{"id":2477,"date":"2025-12-11T08:50:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T08:50:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=2477"},"modified":"2025-12-11T11:39:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T11:39:54","slug":"ngos-union","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=2477","title":{"rendered":"NGO’s UNION"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

TERMS OF REFERENCE<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Section of Doninu (Malta) International<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. MISSION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The mission of the NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> is to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Protect and defend NGOs, volunteer groups and individuals against unfair treatment or abuse of power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Monitor public governance practices that affect civil society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Provide ethical, investigative and structural support to those facing intimidation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Safeguard fundamental rights in line with Maltese law, EU law, UN conventions, and international civil society principles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    2. NATURE AND STATUS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> is an internal section<\/strong> and not a separate legal entity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • It collects no money<\/strong> and operates no funds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • It has no bank account<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • It performs no commercial activity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • It functions strictly under the statute and governance of Doninu (Malta) International.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      3. CORE FUNCTIONS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      1. Investigation and Documentation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Receive complaints from NGOs or affected individuals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Document cases of pressure, misuse of authority, or unjust treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Prepare internal or public reports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        2. Institutional Intervention<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • Correspond with public entities where necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Support escalation of cases to:\n
            \n
          • Ombudsman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • EU Ombudsman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • FRA (EU Fundamental Rights Agency)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • OLAF<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • UN Committees and Special Rapporteurs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            3. Whistleblower Protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Ensure confidentiality and security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Protect against retaliation or harassment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              4. NGO Support and Guidance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • Ethical guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Assistance in governance issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Preparation of formal complaints<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Media communication when required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \n\n\n\n

                4. STRUCTURE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> Leader<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Responsible for strategic direction, coordination and representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Investigations & Governance Desk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Handles complaints, conducts inquiries and prepares reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Communications Desk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Manages public, institutional and NGO communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n\n\n\n

                5. LIMITATIONS AND GUARANTEES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> cannot engage in any financial activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • It cannot impose sanctions on NGOs or individuals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • It does not replace legal counsel but supports documentation and protection efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  A. MALTESE LAWS THAT PROTECT YOU<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                  The Constitution of Malta<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Provides the strongest protections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Freedom of Expression (Article 41)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  You have the right to publish investigations, reports, and criticism about public officials and government entities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Freedom of Association (Article 42)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  You have the right to create a Union of <\/strong>NGO’s or any section under Doninu without interference from the State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Protection from Discrimination (Article 45)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  No public official may treat Doninu or any NGO unfairly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n\n\n\n

                  Criminal Code of Malta (Chapter 9)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Direct protection against abuse by public officials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Abuse of Power (Articles 112\u2013115)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Any public official (including commissioners, directors, ministers\u2019 staff, government officers) who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • uses their position against you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • threatens you<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • tries to intimidate your group<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • misuses authority<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    commits a criminal offence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Threats and Intimidation (Article 82A)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    If any official threatens, pressures, or harasses you or any volunteer, this is a crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Obstruction of Justice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    No official can interfere with your investigations or reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n\n\n\n

                    Whistleblower Protection Act (Chapter 440)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    This gives very strong protection<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • whistleblowers,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • journalists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • NGOs reporting misconduct,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • people exposing corruption or abuse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Protected persons CANNOT be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • threatened<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • punished<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • discriminated against<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • intimidated<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • harassed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • retaliated against<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        for reporting wrongdoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        This law directly protects Doninu and the NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n\n\n\n

                        Standards in Public Life Act (Chapter 551)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        Covers all senior officials<\/strong> including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Commissioners<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Directors-General<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Permanent Secretaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Chairpersons<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Heads of public agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Ministers\u2019 appointees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          They are legally prohibited from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • abusing authority<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • acting with bias<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • intimidating NGOs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • interfering in civil society<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • acting with political favouritism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • retaliating against whistleblowers or journalists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            If they do so \u2192 They are in breach of this law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n\n\n\n

                            GDPR & Data Protection Act (Chapter 586)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Protects Doninu and its members from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • illegal disclosure of personal data<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • leaks of addresses or sensitive information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • misuse of personal information by a public office<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • harassment using data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Violations can be reported to the Information and Data Protection Commissioner<\/strong> and the European Data Protection Board<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n\n\n\n

                              Ombudsman Act (Chapter 460)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              Allows you to report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • unfair treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • discrimination<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • abuse of power<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • maladministration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • intimidation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • illegal decisions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                by any public authority in Malta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                The Ombudsman can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • investigate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • issue recommendations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • force departments to correct their actions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • declare actions unlawful or abusive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  B. EUROPEAN UNION LAWS THAT PROTECT YOU<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                                  EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Legally binding in Malta)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                  Article 11 \u2013 Freedom of Expression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  Protects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • independent journalism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • investigations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • public reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • criticism of government agencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • reporting abuse or corruption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    Article 12 \u2013 Freedom of Association<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    You are free to establish the NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> without interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Article 21 \u2013 Non-Discrimination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    The government cannot retaliate or discriminate against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Article 47 \u2013 Right to an Effective Remedy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    You may escalate complaints to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \n
                                    • EU Ombudsman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • European Court of Justice<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • European Court of Human Rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • OLAF<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • FRA (Fundamental Rights Agency)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n\n\n\n

