Civil Society Support Programme
Civil Society Support Programme
Photo: UNDP Lao PDR/Ildiko Hamos-Sohlo
What is the project about?
The goal of Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP) is to lead to greater people’s participation in local development and nation-building efforts. The project aims to enable the government, not-for-profit associations (NPAs), International Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs), communities and development partners to become partners, share knowledge and deliver services in the public interest towards poverty reduction. It facilitates the development of a legal and regulatory framework for civil society and supports the setting up of a coherent and effective government registration and monitoring structure at national, provincial and district levels.
What have we accomplished?
- 87 not-for-profit organisations were registered in the provinces and 42 at the national level.
- Following the government decrees, No. 13 on international NGOs, and No. 115 on non-profit associations, government passed decree No. 149 on foundations. These all contribute to ease the registration process.
- Officials responsible for Civil Society Oorganizations from the Ministry of Home Affairs receiven an Enhanced Service Mind training course.
- A Civil Society Organizations database was developed. The database will help to improve recording, follow up and reporting.
- In 2014, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took the important step to finalize a legal document that governs INGOs.
- The involvement of NPAs in a series of consultations initiated by the government leading up to revisions of the local Association and Foundation decree, participation in the provincial meeting prior to the Roundtable Implementation Meeting and in the actual Round Table Meeting itself contributed to an open dialogue with Lao Civil Society.
Project document: Civil Society Support Programme