The Annual General Meeting of the International Federation of Journalists, meeting in Athens, Greece, on April 20th 2023,
noting that members' access to the IFJ's financial data is a right guaranteed by the Belgian legislation on international non-profit organisations (AISBL);
recalling the motion agreed by the Angers congress in 2016 setting out an IFJ Finance Commission composed of three lay auditors elected by the Congress to complete the work of the professional external auditors, to ensure the members’ insight and access to financial information.
believing that increased transparency can ease tensions within the IFJ; welcoming the efforts of the IFJ Secretariat and its leadership to increase the transparency of the IFJ.
Further noting the need to ensure adherence to best international practice in relation to the management of accounts, having full regard to the importance of transparency, administrative efficiency, and the prudent use of financial resources.
The IFJ Annual General Meeting calls on the IFJ Executive Committee to:
1. allow all IFJ member associations and unions access to audited accounts as soon as they are available (and before they are approved by the Executive Committee and the Annual General Meeting);
2. share the reports of the IFJ Finance Commission with all IFJ members before the Annual General Meeting.
3. Having due regard to independent, external, legal advice, carry out a comprehensive, root and branch review of the administration of the organisation, in the context of the statutory requirements of the registration of the IFJ as an ASBL under Belgian law, taking into account: the practical, legal, administrative, and financial implications; the diverse culture of trade union cultures within the Federation; the need for universal and equal access to Annual General Meetings, in the context of disparities in access to online meetings and the potential impact of diverting scare resources away from the core functions of the IFJ, including project activity. The report should be presented to the next Congress along with any proposals for Constitutional amendments which might arise from the review.