As usual, when I see "..." in a quote coming from the WTS, I run for the original source. Check this out.
Here's a quote from the WTS letter:
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What is an NGO? A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level. ...NGO’s perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizen’s concerns to Governments. ...Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the United Nations System differs depending on their goals, their venue and their mandate.
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Here is the complete quote from the source document:
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What is an NGO? A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens' concerns to Governments, monitor policies and encourage political participation at the community level. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health. Their relationship with offices and agencies of the United Nations System differs depending on their goals, their venue and their mandate.
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Hmmm, does "theocratic warfare" permit the WTS to misdirect their own members, as well as "the enemy"?
So in time of spiritual warfare it is proper to misdirect the enemy by hiding the truth.At all times they must be very careful not to divulge any information to the enemy that he could use to hamper the preaching work.
(quotes from The Watchtower May 1, 1957, pages 285-286)
I think it's great to see the WTS quoting from the UN DPI-NGO brochure. This is the second letter from the WTS I have seen wherein they refer to this document as an authority on the UN-NGO relationship, which it is. This very same document says the following, regarding the criteria and responsibilities of associated NGOs:
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"Share the ideals of the UN Charter"
"Have the commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes about UN activities..."
"The Department of Public Information and NGOs cooperate regularly."
"NGOs associated with DPI disseminate information about the UN to their membership, thereby building knowledge of and support for the Organization at the grassroots level."
"This dissemination includes: Publicizing UN activities around the world on such issues as peace and security, economic and social development, human rights, humanitarian affairs and international law; Promoting UN observances and international years established by the General Assembly to focus world attention on important issues facing humanity."
"...undertake to support the work of the United Nations and to promote knowledge of its principles and activities..."
"Have the commitment and means to conduct effective information programmes about UN activities..."
"...disseminating information and mobilizing public opinion in support of the UN and its Specialized Agencies. Association with DPI constitutes a commitment to that effect."
"Associated NGOs are expected to devote a portion of their information programmes to promoting knowledge of the United Nations' principles and activities."
"In addition, they are expected to keep the DPI/NGO Section abreast of their activities by regularly providing samples of their information materials relating to the work of the UN."
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TS,