                                      EU Whistleblower Protection Directive (2019\/1937)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      Applies directly in Malta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Gives protection against:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      • retaliation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • intimidation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • threats<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • unfair treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • blocking your work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • harassment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • data misuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • disciplinary action<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • attempts to silence you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                        Covers all reports relating to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \n
                                        • corruption<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • abuse of power<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • misuse of public office<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • discrimination<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        • human rights abuses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                          \n\n\n\n

                                          GDPR (EU Regulation 2016\/679)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          Provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \n
                                          • complete personal data protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          • strong penalties for government misuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          • right to privacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                          • right to complaint at EU level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                            \n\n\n\n

                                            EU Anti-Corruption Framework<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                            Allows Doninu or the VPU to report any wrongdoing to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \n
                                            • OLAF (EU Anti-Fraud Office)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            • EPPO (European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            • EU Ombudsman<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                              These institutions protect whistleblowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \n\n\n\n

                                              C. INTERNATIONAL LAWS THAT PROTECT YOU<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                                              UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                              Malta is legally bound to protect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \n
                                              • NGOs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • activists<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • journalists<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • persons with disabilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • families<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                              • whistleblowers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                Articles that protect Doninu directly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Article 16 \u2013 Protection from abuse and exploitation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                State officials must NOT harm or intimidate organisations supporting vulnerable people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Article 21 \u2013 Freedom of Expression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                You have full right to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \n
                                                • investigate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                • publish<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                • expose wrongdoing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                • defend disabled persons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Article 4 \u2013 State obligations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                  The government must support NGOs, not attack them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \n\n\n\n

                                                  Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Key protections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Art. 19<\/strong> \u2013 Freedom of expression<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  • Art. 20<\/strong> \u2013 Freedom of assembly and association<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                  • Art. 12<\/strong> \u2013 Protection from interference, harassment, or unlawful attacks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                                    \n\n\n\n

                                                    UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Malta must protect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • whistleblowers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    • anti-corruption NGOs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    • investigative journalists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                      from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \n
                                                      • retaliation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • intimidation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • harassment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • threats<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                      • interference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                                        \n\n\n\n

                                                        European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 Article 10 \u2013 Freedom of Expression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 Article 11 \u2013 Freedom of Association<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 Article 13 \u2013 Right to Remedy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 Article 8 \u2013 Right to Privacy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The European Court of Human Rights can be used if Malta fails to protect you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \n\n\n\n

                                                        D. WHAT ALL THESE LAWS MEAN FOR DONINU & THE NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 You are LEGALLY protected from any abuse by public officials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 No official can intimidate you, threaten you, or interfere in your work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 You can expose wrongdoing safely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 You can escalate any case to EU or UN bodies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 The VPU is 100% legal and protected<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 You have full protection as journalists and as a civil society organisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 Malta is legally obliged to protect, not attack, NGOs and whistleblowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \u2714 Any retaliation from government = illegal and can be prosecuted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Legal Statement<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Status of the <\/strong>Legal Statement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Status of the NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Section of Doninu (Malta) International<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                        The Volunteer Protection Union (VPU)<\/strong> is hereby declared to be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \n
                                                        • An internal section<\/strong> of Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Fully and legally subordinate<\/strong> to Doninu (Malta) International;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Not an independent legal entity<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Not a separate organisation<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Not a commercial body<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        • Operating entirely under the name, governance, statute and legal personality of Doninu (Malta) International.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Accordingly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          and a documenting body<\/em>
                                                          within Doninu (Malta) International.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          All activities, decisions, communications, investigations, and interventions<\/strong> undertaken by the VPU fall legally under the authority of Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The VPU cannot hold bank accounts<\/strong>, cannot collect money<\/strong>, and cannot engage in commercial <\/strong>, because it is not a separate organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          All official documents, letters, statements, press releases, and reports issued by the NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> must be signed or authorised under Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> exists solely as a protective, investigative and advocacy section<\/strong> created to support NGOs, volunteers, civil society members, and whistleblowers who suffer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Abuse of power<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Intimidation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Retaliation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Discrimination<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Harassment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Bad governance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Unfair administrative decisions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> operates according to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Maltese Law<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          EU Law<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          UN Conventions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          European Fundamental Rights standards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Internal statutes of Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> has no voting power outside the structure of Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>, and cannot override or contradict the leadership or statutes of Doninu (Malta) International.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> acts strictly as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          a support mechanism<\/em>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          a protection mechanism<\/em>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          a monitoring mechanism<\/em>,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Section of Doninu (Malta) International<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                          The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> is hereby declared to be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • An internal section<\/strong> of Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Fully and legally subordinate<\/strong> to Doninu (Malta) International;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Not an independent legal entity<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Not a separate organisation<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Not a commercial body<\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                          • Operating entirely under the name, governance, statute and legal personality of Doninu (Malta) International.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Accordingly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \n
                                                            1. All activities, decisions, communications, investigations, and interventions<\/strong> undertaken by the NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong>fall legally under the authority of Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            2. The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> cannot hold bank accounts<\/strong>, cannot collect money<\/strong>, and cannot engage in commercial or fundraising activity<\/strong>, because it is not a separate organisation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            3. All official documents, letters, statements, press releases, and reports issued by the NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> must be signed or authorised under Doninu (Malta) International<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            4. The NGO’s Together As One Union (NTAOU)<\/strong> exists solely as a protective, investigative and advocacy section<\/strong> created to support NGOs, volunteers, civil society members, and whistleblowers who suffer:\n