Non-profit organizations are required to report any funds or other forms of assistance received from foreign financiers within 15 days of receipt.
This is outlined in the new draft law on the special register and transparency of non-profit organizations, published by the Ministry of Justice of Republika Srpska.
The draft clarifies that non-profit organizations include associations, foundations, and foreign non-governmental organizations registered in Republika Srpska, which are wholly or partially financed by other states, international and foreign organizations, or foreign citizens.
Additionally, the draft law states that non-profit organizations are prohibited from engaging in political activities.
- “Their statutes, activities, and operations must not contradict the constitutional order, threaten democracy, undermine the integrity of Republika Srpska, violate constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and rights, or incite national, racial, or religious hatred and intolerance,” the law emphasizes.
Political activities, as defined by this law, do not include activities in the fields of science, culture, social and healthcare services, sports, consumer protection, the rights of national minorities and persons with disabilities, or environmental protection.
The law also stipulates the establishment of a register of non-profit organizations, which will be created and maintained by the Ministry of Justice. The register will contain basic information about each association or foundation.
- “Non-profit organizations listed in the register are required to submit semi-annual and annual financial reports indicating the source of funds, the amounts received, the type and amount of compensations and revenues expressed in monetary or other forms, as well as a report on the use of funds,” the law states. It also specifies that the Ministry of Justice will forward these reports to the Tax Administration of Republika Srpska for the purpose of business oversight.
If a non-profit organization acts contrary to the Constitution of Republika Srpska or its regulations, or if the Tax Administration identifies irregularities in its operations, the Ministry of Justice will submit a proposal to the court for a ban on the organization’s activities and file charges against the responsible individuals.
The law also defines monetary penalties ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 BAM for non-profit organizations that fail to label promotional materials, fail to submit reports, or provide inaccurate information.
This draft law is similar to the one withdrawn from parliamentary procedure on May 28 last year at the request of the Government of Republika Srpska. At that time, the decision to withdraw the law was announced by the Minister of Justice, Miloš Bukejlović, without a precise explanation for the withdrawal.
Last week, the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, stated that a law on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should be drafted in March in Republika Srpska to ensure transparency regarding the origin and recipients of foreign funds.
- “This aligns with the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump,” Dodik said, adding that a list of enemies of Republika Srpska would also be compiled and publicly disclosed.
Register
The draft law on the special register and transparency of non-profit organizations specifies that the Ministry of Justice of Republika Srpska will establish the register within six months from the date the law comes into force. During this period, the ministry is also required to adopt regulations on the content and format of the application for registration.
Source: Glas Srpske
