Participation Criteria for Working Groups

The following draft of membership criteria for EMHRN WGs are proposed to be integrated in the EMHRN Bylaws.
 
Framework:
  • When setting up a new WG, a general call for participation is published to EMHRN members.
  • Subsequent calls for participation in the WGs to be announced every 3-4 years.
  • The Executive Committee appoints a political referent to act as an intermediate between the WG and the Executive Committee, ensuring that decisions of the EC and the WG are communicated to both parties
  • An EMHRN staff member is present at each meeting and ensures administrative coordination.
  • Each WG elects a chair person.
  • The WG can consist of the following members:
    • Regular members. Representatives of EMHRN member organisations.
    • Individual members. Individual members of the EMHRN.
    • Associate members.
    • Resource persons. Individuals or representatives of organisations (not necessarily EMHRN members); can be invited to attend one or more WG meetings depending on the meeting agenda. The decision to invite a resource person will take place upon consultation between the convener and the political referent.
    • The EMHRN finances the participation of regular and individual members as well as resource persons.
Quantitative criteria:
  • The total number of members (regular, individual and associate, including staff member, chair person and political referee) in each WG should not exceed 15 persons.
  • A person can only in exceptional cases be member of more than one working groups..
Qualitative criteria:
  • A member qualifies for membership of a WG upon written application and documenting direct and demonstrative involvement in the field of work of the WG.
  • Continued membership of the Working Group implies committed and active participation in its meetings and in the implementation of the WG decisions.
  • Duration of membership: 3 years with possible re-election
  • If a WG member fails to show up at three consecutive WG meetings without due notification s/he will no longer be considered a member of the WG.
The composition of the WG should aim at reflecting the geographical diversity in the region, both in the North and in the South as well as be gender balanced. It should also ensure inclusion of youth.