Civil society organizations (CSOs) have to rely on international donors by 100 percent for their survival, and the government is not yet in position to allot budgets to them, according to discussions over the introduction of a sustainability index report for CSOs.
"We have reviewed the cooperation with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Generally, we consider that Myanmar's CSOs cannot provide advocacy for the Myanmar society. This is because we have to rely solely on international donors. What I want to say is that we have to depend on international donors by 99.99 percent to receive aid. In our country, the government is no position to allot budgets to CSOs," said Myo Win from Smile Education and Development Foundation.
The report pointed out that the government drafted a bill related to INGOs in December last year asking Myanmar citizens and internal organizations to monitor INGOs and report any cooperation with them. Therefore, local CSOs raise concern about fewer contributions from INGOs. Comments were invited in response to the bill but the situation has not improved.
The meeting participants said CSOs are facing various difficulties in their procedural tasks although they have expected more transparency when the National League for Democracy government came to power.
"Under this government, we expect to voice more openly over the ongoing issues. But the NLD has circulated a letter. It is also circulated in parliament. Lawmakers cannot go to the events organized by CSOs without permission. Another thing is that we have to submit a letter for approval to hold dialogues for advocacy. This didn't exist under the previous Thein Sein government," said consultant (TBC) Khin Myo Aye.
