Constitution of the Humanist International

The undersigned parties and organisations as full members of The International, represented by their delegations at the Congress in Moscow, on October 4-6th 1993, by unanimity adopt the modifications to the Constitution of the International, whose text is as follows:

1.THE HUMANIST INTERNATIONAL

Is an association of parties, organisations and in cases, individuals, who endeavour to establish humanism in the world.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE HUMANIST INTERNATIONAL

To strengthen relationships between the member parties and organisations. Help the formation and development of parties and organisations with an affinity of goals and ideas where these do not exist. To develop humanist actions and ideas around the world. To develop solidarity amongst all nations and to support the peoples of the world in their struggle for political, economic and social liberation from oppressive conditions.

To these ends it will endeavour to persuade and exert influence in all political, social, and cultural instances defining positions in any matters linked to its interests.

3. MEMBERS

3.1 FULL MEMBERS

Full members will be the parties and organisations who, having requested admission, are accepted. The full members will have the right to vote and will pay membership contributions.

3.2 ADHERENT MEMBERS

Adherent members will be other parties, social, cultural, political and philantropic non partisan organisations who, having requested admission are accepted as members. They will have the right to voice their views but not the right to vote. They will pay membership contributions.

3.3 HONORARY MEMBERS

Honorary members will be individuals or organisations who by reason of their well known record in favour of humanist ideals are invited to participate as such by the Humanist International. The honorary members will not have the right to vote and they will integrate as a consultative and advisory body to the General Council.

4. ORGANISATION

4.1 CONGRESS

It is the highest body of the Humanist International.

It defines its principles and official documents and determines its Constitution. The Congress receives a report of the activities of the International since the last Congress. It prepares its agenda. It will meet regularly every three years on the date and place to be determined by the General Council. The Executive Committee or 50% of the full members can call for an Extraordinary Congress. The Executive Committee will declare the date and place of such Congress at least a month ahead.

4.1.1 QUORUM.

The quorum will be 2/3 of the full members and resolutions must be adopted by the majority of the members present. If there is no quorum on the first day of sessions the Congress will hold a new session the day after with those members who attend. Each full member carries one vote.

4.1.2 REPRESENTATION

Each full member may be represented by up to three persons who are properly acredited. Any affiliated member can represent their organisation at the Congress. Each full member will be allowed to file questions to be discussed by the Congress up to seven days prior to the holding of the sessions sending their suggestions to the Secretary General.

4.1.3 REPRESENTATION IN CASE OF ABSENCE

Represented members are those who, unable to attend the Congress, delegate another member to excercise the right of opinion and/or vote.

4.1.4 WORK OF THE CONGRESS

On the first day of sessions a chairperson and three secretaries of assembly will be nominated for the whole length of the Congress, they will chair the meetings and the development of the proceedings.

4.2 GENERAL COUNCIL

It is the executive body who implements the resolutions of the Congress. IIt i elected in a public and direct election and it remains in office for three years or until the celebration of the next Congress. The Council meets in ordinary sessions once a year.

The Council implements all decisions of the Congress, looks after the good development of the activities of the International, and for that purpose establishes its own rules of procedure. Decisions are taken by simple majority and in case of a hung vote the president will have a casting vote.

The Council will propose to the Congress, candidates for the offices of President, Vice-Presidents, and Secretary General.

The Council approves the annual budget submitted by the Finance secretary; convenes the Congress and has the right to organise conferences, seminars, regional and global meetings; establish special commissions nominating the people in charge and fixing terms and conditions for their work.

4.2.1 COMPOSITION

The General Council is composed of a Presidency, a Vice Presidency and a Secretariat.

4.2.2 PRESIDENCY

The President remains in office for three years or until the following ordinary Congress. This office represents the organisation in public. Together with the Secretary General and in consultation if necessary with one or more Vice-Presidents, will take discretionary political decisions between meetings of the General Council; attend all the meetings of the International; sign, together with the Secretary General, all the resolutions of the Congress and the General Council; inaugurate the opening session of the Congress and chair the sessions of the General Council.

4.2.3 VICE PRESIDENCY

It is composed of an Executive Vice-President and six or more Vice-Presidents. The Executive Vice President constitutes the Executive Committee, together with the President and the General Secretary. The Vice-Presidents represent publicly the International, and may carry specific tasks on its behalf by appointment of the General Council and the Executive Committee.

4.2.4 SECRETARIAT

This is made up of a General Secretary and a varying number of secretaries determined by the General Council according to specific needs.

The management and operation of the secretaries is the responsibility of the Secretary General.

Functions of the Secretary General are:

To co-ordinate the work of the secretaries; to keep the register of members; to give notice of the place and date of Congresses and other meetings to members, distributing the agenda and administrative reports; to keep the archives of the International; to represent with the President the organisation in public events and to subscribe documents with other organisations; to receive and process the applications for membership, suspension or expulsion of members to be considered by the General Council.

4.3 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Executive Committee is composed of the President, Executive Vice-President and Secretary General. It is the executive body of the General Council, implements its decisions and it is in charge of managing the activities of the International, decides about admission or expulsion of members. Has the power to appoint extraordinary representatives of the International in other countries, or regions and/or in charge of special missions.

5. FINANCES

The expenses of The International will be covered by:

    a) Contributions of full and adherent members;

    b) Contributions of friendly organisations;

    c) Donations.

5.1 CONTRIBUTIONS

The contributions of members will be determined by the General Secretariat with consideration to the conditions of the country, and development of the party or organisation, and financial possibilities of the same.

5.2 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

It is the joint responsibility of the Presidency and General Secretariat, who make up the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee will recommend to the general Council for its approval the regulations and procedures perceived as more adequate for a sound financial management.

5.3 AUDITING

Every year the accounts of The International will be audited by external auditors.

6. CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION.

Can be done only by The Congress by recommendation of the General Council and by a 2/3 majority of the voting members.

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