This report synthesizes reflections and learning emerging from a learning journey that brought together SDC’s FCHR, Governance and Education networks to discuss approaches to civic and human rights education – and their contribution to empowerment, participation and social cohesion.
This report summarises and analyses donor responses to the closure of civic space around the world. It is part of a wider effort within the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to enable joint learning to support SDC offices in dealing with the growing challenges they encounter in restrained or shrinking spaces for civil society.
The case study focuses on the outcomes and impacts of social audit practices in the framework of the Improved Livelihood of Rural Communities (ILRC) project implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in Afghanistan.
This section analyses twelve case studies on civil society participation and accountability in local governance processes. It looks at power issues and the analysis of power, the role of civil society and participation of civil society in local governance, accountability mechanisms and experiences, alignment with national policies and systems, and specific issues in fragile contexts.
The objective of this brief is to provide policymakers with strategic recommendations to support project/programme teams in strengthening SDC’s programming in civil society participation and accountability based on key learnings from the case studies.
As part of the learning project, eight case studies and four mirror case studies1 were developed to assess approaches and extract key learnings based on the experience of SDC and selected other local governance programmes in a variety of contexts, including fragile ones.
The Learning Project was launched by SDC in the framework of DLGN and mandated to HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation. Recommendations were formulated on the basis of eight case studies and four mirroring cases and were further debated in an e-discussion conducted between the 9th and the 19th of April. This document is a synthesis of the main discussion points.
Around the world we observe a contestation of the civic space. Fundamental freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly are repeatedly challenged. The scope for civil society to operate and engage in policy processes without fear of official disapproval, violence or judicial pursuit has narrowed. This guidance sheet frames the issue and formulates responses at different levels.
