NGOs call for corruption investigation at National Children's Right Council 

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Monday, June 16, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Ten of Venezuela's most important NGOs have issued a statement complaining about the National Children's Rights Council (CNDN) and have called for a thorough investigation into allegedly shady administrative practices. 

After months of internal bickering and in-fighting, the board of directors finally resigned last week. 

The NGOs led by Cecodap and PROVEA indicate that personal and client-based interests ran amok in the council, causing a diversion of funds away from children's needs to bureaucracy, adverts and staff salaries ... "the board has shown an absence of governance and incapacity." 

Arguing that children should not be used as pawns in personal and political conflicts, the NGOs want to see a new board that coordinates policies and activities with the Social Cabinet.  They also called on the National Assembly (AN) to abolish the Children's Welfare Office (INAM) for once and for all. 

Among the resigning directors are: Ramon Gonzalez (president), Rosauro Leon Salazar (executive director), Noris Perez Marcano (deputy president), Damelis Yeguez (for Social Development ministry) and Lidice Navas (for Infrastructure Ministry), accused of nepotism, squandering money on travels abroad and office improvements.