Network for Affirmation of the Non-governmental Sector - MANS

Network for Affirmation of the Non-governmental Sector - MANS (Mreza za Afirmaciju Nevladinog Sektora) was founded in 2000 by six NGOs operating in different fields and regions of Montenegro: Alter Modus from Podgorica (micro-credit), Fortuna from Niksic (children and youth), Manifesto from Bijelo Polje (media), Anima from Ulcinj (womens’ rights and minorities), Anima from Kotor (womens’ rights and non-violent communication) and the international organization Mercy Corps (humanitarian assistance and development). MANS was founded to support development of NGOs through capacity building, information-sharing and lobbying for improvement of NGO relations with stakeholders. During 2004-2005, MANS provided free legal advices in over 300 cases of corruption and human rights violations. On the basis of the law on free access to information we submitted over 400 requests to 59 institutions, received information in 40% and provided them to citizens and media that have requested information. In 2006, MANS continues to maintain an SOS line, to provide free legal advices for victims of corruption, monitor performance of local government in Podgorica municipality and to persist in researching corruption in spatial planning and development.