3 (three) reasons to Oppose the PVO Amendment Bill

1) It hurts you and me

If passed, the Bill would affect the work of all non-profit organisations working in Zimbabwe, including those providing life saving assistance (think sanitary pad drives, community feeding centres and burial societies), religious charities, educational services, food aid, water and sanitation assistance, care for vulnerable children and more.

2) It does not promote our rights

It limits rights like freedom of association, right to privacy and political rights, which are provided for in Zimbabwe’s Constitution. The Bill gives unrestricted powers to the Minister of Public Service and Social Welfare which could affect operations of organisations, their staffing and governance and their services. It imposes regulations without detailing how organisations would comply. These broad and vague measures make it difficult for organisations to operate freely, and take Zimbabwe away from internationally accepted standards of good governance and human rights.

3) It is unnecessary

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations about money laundering and terrorist financing which this Bill claims to respond to have already been addressed in other laws and policies. Measures proposed regarding the political party finances are already addressed in the Political Party Finances Act. This Bill brings no added value.

What you can do about it

• Contact Parliament to voice your opposition: Email clerk@parlzim.gov.zw
• Participate in Parliament’s public consultations (stay tuned for more info!).
• Spread the word! Get informed and encourage others to also air their views.

Source: Kubatana.net