CIVIL SOCIETY: MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT
Quarterly Progress Report April 1, 2020-June 30, 2020
July 30, 2020
Cooperative Agreement Number AID-367-A-16-00007 Project Start and End Date: April 4, 2016 to April 3, 2021
Submitted to: Bishwas Rana, Agreement Officer’s Representative USAID
Submitted by: Prem Raj Ojha, Deputy Chief of Party Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project FHI 360 GPO Box 8803, Gopal Bhawan Anamika Galli, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977.1.4437173 Email: [email protected]
This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 1 QuarterlyDevelopment. Progress Report It was No. prepared13 April 1, 2020by FHI – June 360. 30, 2020 The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
Table of Contents
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 1. 7 2. 8 3. 9 4. 15 4.1 15 4.2 16 5. 41 5.1 GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION 39 5.2 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT 40 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA, IVR AND SMS 40 5.3 USE OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION, AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES 40 6. 42 7. 43 8. 45 9. 45 10. 45 11. 46 12. 46 13. 47 14. 48 15. 48
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 2 Quarterly Progress Report No. 13 April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020
Abbreviations and Acronyms
AIN Association of International Non-Government Organizations in Nepal AMO Advocacy and Monitoring/Oversight AOR Agreement Officer’s Representative ARI Advocacy Readiness Index CA Common Assembly CAG Content Advisory Group CAR Community Action Researcher CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy CERD Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination CLFS Critical Listening Feedback Sessions COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 CSC Community Score Card CS:MAP Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project CS:MAP-HRS CS:MAP-Human Rights Strengthening CR Community Reporter CSO Civil Society Organization DCC District Coordination Committee DRR Disaster Risk Reduction DQA Data Quality Assurance EAI Equal Access International FNJ Federation of Nepali Journalists FSP Financial Sustainability Plan GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion GGB Good Governance Barometer GON Government of Nepal GBV Gender-based Violence HEAD Health, Education, Agriculture and Disaster Risk Reduction HRPLSC Human Rights Protection and Legal Service Center HRTMCC Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Coordination Center ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political rights ICESCR International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights ICNL International Center for Not-for-Profit Law ICT Information and Communications Technology IIP Institutional Improvement Plan IJ Investigative Journalism INSEC Informal Sector Service Center IR Intermediate Result ISO Intermediary Service Organization IVR Interactive Voice Response LDAG Listening, Discussion, and Action Group LDTA Local Development Training Academy LGBTIQA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual MCC Millennium Challenge Corporation
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 3 Quarterly Progress Report No. 13 April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020
MEL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MOFAGA Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration MOWCSC Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens MuAN Municipal Association of Nepal NARMIN National Association of Rural Municipality in Nepal NHRAP National Human Rights Action Plan NHRC National Human Rights Commission NFN NGO Federation of Nepal OCA Organizational Capacity Assessment OGP Open Government Partnership OPMCM Office of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction PEAR Participatory and Evidence-based Action Research PET Public Expenditure Tracking PIR Public Interest Reporting POC Public Outreach Campaign PSA Public Service Announcement RDT Rapid Diagnostic Test RTI Right to Information SA Social Accountability SMS Short Message Service SSMK Saathi Sanga Manka Kura UN United Nations USAID United States Agency for International Development WHO World Health Organization
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 4 Quarterly Progress Report No. 13 April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020
Executive Summary
This quarter witnessed many political and non-political events including the ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstration against the government’s perceived apathy, incompetence, and corruption related to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact disputes involving the ruling Nepal Communist Party; the issuance of a new political map of Nepal including the disputed territories of Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani; and the subsequent amendment to the Constitution of Nepal were some important political events. The smoldering internal row within the Nepal Communist Party was another event that affected the COVID-19 response and the national development agenda. Amid escalating COVID-19 cases, the rising death toll, and the ongoing lockdown, CS:MAP partners developed guidelines on the local governments’ preparedness and response to COVID-19 for over 20 local governments. An additional 15 local governments are revising their disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy linking it to COVID-19. CS:MAP partners supported 58 local governments to respond to the pandemic in several ways: by collecting data, managing quarantines and isolation centers, assisting with entry of returnee migrant workers from India, and distributing face masks, sanitizers, and personal protective equipment in different districts. National-level Achievements: Civil society organizations (CSOs) came together and initiated joint advocacy to improve two laws: the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Act and the Social Development Act. