Tell us what CIVICUS should work on in the next five years!

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Dear colleague

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation needs your voice so that we can together shape an inclusive and ambitious global civil society agenda for the next five years.

Earlier this year, we started to develop our new Strategic Directions, which will guide the work of the CIVICUS civil society alliance between 2013 and 2017. Planning together now will help us strengthen civil society and citizen action around the globe in the near future.

We turn to you - the members, partners and friends that make the CIVICUS alliance tick - to find out what key trends and issues are affecting you and your constituency at the moment. We need your insights on the challenges and opportunities that civil society organisations and citizens face. In particular, we want your guidance on how the CIVICUS alliance should respond to these challenges and opportunities over the next five years.

It will take you 10-15 minutes to complete this simple survey, and your input will shape the alliance's work for the next five years. The deadline for completion of the survey is Monday 25 June 2012. You may have already participated in a consultation session, in which case we give you our thanks, but we would also invite you to answer this survey.

If you have any technical difficulties in completing the survey, please contact Mariano de Donatis, CIVICUS Senior Stakeholder Engagement and Regional Outreach Officer, .

Beside this survey, there are lots of other ways you can help shape the new Strategic Directions - you can join one of our physical consultations, you can take part in one of our weekly thematic  webinars on specific themes, or you can run your own consultation. Or you can simply email the CIVICUS Strategic Directions team with your own ideas on what CIVICUS' future focus should be at .

Please access the survey by clicking here English Francais Espanol
In solidarity,

Katsuji Imata

Acting Secretary General

This week in e-CIVICUS

  • Urgent action: safety of Nabeel Rajab must be ensured
  • Coming of age in Rio?
  • Uzbekistan: allow independent experts access to prevent persecution, say CIVICUS and Expert Working Group
  • Increased support needed for civil society in Azerbaijan after Eurovision contest
  • World Assembly blog: building partnerships: beyond buzzwords
  • CIVICUS UN Representative Jeffery Huffines represents NGO Major Group at Major Groups press conference
  • CIVICUS Board Member Rajiv Joshi moderates UN press conference on Sustainable Development Goals
  • Youth Blast: an opportunity for young people to participate in the Rio+20 action
  • Presentation: launch of special issue of the Journal of Economic Inequality: ‘Measuring Poverty Over Time', 14 June 2012
  • Bahrain: released activists urge end to crackdown

Read Online nowSubscribe to the e-CIVICUS here

Dites nous ce sur quoi CIVICUS devrait travailler dans les 5 prochaines années!

Chers collègues,

CIVICUS l’alliance Mondiale pour la Participation Citoyenne, sollicite tes idées et tes connaissances afin de construire tous ensemble une société mieux intégrée et élaborer un agenda ambitieux pour la société civile internationale dans les 5 prochaines années.

Au début de l’année nous commencerons à procéder au développement de nos nouvelles directions stratégiques, lesquelles guideront le travail de l’alliance CIVICUS entre 2013 et 2017. Planifier ensemble ces stratégies nous aidera à renforcer la société civile et l’action citoyenne à travers le monde dans les prochaines années. 

¡Díganos sobre que CIVICUS debería trabajar en los próximos cinco años!

Estimad@ coleg@

CIVICUS: Alianza Mundial para la Participación Ciudadana necesita tus ideas y conocimiento para que todos juntos podamos construir una sociedad mas inclusiva y una agenda ambiciosa para la sociedad civil mundial para los próximos cinco años.

A principios de este año comenzamos con el proceso de  desarrollo de nuestras nuevas direcciones estratégicas, las cuales guiarán el trabajo de la alianza CIVICUS entre 2013 y 2017. Planificar juntos ahora nos ayudará a fortalecer a la sociedad civil y a la acción ciudadana en todo el mundo en los próximos años.

Multi-stakeholder engagement in the institutional framework for sustainable development and compendium of commitments

This Rio+20 side event, to be held on 14 June, is the third in a series that will examine the representation, participation and accountability of civil society and Major Groups in informing, monitoring and implementing intergovernmental policy-making in a reformed institutional framework for sustainable development that embraces multi-level governance. Speakers will evaluate best practices of public participation in other multilateral bodies as well as civil society proposals not yet implemented. It's jointly organised by CIVICUS, Stakeholder Forum and UN-NGLS.

Find out more.

Quebec not alone in legislating against freedom of association

Current events in Quebec, Canada where a law has recently been introduced in an attempt to limit long-running student protests, offer a reminder that the challenges of state pushback against protest, as documented extensively by CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation in its recent report, the State of Civil Society 2011, are not limited to developing countries and those without elected governments.

The new special law – Bill 78 – that has been introduced to limit strictly assembly of more than 50 people, flies in the face of accepted good practice about laws to regulate and enable citizen action. The new law was also introduced in a hasty manner with minimal consultation.

 

CIVICUS believes that as a minimum, governments must guarantee the rights of freedom of association, freedom of expression, and the right for civil society to operate free from unwarranted state interference and to communicate, cooperate and seek and secure funding. Without these conditions, fundamental rights of people to express their concerns and combine to seek change, rooted in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, cannot be properly realised.

Trade unions at the vanguard of social protection

A virtual consultation hosted by CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

Wednesday 13 June, 2012 at 1 pm UTC/GMT

In an era marked by increasing inequality, economic contraction or jobless growth and high youth unemployment, the fallout of the economic crisis has placed the issue of social protection high on national and global agendas. The existing institutions of global governance have failed to provide a people-centred response to economic crisis, and instead states have privileged private capital over people, for example through the bailout of banks. In such times, social protection policy initiatives that transfer income or assets to the poor to protect against risks to their livelihoods are all the more necessary to realise the rights of the vulnerable.

