By signing the Civic Charter IRC shows that it is accountable to the people it serves.
Published on: 16/01/2017
In an increasing number of countries civil society organisations (CSOs) that support democracy, justice and fundamental human rights, are facing severe restrictions. For this reason, civil society actors across the globe launched the Civic Charter in October 2016. It provides a framework for people’s participation in shaping their societies. The Charter is a document that individuals and organisations can sign on to and use as a basis for joint action. It serves as a reference point for people claiming their rights and can be used as a tool for campaigning, advocacy and awareness-raising.
Civic space is a concern for all of us and IRC through its projects, especially Watershed, wants to empower Civil Society Organisations to hold governments and water and sanitation service providers accountable. “IRC is leading Watershed for the coming 5 years which is all about empowering CSOs to take up their civic space too. The Charter is about positive values and this helps to amplify our voice as a service delivery organisation”, says Catarina Fonseca, director of the Watershed | empowering citizens programme.