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) submitted its alternative draft Bill to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MOCIT) urging the ministry to incorporate its provisions into the PSB Bill prepared by MOCIT. CS:MAP also reviewed and provided inputs on the draft Bill on Social Development Act. CS:MAP worked with Municipal Association of Nepal and National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal to draft "CSO Facilitation Directive for Local Government." As a result of CS:MAP support for financial sustainability, CS:MAP partners received funding from 14 different government and international agencies. CS:MAP produced 12 e-bulletins on COVID-19 response and initiatives of CSOs and media and disseminated to stakeholders. These bulletins highlighted CSO and media’s initiatives, collaboration with the local governments, public awareness, management of migrant returnees and quarantine and isolation centers, and relief distribution in 34 districts. Sub-national Level Achievements: Local, provincial, and national CSOs reviewed the policies and budgets of the provincial governments of Bagmati, Karnali and Province 5. Based on the reviews, CSO coalitions organized virtual meetings with the Bagmati and Karnali provincial governments and submitted memorandum requesting improvements to their policies and budgets for fiscal year 2020/21. CSOs had conducted such virtual meetings with citizens to participate in the local level budget making process. They also supported to local governments in using social media and FM radios for collecting people’s inputs on what were people’s priorities/needs for budget making process at local level. In some local governments, CSOs supported citizens to list out the priorities and submitted to ward level for further process. This is how CSOs even during the times of pandemic tried to engage citizens in local budget formulation process. In addition, the implementation of Good Governance Barometer (GGB) action plans helped improve the quality of two public schools in Gulmi district. These schools have arranged book corners for each class, improved the drinking water supply, distributed sanitary pads to menstruating students, set up
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complaint redress mechanisms, and designated a Nodal Officer to listen and respond to grievances. These schools also disclose information and provide mid-day meals to students regularly, and the School Management Committees (SMCs) also meet more frequently than in the past. The local governments consulted CS:MAP local CSOs for their inputs/feedback on 24 laws and policies and endorsed 21 laws and policies with input from civil society. Moreover, CS:MAP partners helped local governments in designing and implementing COVID-19 response plans. CS:MAP partners also raised awareness to address mis information and disinformation; collected concerns and issues from the communities; discussed those in platforms like partnership forums to find solutions; and provided platforms for interactions between citizens and authorities.
CS:MAP-Human Rights Strengthening (CS:MAP-HRS) Component Achievements: Civil society leaders and CS:MAP partners became members of important fora like the Delegation Team for High Level Political Forum and Coordination and the Mobilization Committee under COVID- 19 Response Action Plan. This recognition was possible because of their regular engagement with government authorities, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MOWCSC); and Ministry of Finance through CS:MAP activities. The Dalit National Federation (DNF) was included in the national delegation to submit the Voluntary National Report at the High-Level Political Forum of the United Nations. Also, DNF was included in the Coordination and Mobilization Committee under the government’s COVID- 19 Action Plan. Watch groups in Badhaiyatal and Duduwa gaunpalikas, and in Gauriganga municipality in Kailali district, supported five individuals from marginalized groups with legal and financial aid, which included survivors of different types of violence and child marriage. A case of physical violence was also registered with the police with the help of the project. Media Accomplishments: A total of 388 blogs were posted on MeroReport, many of which were related to the COVID-19 situation and linked to local-level planning and budgeting to address the health, education, agriculture and DRR (HEAD) sectors. A total of 12,657 MeroReport page views were recorded and 177 in-depth stories were published online and in sub-national media and MeroReport. A total of 128 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on COVID-19 were produced in 10 different languages and were broadcast 23,790 times since May. These PSAs played an important role in generating awareness among people who have difficulty in understanding the Nepali language. Forty-five Sajha Boli episodes were produced, and broadcast 356 times, highlighting the status of quarantine sites, testing facilities, status of returnee migrants, the government response to COVID-19, youth and CSO-led initiatives, and the role of media in COVID-19 response, among others. The radio programs also included discussion on the budget for fiscal year 2020/21 and public participation in the local-level planning process. Challenges and Mitigation Measures: COVID-19 and the lockdown disrupted regular work and impacted public gatherings, events, and campaigns. The lockdown affected CS:MAP’s activities since lack of internet and electricity along with limited smartphone access meant that online meetings and training were challenging. The lockdown also limited civil society’s advocacy on issues of civil rights and COVID-19 response. As most activities were stalled, the project had to revise the annual workplan. In addition, during the lockdown, both local governments and citizens expected material relief from CSOs, which was difficult for them to deliver under the current circumstances. To mitigate