CIVICUS Statement at Human Rights Council 19th Special Session on the deteriorating human rights situation in Syria

CIVICUS is appalled by this new chapter of killings in El-Houleh, including of 49 innocent children, and by the overall deteriorating human rights situation in Syria. We therefore welcome this Special Session.

Read the full statement

CIVICUS Submission to 2012 UN Human Rights Council Social Forum on ‘People Centred Development and Globalisation

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is a global movement of civil society with members and partners in over 100 countries. CIVICUS welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the 2012 UN Human Rights Council Social Forum on ‘People Centred Development and Globalisation’. CIVICUS believes that developmental initiatives at local, national and global levels must be genuinely inclusive and participative, taking into account the needs and aspirations of all sections of society, in particular women, young people, vulnerable and marginalised groups. Policy formulation and implementation thus must be people-centred. Moreover, processes must be grounded in democratic principles and equality in relations amongst peoples and nations.

Read the full submission

An offline and online revolution: new media and civil society

A virtual consultation hosted by CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Wednesday 6 June 2012 at 1 pm UTC/GMT

Social media and mobile technology have served as catalysts for offline activism and vehicles for new forms of online activism. Many CSOs though have failed to capitalise on the potential of new media to reach out to newly mobilised ‘netizens’, and some CSOs like the Invisible Children have managed to harness its power to spread simplistic and ultimately harmful messages. At CIVICUS, we have also seen that netizens have increasingly come under attack by governments as the parameters of journalism shift.

This webinar will feature presentations on:

  • Digital activism and its role in revolutionary and post-revolutionary Egypt – Ramy Raoof, Founder, Egyptian Blog for Human Rights
  • The dangers of a single story: Kony 2012 – Rosebell Kagumire, Editor and Digital Rights Campaigner, Channel 16 Uganda
  • The clampdown on online civic space: an overview of trends in internet restrictions – Ciana-Marie Pegus, Strategic Direction Officer, CIVICUS

Participants will be welcomed by CIVICUS’ Policy and Research Director Netsanet Belay. The session is expected to last for 90 minutes. 50 minutes will be dedicated to an open discussion during which you are invited to share your experiences and perspectives.

Click here to register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/833451505.

Space is limited so mark your calendar and register now!

This consultation is part of a series of weekly webinars. You can find out more about the other webinars here.

Nabeel Rajab Released on bail

CIVICUS is extremely pleased that Nabeel Rajab was released on bail on 28 May 2012. The prominent Bahraini human rights activist, and friend of CIVICUS, was arrested and detained earlier this month on charges of “inciting illegal rallies" through social media networks and "defaming" Bahrain's security forces.

We remain seriously concerned about the safety of Mr Rajab and other human rights activists in Bahrain who have been repeatedly detained and beaten by security forces. CIVICUS call for all the criminal charges against Nabeel Rajab and other human rights defenders to be dropped.

Whilst in court earlier this month Nabeel Rajab rejected all charges against him. "I only practised my right to free expression," he told the court. "I did not commit a crime."

On 8 May 2012 CIVICUS and 35 organisations and individuals sent an open letter to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa calling for immediate and unconditional release of Nabeel Rajab.

This week in e-CIVICUS

  • CIVICUS delivers Major Group statement on Rio+20
  • 'My message to civil society is that you are vitally needed': interview with Nikhil Seth, Head of the Rio+20 Secretariat
  • CIVICUS global consultations - new dates confirmed
  • Weekly webinar: Finding common ground - a global civil society alliance and faith based civil society, Wednesday 30 May
  • Hockey federation turns blind eye to human rights by confirming 2014 championships in Belarus
  • Brazil lowers exorbitant hotel costs for delegates going to Rio+20
  • UNESCO-MOST Conference 2012: Labour Rights as Human Rights? Migration, Labour Market Restructuring, and the Role of Civil Society in Global Governance, Sweden, 30 May to 1 June 2012
  • New study on aid transparency and climate finance
  • Azerbaijan: authorities violently disperse peaceful rallies

Read Online now | Subscribe to the e-CIVICUS here

CIVICUS delivers Major Group statement on Rio+20

A statement of the nine Major Groups involved in the Rio+20 sustainable development process was delivered to a special session of the UN General Assembly this week by CIVICUS’ UN New York representative, Jeffrey Huffines. The statement’s eight key asks are to renew leadership; ensure non-regression; achieve equity; enable inclusive participation; improve the governance of sustainable development; establish sustainable development goals; base decisions in sound science; and move beyond GDP as a measure.

Read the full statement.

Weekly webinar: finding common ground - a global civil society alliance and faith based civil society, Wednesday 30 May

Register Now!

Faith-based CSOs have the potential to harness the energy and passion of people of faith and access large pockets of social capital. At CIVICUS, we are seeking to build effective partnerships with organisations that mobilise people of faith so that we can achieve greater impact in areas of common interest together.

In this webinar, the latest in our weekly series, we will explore the importance of interfaith dialogue at the grassroots level and the role of faith-based organisations in peace-building, and we also hope to critically examine the potential advantages and disadvantages of working with faith-based organisations as development partners.

Register now, and find out more on our weekly series.

CIVICUS World Assembly: an action-packed programme!

