PRESENTATION ON CSO PROPOSED METHODOLOGY BY CAROLYN MYERS ZODUAH PRSTN/AGENDA FOR PRSTN, WONGOSOL, HUMAN RIGHTS & BUDGET FORUM & DISABILITY TASKFORCE BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012 CSO /GOL ENGAGEMENT ON MONITORING THE AFT WITH A HUMAN RIGHTS APROACH

OUTLINE  Background  Why Monitor from citizens & HRBA  Prevailing Conditions  Objectives (Overall & Specific)  Focus/Scope  Methodology  Activities

BACKGROUND  During the implementation of the PRS1, PRSTN monitored to ensure that service delivery was done in consonance with HRBA specifically in social service sector ( Education and Health).  Government thought that this was not a fair assessment as the PRS did not consider human rights when it was being crafted.  There was a need to improve effectiveness by involving citizens and CBOs as well as strengthening partnership with Government

BACKGROUND COND’T  There is an increasing demand for monitoring the AFT and other development program from a human rights and citizens perspective (CSOs, MPEA & other sectors, Steering Committee of the NHRAP, citizens  There is a need to incorporate the issues of gender and PWD

WHY MONITOR FROM CITIZENS & HR PERSPECTIVE  Complements & triangulates regular data collection and performance of institutions to improve service delivery;  Enhances citizens’ awareness regarding their entitlements to quality services, which is an important starting point for increased social accountability;  Exposes inequitable delivery of services either geographically or between different socio-economic groups;

WHY MONITOR COND’T  Prepare service users and providers for a more decentralized service delivery structure;  Offers a practical opportunity for capacity building CSOs/CBOs to strengthen their role in society;  Helps to redefine the role of civil society as a critical, but trusted and constructive partner in the transformation process of Liberia.

PREVAILING CONDITIONS The HRBA is a basic principle for the AFT, which means government can be held accountable The existence of the NCSCL providing a platform for dialogue between Civil Society Government The Ministry of Planning & Economic Affairs’ willingness to engage / partner with the CSOs The existence of the FOI Law with a commissioner improving access to information

PREVAILING CONDITIONS COND’T Civil Society Organisations have enhanced their monitoring and project management capacities UNDP’s new Country Programme Document (CPD) emphasizes the importance of strengthening Liberia’s emerging civil society CSOs are represented on the steering committee

OVERALL OBJECTIVES  To improve the active participation of citizens in the planning and monitoring of service delivery to strengthen democratic processes at community level

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES  Enhance local ownership of the services provided;  Improve the effectiveness, efficiency, quality and equity of service delivery;  Improve the responsiveness and social accountability of service providers;  Enhance the voice and agency of marginalised groups, especially women, youth and person with disabilities to demand for equity in access to services;  Strengthen democratic processes at the local level.

FOCUS/SCOPE  Health, education, water, & agricultural support services  The monitoring will initially focus on 4 counties, 80 communities

METHODOLGY  To monitor service delivery CSOs have agreed to use a combination of Community Score Card and Community Service Monitoring

COMMUNITY SCORE CARD Integrates local issues in standardized questions Has strong human rights focus (how gov’t respects, protects & promotes citizens’ rights) Facilitates dialogue btw service providers and service users Can be used by local groups if they are sufficiently trained

COMMUNITY SERVICE MONITORING Involves service users & providers Has direct impact on the management of service delivery especially using social media Improves transparency of service delivery if budget analysis is integrated Allows the inclusion of the perspectives of women/PWD Provides important qualitative information on how service functions/fails

PROJECT ACTIVITIES  Civil Society Component: National CSOs will provide technical and mentoring support  Government Component: Provide support to CDO & ACDOs  Enhancing government-Civil Society Partnership: Establish platform to facilitate active engagement

Thanks