Charter of ORPE | ORPE ADVOCACY

Preambule

We, the founders, members, and stewards of ORPE Human Rights Advocates (ORPE-HRA), affirm that human dignity is inherent, sacred, inviolable, and foundational to all legitimate systems of governance, justice, and peace. We recognize that truth is the highest foundation of justice and freedom, and that the protection of human dignity must be upheld without compromise.

We further acknowledge a moral and spiritual responsibility toward a higher ethical order, and toward the restoration of justice, compassion, and truth in human affairs. Guided by conscience, compassion, and courage, we commit ourselves to a moral path that transcends convenience, fear, and self-interest.

Resolved to uphold truth without distortion, to defend human dignity without compromise, and to pursue justice not only as accountability but as restoration, we establish this Charter as the governing instrument of ORPE-HRA and as the formal expression of its mission, structure, and operational principles. This Constitution shall serve as the guiding framework for our actions, decisions, and enduring commitments.

Relationship Between ORPE and ORPE-HRA

The Order for Restoring Peace on Earth (ORPE) constitutes the overarching moral, philosophical, and faith-inspired framework guiding the movement’s vision for global peace and justice.

ORPE Human Rights Advocates (ORPE-HRA) is the legally constituted, operational, and institutional humanitarian entity established to implement ORPE’s principles through lawful programs, partnerships, and development initiatives.

ORPE-HRA therefore serves as the implementation and advocacy arm of ORPE within legal, humanitarian, and institutional systems.

ARTICLE I — NAME, LEGAL STATUS, AND INCORPORATION

Section 1. Name

The name of the organization shall be Orpe Human Rights Advocates (ORPE-HRA).

Section 2. Legal Status

ORPE-HRA is hereby established as a non-profit, non-stock, non-partisan, and non-governmental organization, organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, humanitarian, educational, and developmental purposes.

ORPE-HRA shall operate in compliance with applicable domestic laws, including those governing nonprofit corporations in the State of Maryland, United States, and relevant international legal standards.

Section 3. Incorporation

ORPE-HRA is incorporated as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or equivalent legal regime in any jurisdiction of operation.

Section 4. International Scope

ORPE-HRA shall operate globally, with priority focus on fragile, conflict-affected, and underserved communities.

ARTICLE II — MISSION AND FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINE

Section 1. Mission

ORPE-HRA exists to:

Restore and advance human dignity through humanitarian action, rule of law strengthening, ethical governance reform, institutional capacity building, and sustainable community development, guided by a doctrine of truth-driven empowerment and moral responsibility.

Section 2. Foundational Doctrine: Truth-Driven Empowerment

ORPE-HRA affirms the following governing principles:

Truth is foundational to justice and institutional legitimacy
Human dignity is inherent and non-negotiable
Justice must be accessible, accountable, and restorative
Governance must be transparent, ethical, and service-oriented
Communities are primary agents of their own transformation
Moral and spiritual conscience may inform ethical development practice, without coercion or discrimination

ARTICLE III — PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

ORPE-HRA shall pursue the following objectives:

1. Human Dignity and Protection

Deliver humanitarian assistance in crisis and post-conflict contexts
Protect vulnerable populations and uphold internationally recognized human rights standards

2. Rule of Law and Justice Systems Strengthening

Improve access to justice and legal empowerment
Support judicial integrity, accountability, and institutional reform

3. Ethical Governance and Anti-Corruption

Promote transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption mechanisms
Strengthen public sector integrity systems

4. Institutional Capacity Development

Strengthen justice sector institutions and civil society organizations
Enhance governance systems and service delivery mechanisms

5. Sustainable Community Development

Support locally led development initiatives
Promote resilience, economic inclusion, and social cohesion

ARTICLE IV — CORE PRINCIPLES

ORPE-HRA shall operate in accordance with:

Human Dignity — Respect for all persons without exception
Justice and Equity — Fair and impartial access to rights and opportunity
Integrity and Truthfulness — Transparency and accountability in all actions
Faith-Informed Ethics — Values-based guidance without coercion or exclusion
Participation and Inclusion — Community-led decision-making and empowerment
Do No Harm — Conflict-sensitive and risk-aware programming

ARTICLE V — PROGRAMMATIC STRUCTURE

ORPE-HRA shall implement its mission through five programmatic pillars:

Crisis Response and Humanitarian Relief
Rule of Law and Access to Justice
Governance Reform and Anti-Corruption Systems
Institutional Capacity Building
Sustainable Development and Resilience Building

ARTICLE VI — GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

Section 1. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall:

Provide strategic oversight and fiduciary governance
Ensure compliance with legal and donor obligations
Safeguard mission integrity and organizational accountability

Section 2. Executive Leadership

The Executive Director shall:

Oversee implementation of programs and operations
Manage staff, partnerships, and institutional performance
Ensure regulatory, financial, and donor compliance

Section 3. Advisory Council (Optional)

The Advisory Council may provide non-binding expertise in:

Ethics and theology
Law and governance
International development and humanitarian response

ARTICLE VII — ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, ETHICAL AND FAITH-BASED IDENTITY

1. Accountability & Transparency

ORPE-HRA commits to:

Independent financial audits and internal control systems
Compliance with donor regulations and reporting requirements
Publication of annual reports and financial disclosures
Anti-corruption safeguards and whistleblower protections

2. Ethical & Faith-Based Identity

ORPE-HRA affirms that:

It is faith-inspired but non-sectarian and non-coercive
Services shall be provided without discrimination of any kind
Participation in programs shall not require religious affiliation
All personnel shall adhere to professional ethical standards

ARTICLE VIII — PARTNERSHIP & NON-DISCRIMINATION

1. Partnership

ORPE-HRA may collaborate with:

National and local governments
Civil society organizations
Faith-based and community institutions
International development and humanitarian agencies

2. Non-Discrimination

ORPE-HRA shall not discriminate on the basis of:

Race
Religion
Gender
Ethnicity
Political affiliation
Socioeconomic status

ARTICLE IX — AMENDMENTS, DISSOLUTION, ADOPTION

Section 1. Amendments

This Charter may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors, provided that:

Amendments remain consistent with the mission and legal purpose of ORPE-HRA
Amendments comply with applicable law and nonprofit regulatory requirements

Section 2. Dissolution

Upon dissolution of ORPE-HRA:

All remaining assets shall be distributed exclusively to one or more nonprofit organizations with similar charitable purposes
No assets shall inure to the benefit of any private individual
Distribution shall comply with applicable nonprofit and tax-exempt laws

Section 3. Adoption

This Charter is hereby adopted as the foundational governing instrument of ORPE Human Rights Advocates (ORPE-HRA).

DECLARATION