WA LogoThe 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly programme is now available. The content is rich, the presenters are bringing a great diversity of expertise, there are a thousand things for you to accomplish... and your own participation is only a click away!

Benefit from...

  • 5 days (Youth Assembly and World Assembly) of constructive discussions and exchanges;
  • Around 1,000 delegates from over 100 countries;
  • Over 200 keynote speakers, presenters and experts wanting to share the wealth of their knowledge;
  • 52 very interactive work sessions supporting the 3 World Assembly and Youth Assembly programme tracks;
  • Many social activities to foster long-lasting and fruitful relationships;
  • The annual CIVICUS members' meeting;
  • The Citizen Café to meet enthusiastic partners and learn about the latest projects
  • ...and lots more!

The 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly awaits you in beautiful Montréal. Register today!

Consultas globales de CIVICUS - nuevas fechas confirmadas

La serie de consultas globales de la alianza CIVICUS, están llegan a tu región. Los resultados de estas consultas ayudaran a formar las líneas centrales de trabajo de CIVICUS por los próximos cinco años. Te invitamos a que compartas tu experiencia y perspectivas bajo la consigna “Afrontando los desafíos que enfrenta la humanidad: una agenda para la sociedad civil 2013-2017” en los siguientes espacios y horarios:

Helsinki, Finlandia, 28 de Mayo 2012

Maputo, Mozambique, 30 de Mayo 2012

Johannesburgo, Sudáfrica, 1 Junio 2012

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 8 Junio 2012

Si estas interesado en participar en la consulta de Maputo, por favor contacta a:

Si estas interesado en participar en la consulta de Johannesburgo, por favor contacta a:

Si estas interesado en participar en la consulta de Buenos Aires, por favor contacta a:

Para ver la lista de consultas pasadas y futuras clickea aquí 

Si no hay consultas en tu país y tu organización tiene la capacidad de convocar a organizaciones para asegurarse que las preocupaciones y opiniones de la sociedad civil de tu país sean representadas en los diálogos globales de las direcciones estratégicas de CIVICUS, por favor contacta a .

Consultas Globais da CIVICUS - Novas datas confirmadas!

A serie de consultas globais da CIVICUS está chegando a uma localidade perto de você. Os resultados destas consultas vao ajudar a moldar o enfoque do trabalho da CIVICUS para os próximos cinco anos. Convidamos-lo a compartilhar suas experiências e perspectivas sobre o tema "Enfrentando os desafios que afectam a humanidade: uma agenda da sociedade civil para 2013-2017" nos seguintes locais e datas.

Helsinki, Finland, 28 de maio 2012

Maputo, Moçambique, 30 de maio de 2012

Johannesburg, África do Sul, 01 de junho

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 08 de junho de 2012

Se você estiver interessado em participar na consulta em Maputo, entre em contacto com Natalie atraves do email, . Se estiver interessado em Johannesburg, entre em contacto com Megan atraves do email, . Se estiver interesado em Argentina, entre em contacto com Mariano atraves do email .

Para ver a lista de consultas anteriores e as que estao sendo planejadas para o futuro, consulte:

http://www.civicus.org/en/component/content/article/6-accountability/899-attend-or-host-a-strategic-directions-consultation

Se não houver consultas planejadas no seu país, e a sua organização é capaz de mobilizar sua rede de contatos para assegurar que as preocupações e opiniões das OSC em seu país são representadas no diálogo global, entre em contato com Ciana-Marie Pegus atraves do email:

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CIVICUS global consultations - new dates confirmed

Portuguese  | Spanish   

The CIVICUS alliance's series of global consultations is coming to a locale near you. The output of these consultations will help to shape the core work of the CIVICUS alliance for the next five years. We invite you to share your experiences and perspectives on the topic 'confronting the challenges facing humanity: a civil society agenda for 2013 to 2017' at the following locations and dates.

Helsinki, Finland, 28 May 2012

Maputo, Mozambique, 30 May 2012

Johannesburg, South Africa, 1 June

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 8 June 2012

If you are interested in attending the Maputo consultation contact . If you would like to attend the Johannesburg consultation contact . If you want to attend the consultation in Buenos Aires contact .

For a list of past and future consultations click here

If there is no planned strategic directions consultation in your country, and your organisation is able to mobilise your network of contacts to ensure that the concerns and opinions of CSOs in your country are represented in the global dialogue, please contact Ciana-Marie Pegus,  

Hockey federation turns blind eye to human rights by confirming 2014 championships in Belarus

Eight human rights organisations in the Czech Republic, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland are deeply disappointed that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has confirmed at its general assembly in Helsinki that the Republic of Belarus will host the 2014 IIHF World Championship.

Belarus finds itself in the most alarming human rights crisis since the country became an independent state in 1991. We believe that to hold the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Belarus would support and legitimatise a regime that violates the human rights of the people of Belarus in an alarming way.

Webinar- Civil society in crisis: civil society funding and the way forward

A virtual consultation hosted by CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Wednesday 23 May, 2012 at 1 pm UTC/GMT

The global economic crisis has been a devastating blow for many civil society organisations. According to data from the CIVICUS Civil Society Index, several CSOs report declining funding, volatility and changing donor priorities, and in response are focusing on diversifying funding sources. The State of Civil Society report published earlier this year reiterated that restrictive funding policies continue to hinder CSOs’ ability to be effective development actors. It is clear that diverse funding strategies and good donor-CSO relations are needed for CSOs to weather these turbulent times.

