Statute
Preamble
Version dated 30.06.2018
Haukari means solidarity in the Kurdish language (Sorani). The association Haukari emerged from a group of people who, since 1991, have been supporting projects for self-sufficiency in the self-governed Kurdish region of northern Iraq in various forms. A key aim of the association is therefore to continue—wherever circumstances allow—initiating and supporting self-determined projects. The association will aim to strengthen and expand existing contacts with local initiatives, village communities, neighborhood groups, women’s organizations, trade unions, and production cooperatives in this region. Conversely, it aims to win support in Europe for such projects and to promote intercultural exchange. While Haukari focuses on the Kurdish part of Iraq, it also aims to extend its work to other regions in line with the association’s goals.
§1 Name and Registered Office
(1) The name of the association is “Haukari e.V. – Working Group for International Cooperation.”
(2) The association is based in Frankfurt am Main.
(3) The association shall be entered into the register of associations.
§2 Object and Purpose
(1) The association’s purpose is to develop and implement self-help projects in regions deliberately kept underdeveloped as well as in war and civil war zones. The association promotes international understanding and equal exchange between the regions of this world. It seeks to raise awareness of the causes of poverty, oppression, war, and civil war.
(2) Haukari e.V. works through media outreach, publications, and public events.
(3) In the target regions, the association commissions aid workers to develop and implement self-help projects or train affected people to do so. These projects should:
a) support social and economic development of those affected,
b) secure their livelihoods,
c) provide counseling in health, legal issues, family planning, and education,
d) improve living conditions for women particularly affected by discrimination, exploitation, and abuse,
e) facilitate information exchange regarding the objectives listed above.
(4) A key criterion for funding by Haukari e.V. is that the projects are self-managed. The association cooperates with other organizations that share its mission.
(5) The association is non-partisan.
§3 Non-profit Status
The association exclusively and directly pursues charitable purposes as defined in the section “Tax-privileged Purposes” of the German Fiscal Code. It operates selflessly and does not seek commercial gain. The association’s funds may only be used for its statutory purposes. Members shall not receive any benefits from the association’s funds. No person may benefit from expenditures unrelated to the association’s objectives or through disproportionate remuneration.
§4 Membership
(1) Individuals who support the association’s goals may become members. Membership applications must be submitted in writing. The board decides on the application. Rejections must be justified. Appeals can be submitted in writing to the board within one month of notification. The next general meeting will make a final decision on the appeal.
(2) Membership ends:
a) upon death,
b) by formal expulsion, which can only be decided by the general meeting,
c) by resignation, which must be submitted in writing to the chairperson and is only effective at the end of a half-calendar year.
(3) The association’s founders are its first members.
(4) The general meeting determines the membership fees.
§5 Member Assembly
(1) The general meeting shall be convened at least once a year by the chairperson or, if unavailable, by the deputy, with four weeks’ notice and a draft agenda. A meeting must also be called if requested in writing by one-third of the members.
(2) The general meeting elects the board, receives reports from the board and auditors, and votes on discharging the board. It decides on the association’s activities and amendments to the statutes. A general meeting is quorate if properly convened. Resolutions require a simple majority of members present. In case of a tie, a motion is considered rejected. Amendments to the statutes require a two-thirds majority of members present and must be announced in the meeting invitation. Meeting resolutions must be recorded by a minute-taker elected by the members.
§6 Executive Board
(1) The board consists of 3 to 5 members:
a) the chairperson,
b) the deputy chairperson,
c) up to 3 additional board members. The association is represented judicially and extrajudicially by two board members.
(2) The board is elected by the general meeting for a term of two years, with separate ballots for each member. The board remains in office until discharged. If no new board is formed, the current board remains in place until a new one is elected.
(3) The board manages the association’s affairs and assets.
(4) The board is quorate if at least 50% of members are present. Decisions may also be made in writing and must be recorded.
(5) According to a general meeting resolution, board members may receive appropriate compensation.
§7 Management Board
(1) The board may appoint a management team of one to three individuals, depending on the budget.
(2) Management handles the association’s daily operations according to the statutes and board resolutions. It reports to the board and participates in board meetings and general meetings in an advisory capacity.
(3) A contract shall be concluded with each member of the management team, specifying responsibilities, terms, and compensation.
(4) Dismissal of management requires both a board decision and a two-thirds majority vote in the general meeting.
§8 Financing
(1) The association’s funds come from:
a) membership fees,
b) monetary and in-kind donations,
c) other contributions.
(2) The board decides on the use of funds.
§9 Auditing
(1) The rules for board elections also apply to the election of two auditors.
(2) Auditors have the right to inspect the books at any time. They review the financial statement and report to the next general meeting.
§10 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year is the calendar year.
§11 Dissolution of the Association
The association can only be dissolved by a general meeting convened for this purpose, with a three-fourths majority of members present. In the event of dissolution, or loss of charitable status, the association’s assets will be transferred to the support association PRO ASYL e.V., which must use them exclusively for charitable purposes.
§12 Statute
The statutes become effective upon entry into the register of associations.
The statutes are available for download.