non-governmental) organizations and institutions with shared areas of interest.
• The organization strives to actively engage with human rights mechanisms within Europe, the United Nations, or regional bodies in the Arab region and attends events and activities hosted by these mechanisms aligned with the organization’s principles and objectives.
• It engages and participates, as permitted, in the activities of Northern European parliaments, the European Union, or parliaments in the Arab region.
• The organization receives requests, petitions, or complaints from members of the Arab community, striving to engage with governments and institutions in Northern Europe where they reside.
• It networks, cooperates, and seeks membership with local, European, and international human rights organizations concerned with human rights.

Chapter Three – Membership of the Organization

Article (6) Membership

The organization accepts as members individuals who meet all membership criteria. Prospective members must submit a written (or electronic) application, stating their acceptance of the organization’s objectives and principles, commitment to the provisions of the Charter, willingness to fulfil their obligations, pay any dues and financial contributions, actively participate in the organization’s activities, respect human rights standards, and comply with the constitutions, laws, and regulations in force in Northern European countries.
An active member, provided they meet their financial obligations to the organization, enjoys all membership rights, including the right to run for and vote in organizational elections, branches, and offices.

Article (7) Membership Criteria

1. Must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Must be a citizen of an Arab country or of Arab descent.
3. Must reside permanently and stably in one of the Northern European countries or be a migrant worker, refugee, asylum seeker, immigrant, or member of a scientific mission.
4. Must have a good reputation.
5. Must be committed to the principles of human rights.

Article (8) Suspension and Revocation of Membership
A. Membership is automatically revoked in any of the following cases:

• Death.
• Permanent departure from the Northern European countries.

1. Membership may be suspended by a decision from the Board of Directors, with notification to the member within a maximum of 15 days, in the following cases:

• Failure to pay annual dues without a valid excuse before the end of the financial year of the current Board’s term, after receiving a notice from the Treasurer.
• By a decision of the Board of Directors, if the member violates the Charter of the organization or disregards the resolutions and recommendations of the General Assembly.
• Serious breach of human rights principles, standards, or local laws in Northern European countries.
• Conviction of a dishonourable crime, unless acquitted or legally rehabilitated.

Chapter Four – Organizational Structure

Article (9) General Assembly

The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of the organization, where all members gather to discuss policies, make collective decisions, set strategic directions, and address major issues relevant to the organization.
The organization adheres to principles of internal democratic governance, holding regular General Assembly meetings every three years in one of the Northern European countries or, if circumstances prevent this, in another country. In exceptional cases, the meeting may be postponed for a maximum of 12 months, but no further extension is permitted. The Assembly is composed of all organization members.

The General Assembly’s responsibilities include:

1. Reviewing reports from the Board of Directors on the preceding period.
2. Establishing general policy, work programs, and guidelines governing the organization’s activities.
3. Proposing amendments to the Charter.
4. Electing the Board of Directors.
5. Overseeing and holding the Board accountable.
6. Approving the budget and final accounts.
7. Reviewing grievances filed by organization members or offices against Board decisions.
8. Authorizing the creation of branches or offices of the organization, or ratifying the Board’s decisions in this regard.

Article (10) General Assembly Meetings

• The General Assembly meets every three years in person, with the interval between meetings not to exceed four years. In exceptional cases, meetings may be conducted via electronic means and require the presence of over 67% of General Assembly members for validation.
• Since Assembly membership is a personal responsibility, members cannot delegate attendance or representation to others.
• An extraordinary General Assembly meeting can be called upon the request of 51% of its members or a majority of the Board of Directors, detailing the reasons for the special session.

