1. Enhancing Citizens’ Information & Communication Rights Jesper Elias Lauridsen, Governance Specialist, AAI Media, Empowerment & Development Seminar 7th June 2010

2. Outline Background to Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke in ActionAid International AAI ’Rights to Just & Democratic Governance’ Practical use of (new) Media in Governance Work –Kenya; SMS interface in Anti Corruption –Zambia;Management Information System in Local Governance –Zambia; Community Radio Station as Empowerment tool –Kenya;TV/Radio Campaign on Constituency Development Fund Questions & Answers

3. Background to MS in AAI MS about to become affiliate of ActionAid International (06/10) AAI federation of member countries in Africa, Asia, Americas & Europe 6 global AAI themes, incl. ’Rights to Just & Democratic Governance’ 30+ AAI countries working with R2JDG MS management responsibility for R2JDG theme 2010-2011

4. AAI ’Rights to Just & Democratic Governance’ A rights based approach to governance  obligatory role of the state to respect, protect and fulfil citizens’ human rights  empowerment of citizens to participate in transparent governance processes, claiming their rights and demanding accountability  attainment of basic human rights, such as rights to food, education, water and health are linked to the state apparatus, be it central or local government (duty bearers)  state bears the primary duty to provide human rights related public services to the rights holders, i.e. the citizenry  rights to information & communication key to empowerment, accountability, participation & transparency

5. SMS interface in Anti Corruption MS Kenya Partner, Youth Agenda –YAA independent national youth organization founded in 1996 to facilitate a participatory process that enables young people to assert their role and visibility governance and development in Kenya… –partnership objective to promote a culture of zero tolerance to corruption in social service provision (health, water and education services) among citizens in 4 districts by 2012 –YAA installed an SMS interface to capture corruption as it happens and also to give young people a platform to blow the whistle on corruption, –first of its kind and will ensure as many people as possible report corruption cases for prompt redress –SMSs linked to national YAA database with inherent mechanisms for mapping corruption, screening reports & advocating for policy making –Read more: http://www.ms.dk/sw140183.asp

6. Management Information System in Local Governance MS Zambia partner, Itezhi-tezhi District Council 60+ Local Government functions, incl. cross sectoral service delivery Challenge to plan, (allocate) budget and monitor quantity and quality of service delivery Establishment of Public District Management Information System (ArcView) –(internet & central computer capturing geographic maps, minutes, forms, plans & budgets, policies & acts, service delivery maps) Service delivery maps based on GIS/GPS and digital photos collected by LG officials and Area Development Committees DMIS improved: LG decision-making process, increased access to information, transparency, accountability mechanisms and community participation in planning and monitoring community development

7. Community Radio Station as Empowerment tool MS Zambia/PANOS project: Itezhi-tezhi Community Radio Station (Danida funds) ITT without newspaper, radio & TV signal & coverage CRS meant to empower communities on district governance & developmental issues –Listeners call in for radio talk shows with District Commissioner, Councillor &Town clerk –Notice of public meetings –Sensitisation programs on health, education, agriculture, etc. Identification and training of 15 ward based community journalists Establishment of 15 ward based community listener groups

8. TV/Radio Campaign on Constituency Development Fund MS Kenya support media organization (Danida’s Making Local Governance Accountable program) –Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) –African Media in Development media investigation on use of CDF funds in six target districts –CDF investigated: the good, the bad & the very ugly Production and airing of 4 national TV programs, 4 national radio programs and investigative newspaper article Reform proposals tabled in CDF media campaign Repeated airing of 6 district radio programs Additional use of billboards, pamphlets & t-shirts DVDs produced for partners and communities

9. Thanks for Listening! Q & A