Article 1: NAME
The official name for the institute is “IBLA” (Institut des Belles Lettres Arabes-Institute of Arabic Literature)
Article 2: ADDRESS
The official address of IBLA is: 12bis rue Jamâa El Haoua; 1008 TUNIS – BM; Tunisia
Article 3: VISION
To contribute to the construction of a peaceful world that embraces justice and love, where cultures and religions can meet, dialogue thus achieving genuine mutual understanding and «living together». Regardless of one’s country, culture or religion, everyone is at the same time an actor and a receiver, enriching oneself with differences and transforming them together into a driving force for the future.
Article 4: MISSION
To encourage intellectual openness in Tunisia while developing dialogue between cultures and religions in order to achieve mutual understanding and peace.
Article 5: OBJECTIVES
IBLA has the following objectives:
5.1 Promoting respect and esteem for cultures;
5.2 Creating opportunities for intercultural and interfaith dialogue and encounter;
5.3 Preserving, protecting and promoting Tunisia’s cultural heritage and in general the cultural heritage of the Arab world.
5.4 Encouraging and promoting scientific research in social sciences and humanities in the Arab world;
5.5 Providing quality services;
5.6 Providing educational support and encouraging further studies;
5.7 Consolidating relations with the Tunisian society and its institutions;
5.8 Accomplishing anything that is auxiliary, relative and favourable to achieve the above objectives.
Article 6: MEANS
In order to meet its objectives, IBLA has set up and uses the following means:
6.1 The Research Library: It provides the public with a rich documentary collection on social sciences and humanities and languages in the Arab world. Languages include, Arabic, European languages, etc. The Research Library’s director is appointed by the Director of IBLA.
6.2 The Youth Space: It offers educational support to students through academic activities and a favourable study environment. The Youth’s Space director is appointed by the Director of IBLA.
6.3 The IBLA Review: Twice a year, it publishes a scientific periodical on social sciences and humanities in the Arab world and Tunisia in particular. Subject to the authority of IBLA, the IBLA review is organised autonomously with an editorial board, a director and an administrative team. The Director of the IBLA Review is elected by the Editorial Committee and minutes are published in the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic (JORT).
Article 7: GENERAL POLICY
7.1 IBLA is a non-profit making organisation and any surplus funds received or generated by its activities must be reinvested in the institute.
7.2 IBLA welcomes people without discrimination of gender, race and religion.
7.3 IBLA has no political or trade union affiliation and does not engage in any political or religious activities.
7.4 Provided its autonomy is not affected, IBLA can work with other national, regional and international structures to achieve its objectives.
7.5 All members of the IBLA team must comply with the African Missionaries’ Code of Conduct
Article 8: STRUCTURE
8.1 IBLA is an institute belonging to the Maghreb Province of the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers). The province which has full authority over the institute’s existence and activities.
8.2 Like any Catholic organisation in Tunisia, IBLA is dependent on the Archbishop (Prelature) of Tunis.
8.3 The Director of IBLA is appointed by the Provincial Superior of The Missionaries of Africa in the Maghreb, after consultations with his Council.
8.4 IBLA is managed by a Board of Directors whose members are appointed by the Director of the institute.
Article 9: DIRECTOR
9.1 The legal representation of IBLA is conferred on the institute’s Director.
9.2 The Director is responsible for final decision-making in the day-to-day affairs of IBLA, after consulting the other members of the Council.
9.3 For important decisions, the Director of IBLA consults the Provincial Superior.
9.4 In absence of the Director, another member of the Council will be delegated to temporarily execute activities on behalf of the institute’s Director.
Article 10: THE FINANCIAL MANAGER
10.1 The Financial Manager is appointed by the Director of IBLA, after consulting the Council.
10.2 The Financial Manager is responsible for all accounting and financial activities of the institute, under the authority of the institute’s Director.
Article 11: FINANCES
11.1 IBLA’s financial resources are provided by the Society of the Missionaries of Africa and through voluntary contributions, donations and grants from benefactors, states and various institutions, as well as through fundraisings.
11.2 IBLA’s financial resources are deposited on a bank account of a recognized local bank. The account holders whose signature endorsements are required to make transactions are, the institute’s Director and the institute’s Financial Manager.
11.3 The Financial Manager must keep the accounts up-to-date and submit them quarterly to IBLA’s Council.
Tunis, l8th June 2016
The Community Council (White Fathers) and the Extended Council of IBLA