Module 8: Working with Civil Society on Child Rights

Question: How many CSOs working in your country have an

impact on children? Answer:

All of them. Whether or not they work in a traditionally child-

focused area, all CSOs affect children and can incorporate a focus on child rights into their work.

Question:

Recognised as critical development actors

International (legal & political) commitments e.g. Paris Declaration, Accra Agenda for Action e.g Engagement with Civil Society in External

Relations (EC, 2012)Promote a conducive environment for CSOsPromote meaningful and structured participation of CSOsIncrease local CSO’s capacity

Why work with CSOs?

promote and protect the best interests of the child Raising public awareness on issues related to child rights Advocating for legal improvements & child rights legislation Engaging with governments in policy-making Influencing national budgets

monitor implementation of child rights Monitoring and assessing public performance CRC ‘shadow reports’ Providing qualitative data

‘fulfilling’ child rights Delivering essential services and provisions Reaching communities that might otherwise be excluded

Why work with CSOs on child rights ?

Unique access & outreach Access & knowledge of the local culture Ability to mobilize communities Ability to reach & engage vulnerable/marginalized

groups ‘Opinion-makers’ - influence over public actors (local

parliaments, local authorities, ministries, media)

Why work with CSOs?

CSOs are as diverse as the people and causes they represent’

Representativeness, transparency Internal governance and capacity Donor dependency, resource competition Challenging environment Varying commitment to child rights

Challenges

Group Discussion

Examples of ‘strategic & meaningful engagement with CSOs on child rights programming?

‘What works’ best to support an enabling environment for child-focused CSOs?

What are your experiences of ‘quality partnerships’ with CSOs?

Questions

Promote a conducive environment for CSOs Understand the operational environment:

Institutional contextPolitical climatePolitical economy of CSOsCredibility/accountability

Tool 8.1: Quick assessment of the enabling environment Promote meaningful and structured participation of CSOs on child

rights Identify potential partners

Tool 8.2: Mapping of child-rights focused CSOs

Tool 8.3: Assessing the capacity of CSOs in child rights promotion

Tool 8.4: Checklist for CSO’s integrity and core values from child rights perspective

Practical guidance

Ensure meaningful participation of CSOs in political and policy dialogue (e.g. lead by example, peer pressure, diplomacy)

Ensure development programming is participatory and inclusive

Promote CSO participation in domestic policies Legislative reform Social budgeting Public service delivery

Create enabling financing for CSO (core funding, long-term, local resources)

Build and invest in CSO capacities & ‘quality partnership’

Practical steps

Group Activity

Tool 8.1: Quick assessment of the enabling environment

Tool 8.2: Mapping of child-rights focused CSOs

Tool 8.3: Assessing the capacity of CSOs in child rights promotion

Tool 8.4: Checklist for CSO’s integrity and core values from child rights perspective

Tools for implementation