This webinar will feature presentations on:

  • Civil society funding patterns, trends and survival strategies: Lessons from CIVICUS’ State of Civil society 2011
  • The economic crisis and the impact of funding cuts on civil society in the UK – Oliver Henman, UK and International Campaigns Manager, National Council for Voluntary Organisations

The session is expected to last for 90 minutes. 50 minutes will be dedicated to an open discussion during which you are invited to share your experiences and perspectives.

Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/117739296

This consultation is part of a series of weekly webinars. Find out more.

CIVICUS' Crisis Response Fund supports the Yemen Portal

yemen12“CIVICUS has directly contributed to freedom of expression and citizen participation in Yemen”- Yemen Portal

In January 2011 the Yemeni people rose up and demanded change, calling for an end to Ali Abdullah Saleh’s dictatorship and the establishment of a democratic state. The regime responded by systematically targeting activists, civil society members and journalists.  Media exposure of the events in Yemen was severely curtailed by power cuts, which limited television and internet, and fuel shortages, which limited transportation. Radio emerged as the best medium in which to convey news of the Yemen situation to the community and the outside world- FM waves can be picked up on small handheld phones and radios running on batteries. 

The Crisis Responsyemen22e Fund supported the Yemen Portal in establishing an independent youth radio station at Al-Tagheer (Change) Square in Sana’a, broadcasting programmes to promote democracy, tolerance and human rights and spreading news of the situation in Yemen to both local residents and the international community. The radio succeeded in producing exclusive content and broadcasting regularly during critical times, such as the massacres perpetrated by security forces in Sana’a and Taiz.

Following months of protests Saleh’s reign has ended. The Yemen people now face a difficult transitional period, tasked with building an inclusive and democratic state that guarantees human rights. Yemen Human Rights defenders join activists in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and around the world in fighting to defend citizens’ rights and freedoms.  Protestors in the ongoing Syrian crisis have been subjected to a violent crackdown. The Egyptian transition is walking on to increasingly shaky ground. A recent CIVICUS report indicates that civil society operates in restrictive environments in over 90 countries around the world. 

The Crisis Response Fund needs YOUR help. Threats to Civil Society, like those in Yemen, require urgent response and decisive action.Standing shoulder-to-shoulder we CAN make a difference. Become a human rights defender and make a donation today: support the CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund, support Human Rights, support civil society.

Photos by Imad Mohamed Mar'e and Amran Shahbein.

 

CIVICUS is committed to accountability and transparency in all the work we do. As founding members of the INGO Accountability Charter, CIVICUS aims to demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct and accountability. Further information can be found at here.

 

CIVICUS presentation on Ethiopia to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

CIVICUS has called on the Ethiopian Government to ensure that its land investment policy does not undermine the rights of small-scale agriculturalists to an adequate standard of living including access to adequate food. The Government should institute a land tenure system that strengthens land tenure security, protects small landholders from displacement and provides for adequate compensation and social services in the event of expropriation.

Read more

CIVICUS: Iran must revoke harsh sentences against human rights defenders

24 April 2012, Johannesburg.

Serious violations of the fundamental rights of women human rights defenders are continuing unabated in Iran, says CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation.

In the latest instance, Mansoureh Behkish was sentenced to four and a half years in jail for her human rights work on 3 April 2012. Mansoureh was sentenced to four years for colluding against the Republic through the Mourning Mothers Group and an additional six months for instigating propaganda against the government.

The Mourning Mothers Group, of which Mansoureh is a member, campaigns against unlawful killings, arrests, torture and enforced disappearances of Iranians. The group is composed of women whose children have been murdered, detained or disappeared in Iran since June 2009, and also includes family members of victims of serious human rights violations perpetuated by the Iranian government.

CIVICUS alliance makes recommendations to UN Human Rights Council on Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zambia

Members of the CIVICUS alliance have made submissions to the next meeting of UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review process, which reviews countries’ human rights records. The submissions, for Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zambia, focus on such areas as the rights of freedom of assembly and association, the enabling environment for civil society, the status of journalists and the treatment of minorities.

CIVICUS prepared the submissions in collaboration with the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, Pakistan NGO Forum and Zambia Council for Social Development. View them below.

This week in e-CIVICUS

  • Bahrain Grand Prix ignores human rights abuses and heightens tensions
  • 'What is needed is a monitoring and accountability system for governments North and South' - Rio+20 interview with Roberto Bissio, Coordinator, Social Watch (Feature)
  • 'International civil society should spread awareness of the devastating effects of Ethiopian law': interview with Endalkachew Molla, Director, Human Rights Council, Ethiopia (Interview)
  • CIVICUS expresses its condolences at the passing of JCIE President, Tadashi Yamamoto
  • United Nations Voluntary Fund 2013 Call for Applications (Opportunity)
  • Online discussion: tactical dialogue on working with corporations to assess and improve human rights impact (Event)
  • Make your actions count at Rio+20 - VolunteerActionCounts (Take action)
  • Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies: International Advocacy Programme Coordinator (application deadline 5 May 2012)

Read Online now | Subscribe to the e-CIVICUS here

Big questions over the future of sustainable development leadership? Help us answer them

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is working towards Rio+20 on several fronts, including by acting as an organising partner of the NGO Major Group and co-organising critical meetings and workshops around the world. As part of our contribution to the discussion on the future of sustainable development leadership, we are also supporting the Regeneration Project, led by GlobeScan and Sustainability.

