The 20th of February 2012 is UN’s World Day of Social Justice.
Open Forum would like to take this opportunity to mark the International Framework for CSO Development Effectiveness as a global reference for the work of Civil Society worldwide - including the 8 Istanbul Principles and the Enabling Environment conditions wherein and the accompanying Toolkits.
The Istanbul Principles for CSO Development Effectiveness (International Framework section II) are the standards agreed by civil society to guide their work in development, as based on the fulfillment of human rights, gender equality, empowerment, and democratic participation - all criteria of social justice - for a sustainable impact.
Indeed, the very first Principle 1 states:
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Istanbul Principle 1: Respect and promote human rights and social justice CSOs are effective as development actors when they … develop and implement strategies, activities and practices that promote individual and collective human rights, including the right to development, with dignity, decent work, social justice and equity for all people. |
With the Implementation Toolkit, civil society now has a guide for contextualized implementation of the Istanbul Principles - including Principle 1. And some CSOs have already been doing work around Principle 1.
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Implementation Example: Leonard Cheshire Disability is co-hosting a series of global forums gathering disabled people’s organisations (DPOs), NGOs, UN agencies and academics to bring disability into the mainstream of international development. The 2012 conference in March will address disability-inclusive development contribution to the full achievement of the internationally agreed development goals and ways to improve the quality and effectiveness of development cooperation through the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Recommendations will feed into the regional preparatory process towards the conclusion of the Second Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons in 2012. Read more about the initiative here. |
You can consult other examples of CSOs implementing Principle 1, including PLAN and Catholic Relief Services, as well as case studies for all 8 Istanbul Principles here.
To be able to implement the Istanbul Principles, an Enabling Environment for civil society from governments and donors is key.
The Advocacy Toolkit provides tips and advice from and for CSOs on promoting more favorable government and donor policies and practices.
You can see advocacy examples and case studies here.
Wishing you an inspiring World Day of Social Justice and success with your implementation and advocacy initiatives. And don’t forget to share your stories with us at info cso-effectiveness.org.
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