J. whereas the Government of Bangladesh has proposed a new law that is reported to impose severe restrictions on non-governmental organisations (NGOs); whereas the new draft Foreign Donations Regulation Act would regulate operations and funding for any group in receipt of foreign funding, and give the NGO Affairs Office within the Prime Minister’s Office approval authority over foreign-funded projects; whereas the new draft act would also require anyone involved in voluntary activities to obtain approval prior to ...[+++]travelling out of the country for purposes related to their work on a project; whereas there is widespread concern among NGOs that the act will involve more government officers in the process as monitors, evaluators and approvers – with the potential for delays and malpractice;

J. whereas the Government of Bangladesh has proposed a new law that is reported to impose severe restrictions on non-governmental organisations (NGOs); whereas the new draft Foreign Donations Regulation Act would regulate operations and funding for any group in receipt of foreign funding, and give the NGO Affairs Office within the Prime Minister’s Office approval authority over foreign-funded projects; whereas the new draft act would also require anyone involved in voluntary activities to obtain approval prior to ...[+++]travelling out of the country for purposes related to their work on a project; whereas there is widespread concern among NGOs that the act will involve more government officers in the process as monitors, evaluators and approvers – with the potential for delays and malpractice;

The Communication and Narratives Working Group (RAN CN) The Education Working Group (RAN EDU) The Youth, Families and Communities Working Group (RAN Y,FC) The Health and Social Care working group (RAN HSC) The Local Authorities Working Group (RAN LOCAL) The Prison and Probation Working Group (RAN PP) The Police and law enforcement working group (RAN POL) The EXIT working group (RAN EXIT) The Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism Working Group (RAN VVT)

A working group on building trust in the electoral process has already adopted a draft law on a single voters’ list, to replace the law on voters’ register, as well as draft amendments to the law on personal identity cards.

8. Notes the initial approval by the State Duma of the Presidential draft laws aimed at comprehensive changes to the political system, including a simplification of the rules concerning the registration of political parties and their access to elections; urges the State Duma, when adopting the necessary laws, to take into account amendments jointly submitted by the non-registered parties; expects all sides to take the opportunity before the inauguration of the President-elect to decide on a comprehensive reform package including changes to the electoral law; expresses its strong wish to see a successful outcome and full implementation of all the reform proposals under discussion in the Medvedev working ...[+++]group; is convinced that a new electoral law and the registration of opposition political parties should provide a basis for free and fair elections to the State Duma;

A range of methods to develop participation and partnerships (such as forums, workshops, working groups, agreements, projects) have been used to prepare and implement a set of voluntary local plans, covering amongst others energy, traffic, health and welfare.