Take the survey
As part of this initiative, CIVICUS invites you to participate in the first of two global expert surveys to explore the future of leadership for sustainable development.

Released: Civil Society Bulletin April 2012

In this issue:

  • Time for a new social contract: CIVICUS’ inaugural State of Civil Society Report suggests a generational opportunity for civil society in the face of multiple global crises
  • CIVICUS and the Arab NGO Network for Development highlight Syrian crisis and demand a political solution
  • CIVICUS analysis piece: strengthening civil society voices at the UN Human Rights Council
  • ALGERIA: Continued harassment of activists one year after repeal of emergency
  • BAHRAIN: Demands to release human rights defender on hunger strike increase
  • IRAN: Renewal of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran welcomed

Read this issue online | Subscribe and never miss a future issue

This week in e-CIVICUS

  • Time for a new social contract: CIVICUS report suggests a generational opportunity in the face of multiple crises
  • Turning principles into practice: a successful platform strengthening CSO transparency and accountability practices in Latin America
  • A slippery slope in Southern Africa
  • Bahrain: UNESCO head condemns killing of citizen journalist
  • India: civil society seeks effective use of Right to Information Act
  • Mexico: our future lies in nature
  • CIVICUS interview with Jose Muvango
  • Roundtable discussion between CSOs and members of the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All
  • Introducing Bribespot
  • Job: CIVICUS seeks a Senior Executive Assistant (application deadline 16 April 2012)
  • Job: Human Rights Advisor (application deadline 21 April 2012)

Read Online now | Subscribe to the e-CIVICUS here

SAFIS requests reversal of TUCOSWA de-registration

The South Africa Forum for International Solidarity (SAFIS) yesterday issued a letter to the Prime Minister of Swaziland requesting that he reverse the decision to deregister the Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA).

TUCOWSA has been at the forefront of calls to bring democracy to Swaziland, where everyday life continues to be marked by serious violations of democratic, human and trade union rights, including: extrajudicial killings by security forces; mob killings; the use of excessive force by police and torture against detainees; police impunity; arbitrary arrests and lengthy pre-trial detentions; restrictions on freedom of assembly, association and movement; prohibitions on political activity and harassment of political activists; discrimination and violence against women; the harassment of labour leaders; and, restrictions on workers' rights.

Turning principles into practice: a successful platform strengthening CSO transparency and accountability practices in Latin America

Since 2004, through its Legitimacy, Transparency and Accountability (LTA) programme, CIVICUS has been working to improve public trust and the credibility of civil society organisations (CSOs) and their activities through the enhancement of their accountability systems and structures.

Although much work has been done in recent years in terms of developing principles and toolkits on how to improve CSOs’ transparency and accountability standards, it remains a challenge for CSOs to translate such principles into concrete initiatives and work together towards better sectoral practices. However in Latin America and the Caribbean, the platform Rendir Cuentas (www.rendircuentas.org) has been working successfully for the last three years to bridge, connect and convene CSO practitioners to conceptualise transparency and accountability principles, map best practices and translate principles into concrete and shared initiatives.

Time for a new social contract: CIVICUS report suggests a generational opportunity in the face of multiple crises

State of Civil Society ReportCivil society faces a generational opportunity to prove its value as a source of alternatives at a time of profound global crisis. This is the headline conclusion of the inaugural report on the state of civil society from global civil society network CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation.

David Bonbright, Chair of CIVICUS, sets out the need for a report from civil society: “We cannot be effective if we don’t know who we are as civil society. We cannot strengthen what we cannot see. For 20 years, CIVICUS has undertaken cutting edge action research on the dimensions and dynamics of civil society. This report continues this central line of our work as a critical champion and friend of civil society.”

The report, the State of Civil Society 2011, available at StateOfCivilSociety.org, concludes that in the face of connected economic, environmental, political and social crises, the institutions of global governance have been revealed as lacking. Meanwhile, state responses to the economic crisis are privileging private capital at the expense of citizens, and accordingly people around the world have risen up to resist poor governance, inequality and corruption, and to demand a change in the circumstances in which they live.

International CSO CIVICUS and University of West Indies to host civil society consultation in Trinidad and Tobago

International civil society alliance CIVICUS and the University of the West Indies are working together to consult on the emerging challenges civil society in Trinidad and Tobago faces, Thursday 5 April.

CIVICUS believes civil society currently faces a generational opportunity to prove its value as a source of alternatives and moral leadership at a time of global economic, political, social and ecological crisis. As the CIVICUS alliance is embarking on a global consultative process to set a new civil society agenda for 2013 to 2017, it is exploring the needs and possibilities for civil society strengthening in the Caribbean.

Ahead of the Trinidad and Tobago consultation, on Tuesday 20 March, CIVICUS co-hosted with the Association of Development Agencies a national consultation in Kingston, Jamaica on the changing global environment and state of civil society.

CIVICUS calls for applications to fill two vacancies on the Board of Directors

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international alliance of members and partners dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world, with a secretariat based in Johannesburg, South Africa. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, led by its Board of Directors, is currently renewing the alliance during 2012. Specifically, the Board of Directors are hoping to use rare opportunities of a leadership transition and setting new Strategic Directions for 2013-2017 to mobilise both the alliance and a broader constituency around a new civil society agenda for the next five years.

CIVICUS therefore intends to co-opt two additional Directors to its Board in early-mid 2012, to help drive this mandate of renewing the alliance.

