Democratisation. People's opinions matter
A society cannot flourish properly unless everyone in every layer of society can speak their piece: about their government, for example, but also about the legal system and their own lives. No country can develop without human rights and democratisation. Hivos supports organisations that fight for democratisation, for the rights of the poor and for combating corruption and immunity to punishment.
Everyone benefits from an honest, democratic and equal society. The opinions of the people matter, during elections, in popular representation. The people have a role in the public and political arenas. Hivos advocates access to power for everyone. Democratisation at the national and local levels is the ultimate goal.
Protesting popular movements and organisations can put forward alternatives. In situations in which the political system fails or functions poorly, social movements play a role in organising voters or popular agency. In Ecuador, Bolivia and Kyrgyzstan, partner organisations have helped bring about social protests, political changes and greater freedom for the people.
Social organisations promote people’s participation in local government, monitor elections, ensure that governments keep their promises, put forward alternative laws and advocate positive discrimination of underprivileged ethnic and sexual minorities.
Hivos champions peaceful coexistence between different population groups. Democratisation also means that organisations can influence governments’ policies and budgets. In countries claiming debt relief, they monitor the proper implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies.
The Hivos approach in a nutshell:
- Hivos informs the world of progress in acquiring civil rights and responsibilities;
- Hivos guards against religious and ethnic fundamentalism and fundamentalism in other forms;
- Hivos encourages people to become involved in political and social reforms;
- Hivos maintains the dialogue between various cultural groups;
- Hivos encourages debates based on a humanist, secular conviction.
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