Postview: NGOs should welcome scrutiny

Though it's not as blatant now as it once was, the unauthorized use of trademarks and other intellectual property in this country has been a hallmark of the post-communist era. A restaurant in Vinohrady has made a living for years on its liberal use of characters from The Simpsons. Before Starbucks came to town, a coffeeshop at the north end of Wenceslas Square drew in a steady stream of American tourists with a menu and green-and-white logo that closely mimicked the coffee giant's.

We were reminded of that proclivity by this week's piece about suspect charities that trade on the UNICEF logo and good name of Mother Teresa. Reporter Wency Leung is quickly making a beat out of pursuing questionable organizations and activities that lead to vacant offices or a token staff person who professes to know nothing.

If a consumer chooses to patronize a Starbucks knockoff, that's a clear case of caveat emptor. But, if shady charities are conducting operations here that have been questioned or banned in other countries, it's a matter of public interest that needs to be addressed.

Charitable giving is still in its infancy in the Czech Republic, and the truly dedicated people who work in that field will tell you how hard it has been to develop an awareness of the need for it, much less generate actual donations. But organizations like the VIA Foundation are making great strides, and even some of the corporations are starting to step up.

Which makes it all the more imperative that the charitable sector be transparent and open to scrutiny. No matter what the specific cause, all charitable giving is based on faith - that the organization is reputable, and that the money will be used for its intended purpose. Any breach of that implicit covenant sullies not just the individual organization, but all charitable efforts.

So responsible NGOs and charities should welcome some form of oversight. Ultimately, it's the only guarantee these organizations can offer potential donors that their money is being used wisely. A good start would be requiring charitable organizations to file financial reports or even tax forms that would be open to public inspection, so the finances are clear and the officers easily identifiable.

That won't shut down charity scams. But at least it will give potential donors some tools to evaluate where their money is best spent, and serious charitable organizations a chance to establish their bona fides. Over time, the bright light of public exposure will drive the bad players to dark corners, like the cockroaches they are.