About the CIVICUS Board of Directors

The CIVICUS Board of Directors currently consists of thirteen Directors, elected by the organisation's membership. The CIVICUS bylaws allow for the Board to appoint by co-optation an additional two Directors. In early 2012, the Board has decided to use this option to strengthen the current Board of Directors. The Board is now inviting applications and expressions of interest from suitable candidates.

This week in e-CIVICUS

  • Rio+20: help shape the CIVICUS alliance message
  • Support CIVICUS’s CivNet proposal
  • Jamaica, the Caribbean and global governance
  • CIVICUS to launch first annual State of Civil Society report in April 2012
  • The Value of Community Philanthropy: Results of a Consultation
  • Malaysian civil society's growing importance acknowledged
  • New EU-Kazakhstan agreement offers scope to push for human rights progress
  • Malaysian CSO wins annual UN population prize
  • Job - Legislative Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs (open until position filled)

Read Online now | Subscribe to the e-CIVICUS here

Campaigners mark one year of bloodshed in Syria: Russia urged to back UN action

Campaigners around the world will today (Thursday 15th March) mark one year of violence in Syria by calling on Russia to back UN Security Council action to end the crisis.

A coalition of 200 NGOs from 27 countries - including Human Rights Watch, Christian Aid, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, CIVICUS and International Federation of Human Rights - is demanding that the UN Security Council immediately unite and pass a resolution calling on the Syrian government to stop indiscriminate shelling of civilian neighbourhoods and other violations of international law, stop arbitrary arrests and torture and grant urgent access to humanitarian workers, journalists and human rights monitors.

Angola: Eight years on, human rights defenders in Cabinda continue to struggle to see their right to freedom of association fully respected

March 14th marks the 8th anniversary of the “Proclamation of Mpalabanda”. On 14 March 2004, the establishment of Mpalabanda (Mpalabanda – Associação Cívica de Cabinda) was officially announced during a gathering of its members and partner organisations. Two years later, on 20 July 2006, Mpalabanda was banned by the Provincial Court of Cabinda under the accusation of inciting violence, even though there was no evidence to support that accusation. Six years on, the judicial authorities continue to refuse to hear the organisation's appeal against the ban.

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Your continued support to CIVICUS is vital - Ingrid Srinath

How does one bid farewell to the job I believe is the best in the world? Regrettably, that is what I must do. As you have probably already heard I will step down from my post as CIVICUS Secretary General at the end of March to attend to some pressing family matters.

There are two main reasons I have described this role as being “the best job in the world”. One is the privilege it has afforded me of meeting some of civil society’s greatest champions, innovators, change-makers and supporters, you not least among those. The other is the unique moment we find ourselves in. The vision that inspired the founding of CIVICUS and that lies at the heart of many, if not most, civil society groups has never been more relevant or achievable

After the Jasmine Revolution: Civil Society Index – Rapid Assessment (CSI-RA) launches in Tunisia

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement to implement the new Civil Society Index Rapid Assessment (CSI-RA) in Tunisia.

The CSI-RA is a new, entirely flexible version of CIVICUS’ Civil Society Index (CSI) which can be adapted to the specific dynamics of any context. The tool helps civil society make a self-assessment of such facets as the institutional structure and strength of civil society, its perceived impact and the enabling environment for civil society, amongst others.

The project, starting in March 2012, will contribute to larger UNDP programme to support active citizenship, with four main components: (1) a needs assessment of Tunisian civil society; (2) a proposal for a reformed regulatory framework for civil society; (3) a strengthened technical and institutional framework for civil society capacity development; and (4) stronger democracy education for young people.

Greenpeace Calls on World Leaders to End Nuclear Power

Greenpeace today issued an open letter to world leaders calling for an end of the Threat of nuclear power.

Amsterdam, March 7, 2012 - Just days before Japan marks the anniversary of March 11, 2011 tsunami and the nuclear disaster that followed, leaders from more than 50 organisations and prominent individuals from all around the world today released an open letter to world leaders calling for investments in safe, renewable energy in order to end to the threat of nuclear power and put protecting people ahead of protecting the nuclear industry.

The signatories include: Archbishop Dr. Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate; Marina Silva, former Brazilian Environment Minister; Senator Bob Brown, Australian Green Party Leader, Ralph Nader, US environmental activist; John Hall, former US Congressman; Richard Harvey, international Human Rights lawyer; several artists; leaders of human rights, labour, development and environment organisations, such as Action Aid International, Health Care without Harm, Greenpeace International, Friends of the Earth US, CIVICUS, the Feminist Task Force of the Global Call to Action against Poverty, and many national non-governmental organisations.

e-CIVICUS Special Issue: 2012 World Assembly

WA Special Issue: e-CIVICUS

  • Defining a new social contract - making the future together - CIVICUS board
  • The 11th CIVICUS World Assembly: why participate? -  Malorie Flon
  • 2012 Call for activity proposals - Be part of the programme!
  • 2012 World Assembly programme
  • Register today!
  • Support the CIVICUS World Assembly
  • This year receive a free CIVICUS Citizen Membership

Read online in: English, French and Spanish | Subscribe to the e-CIVICUS here

CIVICUS urges Azerbaijan government to cease rising harassment of civil society

Johannesburg. 28 February 2012. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation condemns bullying tactics by the Azerbaijan government to silence civil society organisations (CSOs).

