Constitution of Al Fajr Organization for Peace, Development and Justice
Introduction:
The Dawn Organization for Peace, Development, and Justice is a humanitarian institution operating in Sudan and the region. It is an independent charitable organization with diverse activities that offers its services to those in need in Sudan and neighboring countries without discrimination or bias, staying clear of political involvement in current policies and conflicts. Our vision is to be the leading organization in relief efforts, mitigating the effects of disasters caused by wars, and combating poverty through development.
Part One: Establishment of the Organization
Article (1):
The organization was founded in 2022 when a number of members from the Dawn Organization for Peace, Development, and Justice called for raising funds to counter the triple threat (poverty, war, disease) and to address the increasing needs of local communities in conflict zones, after rising rates of unemployment, disease, and poverty across most parts of Sudan. Given the citizens’ needs and in alignment with humanitarian directives, the organization was officially established with legal status, headquartered in Khartoum, with the potential to open branches in various Sudanese states, neighboring countries, and the European Union. The organization operates under its internal regulations and aims to be a leader in relief efforts, disaster mitigation, and poverty reduction through development.
Part Two: Objectives of the Organization
Article (2):
The organization works to achieve the following objectives:
1. Promote the culture of peace and humanitarian values.
2. Support the democratic transition in Sudan.
3. Establish concepts of justice and human rights.
4. Focus on education, research methods, information technology, and scholarships.
5. Promote and develop sports.
6. Develop and preserve arts, cultural heritage, intellectual property, and folk traditions at local, regional, and international levels.
7. Raise awareness about the dangers of drugs, mind-altering substances, destructive ideas, and harmful habits.
8. Contribute to the development of strategic plans in all areas of life.
9. Promote and achieve sustainable development across all sectors of society.
10. Work to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in practice.
11. Support rural development and encourage reverse migration from cities to rural areas.
12. Work to preserve and develop livestock, forest, and fishery resources.
13. Undertake projects to mitigate the impacts of climate change, environmental change, and promote clean energy.
14. Establish water projects (wells, dams, and distribution stations) and sanitation systems.
15. Focus on nomads, herders, and farmers.
16. Promote economic empowerment projects for women.
17. Empower communities with means of production to combat poverty, especially vulnerable groups affected by conflicts and wars, with a focus on children, women, and orphans.
18. Enhance capacity building, self-reliance, and human development.
19. Seek scholarships for Sudanese students both locally and internationally.
20. Develop production and productivity through financing institutions.
21. Focus on vocational and technical training.
22. Contribute to reducing the risks of emergencies and disasters by building readiness for humanitarian interventions and implementing relief programs.
23. Work towards achieving voluntary return and stability for displaced persons, refugees, and returnees.
24. Focus on people with disabilities.
Part Three: Membership
Article (3):
Membership forms in the organization are:
A. Founding Members: These are the original members who initiated the organization.
B. Associate Members: These members are added to the organization and include those residing abroad or outside the organization’s primary location. They enjoy full membership rights except for the right to stand for elections, vote, or hold executive positions.
C. Solidarity Members: These include institutions, organizations, and national bodies.
D. Honorary Members: Individuals who have provided significant service to the organization and are approved by the General Assembly. They enjoy all rights and duties of regular members except for the right to stand for elections and vote.
E. Youth Members: This is a special membership granted to talented and creative children to support and develop their skills.
Part Four: Organizational Bodies
Article (4):
The work of the organization is carried out by:
1. General Assembly
2. Board of Directors
3. Executive Office
A. General Assembly:
• The General Assembly is the highest body in the organization and is composed of all founding members and those who joined within the first year of establishment.
• The General Assembly meets regularly, with sessions held at least every two years and extraordinary sessions as needed.
• It may call for an extraordinary meeting based on a request from the Board of Directors or a majority of the members.
• The General Assembly chooses the location of future sessions during each regular meeting.
• It adopts the organization’s internal regulations.
• The main responsibilities of the General Assembly include:
• Determining general measures to achieve the organization’s mission.
