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Prudence SEBAHIZI National Coordinator EACSOF Rwanda

People Centered EAC: Perspectives on the Operating Environment for Civil Society Organizations in EAC Partner States. Prudence SEBAHIZI National Coordinator EACSOF Rwanda. Conceptual Framework.

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Prudence SEBAHIZI National Coordinator EACSOF Rwanda

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  1. People Centered EAC: Perspectives on the Operating Environment for Civil Society Organizations in EAC Partner States Prudence SEBAHIZI National Coordinator EACSOF Rwanda

  2. Conceptual Framework • 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.

  3. Key Issues Affecting CSOs Operating Environment in EAC Partner States • 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?

  4. Recommendations • 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;

  5. Recommendations (Cont’d…) • Define clearly what CSOs are and create awareness on CSOs amongst government officials; • To assess the contribution of CSOs tothe 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.

  6. 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

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