In recent months, there has been a rise in harassment of CSOs in Azerbaijan. Official intimidation tactics have included the levying of heavy fines on CSOs for petty administrative lapses; the issuing of warning letters to CSOs threatening to cancel their registration; the publication of defamatory articles against civil society members in the press; denial of permission to civil society groups to hold meetings in public spaces; and influencing of the Bar Association to cancel the licenses of human rights lawyers.

It appears that President Ilham Aliyev's regime has become increasingly anxious after street protests, taking inspiration from the Arab Spring, were held in March and April 2011. 16 activists were convicted on the basis of questionable charges and unfair trials for their role in the demonstrations.

‘We need international civil society to stand in solidarity’

Interview with an Azerbaijan civil society activist

Dr Leila Alieva, President of the Center for National and International Studies in Baku, Azerbaijan, speaks to CIVICUS about the deteriorating civil society environment in her country.  She paints a picture of bureaucratic barriers, threats of closure against organisations and denials of opportunities to hold meetings, and the targeting of human rights lawyers, with a government fearful of dissent in the wake of the Arab Spring enabled by other governments’ foreign policy focus on energy and security rather than democratisation. In the face of this, Azerbaijani civil society needs international solidarity and support.

Read the interview here.

"We need international civil society to stand in solidarity"

Dr Leila Alieva, President of the Center for National and International Studies (CNIS) in Baku, Azerbaijan, spoke to CIVICUS recently about the deteriorating civil society environment in her country and what international civil society can do to assist colleagues in Azerbaijan. Dr Alieva has published extensively on issues of security, conflict and politics in Central Asia, and has long years of experience as a civil society activist.

The environment for civil society in Azerbaijan has progressively deteriorated over the past few months. Can you tell us a little about the course of events?

The environment for civil society in Azerbaijan has worsened, particularly after the adoption of the amendment to the Law on NGOs, which requires every NGO to be registered with the Ministry of Justice. At this point, the NGOs that are complying with the new registration requirements have not received confirmation of registration, making them susceptible to threats. The authorities in Azerbaijan are known for delaying NGO registration and also de-registering organisations, particularly those seeking to promote and advance democratic freedoms. The Institute for Peace and Democracy has been waiting for the approval of their NGO registration since 1995, and CNIS received their registration after three years, but only when pressure was imposed by the Council of Europe.

The situation in the autonomous republic of Nakchivan is particularly grave as journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) have been under constant watch by authorities. Mlahat Nasibova, the head of the Democracy and NGOs Development Resources Center, has received multiple threats from authorities for her objective coverage on the violation of democratic freedoms. Authorities have threatened to shut down organisations and have also contacted donors asking them to cut off financial support.

Currently, CSOs and opposition parties are finding their freedom of expression and assembly to be severely restricted throughout Azerbaijan. In previous years, to run events, NGOs simply had to send a letter to the local executive informing them of their activities, but this year authorities are requiring NGOs to obtain written permission from both local executives and the Presidential administration. In June 2011, local authorities in the city of Shaki prevented CNIS from holding a conference on women’s rights by threatening the organisation that agreed to provide the venue. Restrictions on freedom of assembly were first applied to outdoor gatherings like public meetings and rallies and have since been extended to meetings held indoors at public organisations. Further, authorities have been cutting power supplies at venues where CSOs and opposition parties have planned events.

Human rights defenders and lawyers in Azerbaijan have also been under attack. Recently the Baku City Police Department sent an appeal to the Bar Association requesting they halt the legal activities of Khalid Bagirov, a human rights lawyer who is currently fighting for the release of human rights defender Vidadi Iskandarli. Another human rights lawyer, Elchin Namazov, has been banned from practising law for defending human rights activists, and authorities have appealed for his expulsion from the Bar Association.

Why do you think the government is cracking down on civil society now?

I think the government is cracking down on CSOs and severely restricting activities and democratic freedoms because they feel that independent organisations are a threat to governmental control. The social uprisings and revolutions throughout the Middle East and North Africa have shown the power of civil society and the Azerbaijani authorities want to silence civil society in an effort to maintain control of power.

What do you see as the major impediments or stumbling blocks for an enabling environment for civil society in the country?

I see three major impediments to establishing an enabling environment:

First, there is pervasive absence of political will and democratic values. The government sees CSOs as a threat to sovereignty and are doing whatever they can to restrict the voice of civil society in an effort to maintain absolute power over the people.

Second, there is restricted funding domestically which creates economic uncertainty for CSOs. Until CSOs can operate as independent organisations, free from arbitrary, harsh government regulations, civic activism will not be sustainable.

Third, international relations are politicised and often work at cross purposes. Conflicting government agendas and political alliances have resulted in inconsistent support from Western countries. The international community has been contradictory in promoting democracy in Azerbaijan, and much of this has to do with the energy agenda and security cooperation.

What can international civil society do to support colleagues in Azerbaijan?

We need the international community to bring attention to the restrictions civil society is facing in Azerbaijan. Civil society in this country needs both political and financial support and we need international civil society to pressure their governments to condemn the repressive behaviour of the Azerbaijani authorities. Civil society in Azerbaijan is committed to promoting and protecting democratic freedoms, but with current restrictions and constant repression from the government, we cannot do this alone. We need international civil society to stand in solidarity with CSOs in Azerbaijan and help bring our plight to the international spotlight.

28 February 2012

Leadership transition at CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

27 February 2012

Statement by David Bonbright, Board Chair, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation

After four highly successful years as Secretary General of CIVICUS, Ingrid Srinath has, reluctantly, resolved to leave us in order to address pressing family matters at the end of her current contract in March 2012.

