Civil society organizations held a consultative meeting Tuesday in a bid to strengthen oversight of the controversial security and NGO-oversight legislation.

They called for the government to make public the contents of the Security Act and legislation specific to NGOs.

Activists said it was the parliament’s job to inform the public about why the NGO bill has been delayed. The bill, which is awaiting approval by parliament, will reportedly restrict the number of foreigners allowed to work for relief organizations in the country. It would also require each organization to sign a “Country Agreement” with the government, the terms of which have not been specified.

There are concerns that the security bill would give national security service officers sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects without due process. The status of that bill has been unclear for months.

Grace John, who works for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, said they intend to meet with the minister of justice and members of parliament to discuss the legislation.