Meeting Invitations:

1. Regular meeting invitations are issued by the Secretary-General through personal delivery, fax, email, or text at least 15 days prior to the meeting, but no less than a week.
2. Invitations should include essential information such as location, date, time, and an attached agenda.
3. Extraordinary meeting invitations are sent at least 72 hours before the scheduled time, stating the meeting’s purpose, urgency, agenda, location, and time.
4. If a meeting begins with a quorum, its validity and decisions are unaffected by the departure of some attendees afterward.
5. At the start of each meeting, the oldest member presides as chair and the youngest as secretary. If needed, they may select a third member to assist, provided none are candidates for the Board of Directors.

Quorum Requirements:

• A regular meeting requires the presence of 67% of dues-paying General Assembly members.
• An extraordinary meeting requires at least 67% of active, dues-paying members.
• If the initial quorum is unmet, a follow-up meeting will be scheduled within a week, needing 51% of active members. If this quorum is also unmet, a third meeting can proceed with a minimum of 20% of General Assembly members.
• For an extraordinary meeting, if quorum is initially unmet, the meeting is rescheduled one hour later.

Article (11) Decision-Making Mechanism

1. All General Assembly members have equal voting rights, and decisions are made by majority (50% + 1). In case of a tie, the president’s vote is decisive.
2. Decisions on appeals against suspension or membership revocation are made by majority.
3. Voting is conducted openly by a show of hands to maintain transparency.

Article (12) Board of Directors

The Board of Directors serves as the organization’s governing body between General Assembly sessions, composed of seven members elected by direct vote during the General Assembly meeting.

• Newly joined members are ineligible for Board candidacy until 24 months of membership have passed.
• The Board’s first meeting includes electing a president, vice president, secretary-general, and treasurer. The president serves as the organization’s head, with the vice president and secretary-general assisting as needed.
• The Board’s term is three years, with members eligible for one re-election only.
• Monthly meetings are held, with decisions made by majority (50% + 1), and the president’s vote is decisive in ties.

Board Responsibilities:

1. Developing and overseeing the implementation of organizational plans and programs approved by the General Assembly.
2. Forming necessary offices, committees, and workgroups, and defining their roles and responsibilities.
3. Approving work programs of the offices and committees.
4. Distributing financial resources.
5. Overseeing daily operations.
6. Managing the organization’s website.
7. Finalizing the organization’s accounts and setting the annual budget.
8. Fostering relationships with other organizations and entities aligned with the organization’s goals.
9. Representing the organization in different forums.
10. Deciding on the organization’s participation in other human rights networks, with withdrawal decisions requiring Assembly approval.

Upon the end of its term, the outgoing Board must hand over all organizational assets, records, and documents to the new Board within 15 days, with financial and administrative inventories signed by both Boards’ president, secretary-general, and treasurer.

Article (13) President’s Duties and Responsibilities

1. Serves as the organization’s legal representative.
2. Chairs emergency General Assembly and Board meetings, coordinating agendas with the secretary-general.
3. Officially represents the organization and may delegate this role temporarily in writing to another Board member.
4. Oversees the implementation of decisions made by the Assembly and Board.
5. Co-signs financial documents with the treasurer.
6. Presents the final Board report during General Assembly meetings.
7. Co-signs correspondence and Board decisions with the secretary-general.
8. Signs cooperation agreements with the secretary-general.
9. Coordinates membership applications for international and local human rights networks with the secretary-general.
10. In the president’s absence, the vice president assumes all presidential responsibilities.

Article (14) Secretary-General’s Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinates Board and General Assembly meeting agendas with the president.
2. Issues meeting invitations after consulting with the president, with joint signatures.
3. Records Board and General Assembly meeting minutes.
4. Maintains Board records, organization archives, and information systems.
5. Manages the organization’s premises and assets.
6. Oversees the implementation of Assembly and Board decisions.
7. Creates regional offices as recommended by the Board, pending Assembly approval.
8. Co-signs correspondence with the president.
9. Prepares membership applications for various networks with the president.
10. Signs cooperation agreements with the president, pending Assembly ratification.
11. Appoints technical support and experts, and coordinates volunteer contributions.
12. Any other tasks assigned by the Board.

