Ministry of Interior’s Notice: Compliance with NGO Law
On 19 February 2025, the Ministry of Interior (“MOC”) issued Notification No. 571 on Performing Obligations under Law on Associations and Non-Profit Organizations (“LANGO”) (“Notification No. 571”) to remind associations and local non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) of their obligations. The notification aims to ensure compliance with legal principles, safeguard legitimate and public interests, and promote transparent and accountable partnerships between NGOs, associations, and public authorities. Additionally, all associations and local NGOs shall fulfill the following:
Key Compliance Obligations:
- Notification of Bank Accounts
Associations and local NGOs are required to notify MOI and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (“MEF”) in writing of all bank accounts opened for their operations within the Kingdom of Cambodia. This notification must be submitted within 30 (thirty) days from the date of registration. For those associations and local NGOs that have failed to provide such notification in the past, they shall comply by notifying MOI no later than the end of March 2025.
- Submission of Activity and Financial Reports
Local NGOs shall submit a report of their work activities and a financial report to MOI and MEF no later than the end of February 2025. In cases where financial support is received from donors, local NGOs are also required to submit a copy of sending the reports to the donor within 30 (thirty) days including:
- Approved project or work program documents; and
- A copy of approved grant agreement/financial assistance agreement from the donors within 30 (thirty) days from the date of the donor’s approval.
This document shall be kept at its headquarters for at least 5 (five) years.
- Notification of Changes
In the event of any amendments to the statutes, changes to the headquarters address, changes in the position of the president or head of the organization, or updates to bank account information, associations and local NGOs shall notify MOI in writing within 15 (fifteen) days from the date of the change. This notification must be accompanied by a complete set of updated documents reflecting the changes.
- Compliance with Statutes and Laws
Associations and local NGOs shall ensure that all their actions and activities are consistent with the statutes deposited MOI, as well as with all applicable laws and regulations in force.
- Prohibited Activities
Associations and local NGOs are prohibited from engaging in any activities aimed at seeking personal profit, personal profit-sharing, or any actions that may jeopardize security, stability, public order, national security, national unity, culture, traditions, or the good customs of Cambodian society. Such activities shall not contravene the provisions of the law. At the same time, associations and local NGOs are encouraged to foster collaborative partnerships with relevant ministries, competent institutions, and sub-national administrations when carrying out activities within their respective fields of expertise, in accordance with the law.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in warnings, suspension, or even deregistration of the NGO. The MoI’s notification serves as a crucial reminder for NGOs to review their compliance status and take immediate action where necessary.
How We Can Help
Our law firm provides comprehensive legal support to NGOs, including:
- Reviewing and updating statutory documents
- Assisting with regulatory filings and reporting obligations
- Advising on governance and compliance matters
We recommend that NGOs take proactive steps to ensure compliance with LANGO and related regulations. If you have any questions or require legal assistance, please contact our team.
Contributing Authors:
Panharith LONG
Associate
+855 12 252 189
Sopheareach PRUM
Paralegal
+855 89 346 506
prum.sopheareach@soksiphana.com
[Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for the reader information only and is not intended to offer any form of legal advice. Always obtain formal legal advice from qualified legal counsel with respect to this matter]
