DEMAND FOR THE CREATION OF CRS COMMISSION FOR CIVIL SOCIETY/NGOs

CIVIL SOCIETY vOICE

 AN EDITORIAL PUBLICATION OF CROSS RIVER STATE CIVIL SOCIETY   EDITION 001

DEMAND FOR THE CREATION OF A CRS COMMISSION FOR CIVIL SOCIETY/NGOs

In recent times the activities of Civil Society Organisations/Non-Governmental    Organisation has continued to make substantial impact on human, social and sustainable development across every corner of the globe. The role of Civil Society in governance has enabled the advancement of democracy in fragile and even developed societies by their defense of values, principles and social behavior without consideration  for parochial interest.

Undoubtedly, Civil Society Groups have set the global agenda in addressing poverty, HIV/AIDs, environmental emergencies, humanitarian crises, human right abuses etc.    In many countries today, representatives of Civil Society Organisations have been appointed to governing council/boards of public institution. Public and International Donor funds have been allotted to Civil Society Organisations to undertake development projects thereby complementing the responsibilities of Government institutions and international development organizations while also demanding that these institutions effectively perform their duties to the people.

One thing is clear, for Civil Society Organisations to truly be the cornerstone of society, just like the role Civil and Public service plays, it is required that they remain Non partisan without  loyalty to any political party but championing the collective interest of the society without discrimination. It is on this note that we call on the government of  Cross River State to take a step ahead by supporting the call by the Civil Society Networks in Cross River State, arising from their meeting at the Global Dreams hotel, Calabar on the 16^th of August, 2013, for the establishment of  a Cross River State Commission for Civil Society/Non-Governmental Organisations that is backed by law, through a legislation of the Cross River State House of Assembly, having Civil Society practitioners as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Commissioners.

The proposed Commission should be provided with adequate public funds to support the development projects of accredited/ competent Civil Society Networks and regularly monitor the organization for internal democracy, financial transparency and leadership accountability. This commission will also be expected to facilitate the participation of Civil Society in government activities and programs while ensuring that their independence and Non Partisan status is not compromised.

We commend the Governor of Cross River State for the creation of a department for Civil Society/NGOs but  now call on him to move a step further to support the establishment of a more sustainable Commission that will not be limited to one administration.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

1.   To mobilize citizens,development volunteers and Civil Society organizations in Cross River State to demand for Good Governance, Public/social accountability from office holders.

2.   To work for the protection of the rights of Citizens,Development Volunteers and Civil Society Organisations in Cross River State.

3.   To initiate and implement human, social and community development project in Cross River State using best approaches to sustainable development in partnership with the membership of the Network.

4.   To actively engage the three arms of Government and the private sector in Cross River State on public policies, programs and legislation for the interest of all stakeholders and vulnerable persons in Cross River State.

5.   To initiate programs and activities to build the capacity of the membership of the Network.

6.   To train and orientate citizens, developments volunteers and other leaders in the society on positive values,civics and social norms that will ensure peace,prosperity,transparency and accountability security,harmony etc in Cross River State.

7.   To create opportunities for networking,peer review and peer support among the leadership and membership of Civil Society Organisations in Cross River State.

8.   To build and foster partnerships with the government,development partners,donor agencies and private sector and other civil society organizations that will lead to the accomplishment of the mission of the network without compromising the status,principles and values of the network.

9.To carry out research and intellectual learning events on the role of civil society as the third sector in society

CRS CIVIL SOCIETY STATUS/MISSION:a non profit, non governmental non sectarian non partisan civil society network of citizens,development volunteers and civil society organisations in CRS dedicated to being an effective and democratic platform to facilitate citizens, development volunteers and civil society organisations participation in the sustainable development and good governance of cross river state and for the protection of civil, political,economic and social rights of citizens development volunteers, communities and organisations in CRS

CRS CIVIL SOCIETY VISION:A strong and vibrant civil society sector in CRS where all citizens. development volunteers and civil society organisations actively participate in the sustainable development and good governance of CRS and are accepted as an indispensable partner by the government and private sector.

Cross River State Civil Society is a Non Profit,Non-Governmental,Non-Partisan, Civil Society Network of Citizens,Development Volunteers and Civil Society Organisations in Cross River State.