Article (15) Membership Revocation

1. Membership may be revoked for:
   • Reasons listed in Article (8).
   • Resignation from the Board or written withdrawal from the organization or Assembly.
   • Missing three consecutive Board meetings without a valid excuse.
2. If a Board seat becomes vacant, the president announces it and invites the candidate with the next highest votes to fill the vacancy.

Chapter Five – Organization’s Finances

Article (16) Resources

The organization’s financial resources consist of:

1. Membership fees, set at 50 euros annually. The Board of Directors has the authority to adjust this as deemed necessary.
2. Regular membership subscriptions, set at 50 euros annually. The Board of Directors has the authority to adjust this as deemed necessary.
3. Donations from members, friends, and supporters interested in human rights, provided they are unconditional and do not conflict with the organization’s general objectives. These donations require approval by the Board of Directors.
4. Income from projects carried out in partnership with European governmental institutions, local and international non-governmental organizations, or relevant United Nations agencies.
5. Any other sources that align with the organization’s goals.

The organization’s final accounts and budget shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors and the General Assembly, and also audited by an independent, certified auditing firm accredited by official authorities in a Northern European country, subject to applicable conditions.

Article (17) Expenditure Mechanism

1. The organization’s funds shall be held in its name in a designated account at a certified bank in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
2. The organization shall operate in the public interest in all its activities, with the Board of Directors determining and overseeing expenditure through the finance committee.
3. The Board members and policy-makers serve on a fully voluntary basis and shall receive no compensation.
4. Salaries for employees and dedicated staff shall be paid in accordance with collective labour agreements or local wage regulations.
5. Office expenses and other costs shall be paid based on invoices signed by the authorized disbursement officer, who is the Chair of the Board and the Treasurer.
6. The organization’s accounts shall be maintained according to recognized and legally approved accounting standards and shall undergo annual audits.
7. Organization funds may not be spent on political, partisan, or regional activities.
8. Engaging in gambling or speculative investments with organization funds is strictly prohibited.
9. The organization’s funds are considered its exclusive property; members have no claim over them. A member who resigns or whose membership is terminated has no rights to the funds, nor any claim to amounts previously paid in relation to their membership.
10. In the event of the organization’s dissolution, any remaining funds shall be allocated to institutions that focus at least 90% on public interest activities.

Chapter Six – Organization Headquarters

Article (18) Headquarters

The organization’s headquarters shall be established in the Kingdom of the Netherlands upon meeting all legal requirements and conditions. Expenses for the headquarters shall be covered by membership fees and donations.

Chapter Seven – Final Provisions

Article (19) Adoption of the Bylaws

These bylaws become effective upon ratification by the founding members and are to be presented for approval at the first General Assembly meeting. These bylaws may not be amended after approval except by a decision of the regular General Assembly with a 70% majority vote in a legally constituted meeting.

Article (20) Founding Board of Directors

1. The founding Board of Directors shall consist of 7 founding members of the organization.
2. The founding Board shall complete the necessary establishment procedures in accordance with the laws and regulations in effect in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
3. The founding Board shall manage all administrative, executive, and technical affairs of the organization as outlined in these bylaws during the establishment period.
4. The term of the founding Board shall be 3 years. Upon the completion of this term, a General Assembly shall be convened to elect a new Board of Directors with a three-year term. Founding Board members may run for one additional term only.
5. The founding Board may seek membership in international or regional organizations concerned with human rights.

Article (21) Candidacy for the Board of Directors

Upon calling for a General Assembly meeting, the organization shall open the candidacy period for Board membership for 10 days. During this time, the organization shall be managed by an interim Executive Director, selected from among organization members, provided they are not a Board candidate, the most senior employee, or a temporarily appointed director under contract. The interim Executive Director is solely responsible for administrative tasks related to the candidacy period and preparation for the General Assembly meeting, without authority to issue statements, reports, or public declarations on behalf of the organization.

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