In accepting her resignation, the CIVICUS Board recognises that her leadership legacy includes, among other things, an outstanding executive team, a transformed organisational culture and strong support for the CIVICUS mission from our members, funders and civil society promoters generally.

"This is the best job in the world," Ingrid told the board, "because CIVICUS' work and mission have never been more relevant and because of the people I work with day to day who commit themselves to citizen participation for a more just world."

Effective 1 March 2012, Deputy Secretary General, Katsuji Imata, is appointed Acting Secretary General. Katsuji has been with CIVICUS' senior management team since 2007, and was appointed to his current position in 2010. Katsuji has extensive experience in international civil society coordination including the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) and promoting NGO cooperation under the US-Japan Common Agenda.

The end of Ingrid's tenure coincides with the final year of the current CIVICUS strategic directions. The CIVICUS Board is therefore taking the opportunity to combine the global search for the next CIVICUS Secretary General with stakeholder consultations to review and update CIVICUS' strategic directions and provide fresh perspectives on organisational priorities.

To lead this process the Board has appointed a Leadership Transition Steering Committee made up of Board Vice Chair, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, a longtime member of CIVICUS, Jay Naidoo, and Acting Secretary General, Katsuji Imata. Nyaradzayi will chair the committee, which will report to me as Board Chair.

Nyaradzayi is the General Secretary of the World YWCA, a global federation in 125 countries, and a human rights lawyer with extensive experience in NGO governance and transition management. Jay is a leading anti-apartheid activist and global civil society leader who served in President Mandela's cabinet and now is Chairman of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Their work begins immediately with the aim of announcing final results at the CIVICUS World Assembly, held in Montreal, Canada from 3 to 7 September 2012. The committee will use a range of social media to ensure that its work is as transparent and participatory as is possible. Details of how to participate in the CIVICUS Leadership Transition will be available on the CIVICUS website.

For enquiries contact CIVICUS:

Monday 27 February: Andrew Firmin, , +44 7540 892074

From Tuesday 28 February onwards: Mark Nowottny, , + 1 246 2650972

 

Webinar- Bridging the gaps: an enabling environment and civil society - government relations

Invitation to participate in a webinar
Date and time:  Thursday 1 March 2012, 12:00 -14:00 GMT

Despite the existence of a vast body of national and international law guaranteeing the freedoms of association, assembly and expression, civil society organisations often find themselves impeded from carrying out their mandates.

In response to this, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is organising a webinar on bridging the gaps: an enabling environment and civil society - government relations with the aims of:

•    providing clarity on what an enabling environment entails
•    sharing experiences of different forms of collaboration between civil society and government on policy making
•    identifying the critical elements of an optimal working relationship between government and civil society
•    initiating a process for creating a code of good practice for civil society –government relations.

Resource persons and participants: Representatives from national umbrella associations, CSOs, research institutes, participatory governance practitioners and CIVICUS staff.

If you are interested in participating, register now or contcat

Media Advisory- Ethiopia: Future of last remaining human rights monitoring NGO in Ethiopia in the balance

24 February 2012

The Cassation Bench of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia is expected to hear a petition by the Human Rights Council (HRCO) on 27 February 2012 to admit an appeal against the freezing of its bank accounts. The hearing was originally scheduled to take place on 3 February, but was postponed.

Amnesty International, ARTICLE 19, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project and Human Rights Watch reiterate their deep concern at the obstacles and restrictions to which HRCO and other human rights organizations are now subjected, and call upon the Supreme Court to protect the rights of all human rights organisations in Ethiopia to conduct their legitimate and essential work, including through unrestricted access to their funds.

This week in e-CIVICUS

  • Will business as usual trump transformational change at Rio+20?
  • Bringing it together: organising for civil society effectiveness in Cameroon
  • Submit an activity proposal for the 2012 World Assembly
  • CIVICUS plays hosts to young activists for democratic change
  • Etherington fears emergence of 'fourth sector'
  • Belarus dissidents defy KGB and the threat of jail in latest crackdown
  • January 2012 Violations Report
  • Vacancy: Youth Development Officer for Rio+20

Read this issue online | Get all future issues | Explore archive of old issues

CIVICUS Submission on the South African Protection of State Information Bill

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international movement of civil society dedicated to strengthening freedom of association and citizen’s participation across the globe. CIVICUS welcomes the invitation by the South African National Council of Provinces to provide inputs on the Protection of State Information Bill 2011 (hereafter the “bill”.)

We recognise that the present version of the bill has been amended to accommodate some public and civil society concerns. Nevertheless, we are of the opinion that the bill falls substantially short of the freedom of expression and information standards contained in the South African Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Read the full submission

CIVICUS calls for release of Burundi anti-corruption activist

CIVICUS has added it is voice to those of Burundi CSOs to urge the president to release arrested anti-corruption activist and CSO leader Faustin Ndikumana, who faces a prison sentence of up to ten years.

Read more

This week in e-CIVICUS

  • 2012: A Civil Society Agenda
  • NGOs around the world condemn persistent crackdowns on Egyptian civil society and reject disabling draft NGO law
  • CIVICUS advocates South Africans’ ‘Right to Know’
  • What does the activism surrounding SOPA reveal about the future of online organising?
  • Democracy does not apply to Aboriginal people
  • Human Rights Officer (application deadline 4 March 2012)

Read this issue online | Get all future issues | Explore archive of old issues

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