In order to strengthen the legislative framework governing the operation of clubs in Cyprus, the preparation of a new legislative framework is being promoted, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, which will regulate the operation of sports clubs, said the Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, on Monday, noting that the aim is to create tools that will facilitate sports clubs and protect them from phenomena of mismanagement.
In his speech at today's second institutionalized dialogue between himself and voluntary organizations/NGOs, organized by the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordinating Council (PSSE), with the aim of strengthening communication and cooperation between the state and the voluntary movement.
Mr. Ioannou also said that they are attempting to modernize the framework governing the conduct of fundraisers and streamline the licensing process, strengthening safeguards for supervision, so as to limit cases of illegal and misleading fundraisers,
The Minister of Interior stressed the importance of cooperation between the state and voluntary organizations, recognizing the crucial role they play in Cypriot society.
In his greeting, Mr. Ioannou said that "the ability to openly discuss and exchange views on issues concerning the voluntary community is for us, as a Government, a valuable opportunity."
"The institution of dialogue constitutes an important platform for communication between voluntary organizations and state services. Through this dialogue, we seek to strengthen our cooperation, recognizing the crucial role that the voluntary movement plays in Cypriot society. Your action, dedication and selflessness are an integral part of our effort to formulate policies, so as to effectively respond to the needs of citizens," he added.
He noted that the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordinating Council has repeatedly proven its value, especially in emergency situations of a humanitarian nature.
"Through the Community Volunteering Councils, you have become the extension of state assistance mainly to local communities. Our cooperation is truly essential and the Christodoulides Government demonstrated its support for volunteerism in practice when it approved the regulations of the Pancyprian Volunteering Coordinating Council a month ago after 19 years of passing the legislation," he added.
Additionally, said Mr. Ioannou, "in the context of our activities, last September the 'Best Practices Report' prepared by the competent Directorate of the Ministry, regarding Non-Profit Organizations, was posted on the website of the Ministry of Interior."
"This report has as its main purpose the prevention and combating of the misuse of NGOs for the financing of terrorism in accordance with international recommended practices and the obligations of Cyprus. The report includes recommendations and guidelines aimed at enhancing the transparency, accountability and oversight of NGOs, in order to prevent the possibility of their resources being misused for illegal activities," he added.
At the same time, the Minister of Interior continued, "we are in the process of amending the Law on Associations and Foundations and other related issues, with the aim of modernizing and simplifying it, as well as strengthening the operation of Non-Governmental Organizations and transparency."
"Through the proposed amending bill, gaps as well as issues of interpretation of existing provisions are addressed, such as the process of dissolving a Non-Governmental Organization. On this occasion, I would like to thank both the PSSE and the NGOs individually for the constructive comments they submitted on our proposal, within the framework of the public consultation," he noted.
He also said that in order to strengthen the legislative framework governing the operation of clubs in Cyprus, they are working on the preparation of a new legislative framework, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, which will regulate the operation of sports clubs.
"The processes are still at an early stage, but our goal is to create the tools that will facilitate sports clubs and protect them from mismanagement," he said.
As he said, another important tool they introduced, utilizing the possibilities offered by technology, is the electronic platform for Non-Governmental Organizations.
"I am pleased to note that over 700 organizations are already utilizing the platform, which contributes significantly to the better organization and management of the NGO Registry and the saving of resources and time for the benefit of both NGOs and the competent state services. In order to better train NGOs in the use of the platform, the Ministry is at the disposal of the PSSE to organize additional training seminars," he added.
He also stated that they are attempting to modernize the framework governing fundraising and streamline the licensing process, strengthening safeguards for supervision.
"Our goal is to limit cases of illegal and misleading fundraising, so as to ensure that the money offered by citizens is used for the purpose of the fundraising," he noted.
He also said that the Christodoulides Government recognizes organized volunteer groups as a central pillar of the smooth functioning of our society.
"To this end, we are investing in strengthening our cooperation, with the aim of promoting changes that ensure the smooth functioning of voluntary organizations, providing them with the tools for their substantial and effective presence in society," he added.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Interior, during the meeting, NGO representatives expressed their views and concerns, and in a spirit of constructive discussion, the necessary answers were given by the Minister of Interior and the relevant technocrats.
