Project Background
Civil society is often being described as the space
between the citizen and the state, where the will of
citizens is manifested and mobilized outside official
auspices. CSOs are non-state associations whose main
aims are neither to generate profits nor to seek
governing power. CSOs unite people to advance shared
interests and agendas ranging from ephemeral and
parochial to enduring and universal.
Until the last couple of years, mostly within the last
ten years after the war, historically, civil society
groups in Sierra Leone were unable to participate
adequately in policy dialogue on national issues that
affect the country. However, some efforts have been made
by the Government to include civil society
representation in decision-making processes and policy
discussions in committees and commissions such as Budget
Oversight Committees, PRSP, Procurement Commissions and
the recently formed APRM Governing Council. What remains
a major challenge though is their lack of the requisite
capacity to effectively and efficiently perform their
assigned responsibilities.
Project Objectives
UNDP Governance Team included in its programme design some
component to support CSOs, with specific focus on
capacity development in specialized areas including
monitoring and reporting on human rights issues,
advocacy, transparency and accountability, HIV/AIDS
campaign, etc.
Project
Outcome
Sierra Leone