People Centered EAC: Perspectives on the Operating Environment for Civil Society Organizations in...
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People Centered EAC: Perspectives on the Operating Environment for Civil Society
Organizations in EAC Partner States
Prudence SEBAHIZINational Coordinator
EACSOF Rwanda
1
• Meaning of Operating Environment according to CIVICUS: Conditions within which civil society works; forces that shape and influence the size, extent and functioning of the civil society ‘space’.
• Factors affecting Operating Environment:– INTERNAL: CSOs legitimacy, transparency and accountability;
connections between CSOs;– EXTERNAL: the legal and regulatory environment, public attitudes, trust,
tolerance and participation, corruption, communications, technology and resources.
2
Conceptual Framework
• Unfavorable legal frameworks;• Political environment (intimidation, unnecessary bureaucracy,
negative perceptions, etc.);• Delays in processing applications for registration;• Limited awareness and wrong perception of CSOs by Partner
States Government.• How to enhance and sustain the Consultative Dialogue
Framework?• How to engage at national level?
3
Key Issues Affecting CSOs Operating Environment in EAC Partner States
• Work out a Funding Mechanism for CDF to ensure sustainability;• Making the national dialogue for a work (e.g. quarterly NDF at national level
that would feed into the SG Forum)• Establish a clear structure and coordination mechanism amongst CSOs; BUT-
Recognizing differences in governing systems of Partner States• Encourage close collaboration between CSOs and Governments at national
level;• Establish a Dialogue Framework between CSOs and EALA on one hand, and EACJ
on the other;• CSOs representatives should be invited to EALA sessions and national
Parliaments sessions;4
Recommendations
• Define clearly what CSOs are and create awareness on CSOs amongst government officials;
• To assess the contribution of CSOs to the Economy of the Partner States;• CSOs should be held accountable to the people they represent;• Encourage advocacy based on evidence both at national and regional
levels;• Ensure consistent legislation at local, national and regional level;• CSOs should establish a self assessment mechanism and aim at self-
regulation; - CSO of the Year Award in Kenya.
5
Recommendations (Cont’d…)
• Governments should secure budgets for CSOs to discourage donor dependency;
• CSOs should participate actively in the ongoing institutional review of the EAC and amendment of the Treaty to articulate people’s interests;
• CSOs should give their voice on the proposed Political Integration of EAC;
• Review of the Rules on Granting Observer Status
6
Recommendations (Cont’d…)