• Awarding the “International Humanitarian Diplomacy Prize” annually to distinguished peace organizations and activists.
• Appointing the Secretary-General.
• Reviewing the reports of the Board and the Executive Office and approving them.
• Providing directives to the Board and forming necessary committees.
• Monitoring the organization’s financial policies and approving the budget.
• Cooperating with all relevant international and national organizations by appointing observers.
• Setting rules for the operation of the organization’s bodies, especially the general, financial, and staff systems.
• Appointing the permanent headquarters of the Executive Office.
Part Five: Elections in the General Assembly
Article (5):
In General Assembly elections, each member has one vote, and decisions are made by a two-thirds majority of votes cast, with the chairperson’s vote being the tie-breaker.
Part Six: The Executive Office
Article (6):
The Executive Office is the executive body.
Article (7):
The General Assembly determines the composition of the Executive Office, ensuring fair geographic representation.
Article (8):
The Executive Office meets at least once a year, with the location to be determined.
Article (9):
The Executive Office can hold an extraordinary meeting in accordance with the regulations if the Secretary-General receives a request from a majority of members.
Article (10):
The Executive Office elects its president and vice-president from among its members.
Article (11):
Except for the powers given to it in other parts of this constitution, the main responsibilities of the Executive Office are:
• Implementing decisions made by the General Assembly and managing the organization’s activities accordingly.
• Preparing the General Assembly’s agenda and guiding technical committees.
• Providing reports on activities at each session.
• Advising the General Assembly on issues referred to it by the organization or through agreements with partners.
• Presenting a general work program for approval.
• Directing the Secretary-General to take necessary actions in the event of a disaster.
Part Seven: The Secretariat
Article (12):
The permanent Secretariat of the organization consists of the Secretary-General and a number of members who carry out the organization’s activities.
Article (13):
The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly, based on a proposal from the Board of Directors, following the conditions specified by the General Assembly. The Secretary-General is the highest administrative and technical official in the organization.
Article (14):
The Secretary-General prepares annual reports for the Board, including financial statements and budget estimates.
Article (15):
The terms of employment for the organization’s staff should align with international standards for similar positions.
Article (16):
The Secretary-General and staff are not permitted to accept instructions from external authorities while carrying out their duties for the organization. They must avoid any actions that conflict with their roles as employees of the organization.
Part Eight: Conferences
Article (17):
The organization organizes global and local general courses, seminars, and workshops to explain the workings of the organization, humanitarian work, and the protection of civilians. Local and national organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, may participate in these meetings.
Article (18):
The Secretary-General represents the organization at conferences in which the organization has a stake.
Part Nine: Technical Committees
Article (19):
The Board of Directors establishes technical committees as required by the organization and may create additional committees based on suggestions from the Secretary-General.
Article (20):
The Board reviews the necessity of maintaining technical committees periodically, at least once a year.
Article (21):
Members of the organization have the right to represent in technical committees.
Article (22):
Each technical committee elects its chairperson, who may attend General Assembly and Board meetings without voting rights.
Article (23):
The Board may create committees with other organizations or involve the organization in such committees, ensuring its representation.
Part Ten: Financial Matters
Article (24):
The Secretary-General and the Board Chairperson prepare the annual budget estimates for the organization and present them to the Board for review and approval by the General Assembly.
Article (25):
The General Assembly determines the maximum allowable expenditures based on the budget presented by the Board.
Article (26):
Expenditures are divided among members based on the budget provided by the General Assembly, with fees deducted from annual membership dues.
Article (27):
The General Assembly delegates the necessary authority to the Board Chairperson to approve the organization’s annual expenditures within the set budget limits.
Article (28):
The General Assembly or the Board may accept donations and bequests made to the organization and manage them, provided the conditions are acceptable to the General Assembly and do not contradict the organization’s goals.
Part Eleven: Documents Submitted by Members
Article (29):
Each member is required to submit a CV confirming their experience or training in humanitarian work.