Background to civil society participation

One of the more unique aspects of the APRM is the role that has been set aside within the mechanism for civil society actors and stakeholders. Whilst there are many instances throughout the world of formal interactions between government and business (the third key stakeholder outlined in the core documentation of the APRM), the inclusion of non-governmental and civil society organizations in the process of peer review is a largely untested practice in the area of governance assessments. From the outset, the APRM has deliberately and systematically set aside a role for civil society in the process of generating and monitoring governance standards and policies.

Part of the reason why this emphasis is so prevalent within the APRM structures has to do with the negative impact poor governance practices have had on the most vulnerable groups within societies, including women, children and ethnic minorities. In theory, therefore, broad-based participation from all stakeholders within a country is intended to increase the national ownership of the APRM, as well as identify critical issues affecting minorities and vulnerable groups, enhancing the overall quality of the peer review process. In the NEPAD Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance, Point 10 states that:

In the light of Africa's recent history, respect for human rights has to be accorded an importance and urgency all of its own. One of the tests by which the quality of a democracy is judged is the protection it provides for each individual citizen and for the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Ethnic minorities, women and children have borne the brunt of the conflicts raging on the continent today. We undertake to do more to advance the cause of human rights in Africa generally and, specifically, to end the moral shame exemplified by the plight of women, children, the disabled and ethnic minorities in conflict situations in Africa.

Furthermore, Point 15 states that to promote and protect human rights, APRM signatory states have agreed to:

• facilitate the development of vibrant civil society organizations, including strengthening human rights institutions at the national, sub-regional and regional levels;
• support the Charter, African Commission and Court on Human and People's Rights as important instruments for ensuring the promotion, protection and observance of Human Rights;
• strengthen co-operation with the UN High Commission for Human Rights; and
• ensure responsible free expression, inclusive of the freedom of the press

Point 23 further emphasizes government commitments to inclusive governance, stating:

Globalisation and liberalisation does not mean that there should be no role for government in socio-economic development. It only means a different type of government.

The "different type of government" meant by this statement is not clearly explained in the documentation, however, the implications for civil society organizations are clear. The present political, economic and socio-developmental climate represent the most significant opportunity for constructive civil society partnerships and other engagements with their governments in many years, and perhaps even in the history of African governance. It is therefore essential that this valuable opportunity is not wasted or ignored, and civil society needs to recognize and own the essential role that it has to play in the success or failure of this bold African initiative.