Civil Society

In today's world, where societies and their representative democratic systems face numerous challenges and threats, the role of civil society remains an integral part of keeping the wheels of democracy rolling.

The UN defines civil society organization (CSO) or non-governmental organizaiton (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, civil society organisations (CSOs) perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens’ concerns to Governments, monitor policies, and encourage political participation at the community level. CSOs provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements, including Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Typically, they are organized around specific issues, such as the UN pillars of peace and security, human rights, and development .

Civil society plays a crucial role in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance. The participation of civil society is a crucial element of democracy. The concept Civic participation in governance is probably the fundamental pillar in the promotion and protection of a democratic society. Civil society depend on active citizens to thrive, on volunteers who are passionate about a democratic issue and come together to follow this issue through.

Civil Society is about sharing of information, mutual learning, innovative approaches to social and ecological problems, it is about national and international solidarity, Civil Society is about acting in concert for the sake of the vulnerable, the excluded, those who have no voice to make to make their voices heard.

Civil Society organisations are worldwide in democratic societies recognised as important actors, in authoritarian states Civil society is often oppressed and their members jailed or driven into exile.

The UN has a Civil Society Unit that facilitates the exchange of information and develops partnerships with civil society to enhance their interaction with and understanding of the work of the UN. The Civil Society Unit is within the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC). It is mandated to link the Organization with civil society organizations (CSOs) that are associated with DGC and to support the department's efforts to disseminate information on the work and role of the UN.

The African Union established The Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) in in July 2004 as an advisory organ composed of different social and professional groups of AU Member States. The purpose of ECOSOCC is to provide an opportunity for African Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to play an active role in contributing to the AU’s principles, policies and programmes.

In the European Union Civil society is a key component to the fundamental rights architecture. From supporting people affected by the pandemic to helping those fleeing the war in Ukraine, civil society plays a crucial role in upholding people’s rights. In so doing, it contributes to a healthy rule of law culture.

Civil society organisations face diverse challenges across the globe and need defending by their respective governments.

One of their important tasks is to enable citizens to create more an inclusive society through participatory democracy. This can take many shapes and forms and evolves with our forever changing societies.

Advanced civil society organisations are governed by a set of internal policies which guarantees that the organisation is for it staff and members as well as for clients, beneficiaries, partners and donors a credible organisation

Here is a link to an impressive set of policies by one of Nambia’s most influencial Civil Society organisations the Legal assistance center
Policies - Legal Assistance Centre (lac.org.na)