The OECD has published its first review of progress in implementing the DAC Recommendation on Enabling Civil Society in Development Co-operation and Humanitarian Assistance, five years after its adoption. Based on responses from 27 adherents and civil society organisations, the report assesses implementation across three interconnected areas: protecting civic space, supporting and engaging with civil society, and strengthening CSO effectiveness, transparency and accountability. All responding adherents reported having policy positions recognising the value of civil society and civic space, while many have incorporated these commitments into development strategies, dedicated civil society policies, legal frameworks and engagement guidelines. However, the scope and ambition of these policies vary considerably, particularly in whether they recognise CSOs as independent development actors rather than primarily as implementing partners. The report identifies an expanding gap between formal commitments and implementation as development budgets decline, political polarisation increases and civic-space restrictions intensify in both provider and partner countries. It calls for renewed, accelerated and sustained action to ensure that civil society can continue contributing to sustainable development, democracy, accountability and human rights. Read more here.
Source: OECD