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this challenge, CSOs coordinated with local governments and relief providers to ensure that citizens and foreign returnees received relief. Finally, during the lockdown, the government imposed indirect restrictions on civil rights, limiting civil society activists’ freedom of expression. Government processes relating to organization registration was halted; force was used against citizen protests and voices raised against the government mismanagement and situation of quarantines; which resulted to increased fear among media/civil society actors. CSOs, media, and CSO coalitions jointly released press statements against this government move. Lessons Learned: CS:MAP’s results this quarter continued to show that advocacy is a process where results often take time to come to fruition. For example, CS:MAP lobbied and advocated for the amendment to the proposed CSO Bill, and, in the end, the government decided to scrap it and drafted a new law instead. Conducting advocacy during the pandemic lockdown was also a challenge since public gatherings were largely restricted, but CSO partners were able to shift to advocacy activities such as issuing press releases, filing public interest litigations, and submitting attention letters to government agencies. During the quarter, CS:MAP staff were able to successfully transition to work from home, which allowed work to continue. The project also supported CSOs to make the switch to remote working.
1. Introduction The Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project (CS:MAP), implemented by FHI 360, in partnership with Equal Access International (EAI) and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), fosters a more legitimate, accountable, and resilient Nepali civil society that is capable of advancing the public interest. The project works to achieve this by accomplishing four objectives, while incorporating Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) across project activities: 1. Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media; 2. Improved civil society and media capacity for effective policy advocacy and government engagement; 3. More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery; and 4. Strengthened organizational capacity and sustainability of selected civil society organizations (CSOs) working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions. CS:MAP-Human Rights Strengthening (CS:MAP-HRS), a supplement to CS:MAP, assesses the government's implementation of human rights commitments and human rights laws mandated by the Constitution of Nepal and builds the capacity of CSOs to monitor and report on them. Additionally, CS:MAP-HRS also builds sub-national governments' capacity to use a rights-based approach when creating policies and strengthening the fragile relationship between CSOs and the government so that new policies better reflect the protection of human rights. CS:MAP-HRS’s objective seeks to achieve the following result: 5. Improved enforcement of fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution.
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2. Context National Context: Many political and non-political events took the center stage during this quarter. Amid lockdown and the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, youth united through the social media-organized ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstrations in different parts of the country against the government’s perceived apathy, incompetence, and corruption. Reports of corruption allegedly included ministers and their close relatives. Nepal’s COVID-19 case tally rose over 12,000 and the death toll neared 30 by the end of June. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact generated heated debates among members of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leaders. A group of leaders of NCP stood against the parliamentary ratification of the compact and the requirement for the Indian government's consent to build transmission lines within the Nepali territory. However, another faction within the NCP in support of the MCC compact, along with the main opposition Nepali Congress, lobbied in favor of it and wanted the ongoing session of the House of Representatives to ratify it. They reiterated that the Indian government’s consent is required to connect the transmission line to India; and the parliamentary ratification was needed for political ownership given the political instability when the process was initiated. The ratification delay could mean that Nepal will lose out on the compact funds and erode the country’s credibility with international donors. The government issued a new political map of Nepal including the disputed territories of Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani on May 20, 2020, after India virtually inaugurated an 80-km road connecting India's Dharchula to Tibet via Lipulek on May 8. This action created a furor in the Indian media. On May 9, Nepal issued a statement asking India to "refrain from carrying out any activity inside the territory of Nepal" and on June 13, the parliament unanimously amended the constitution of Nepal to update its new political map in the official national emblem. Despite several requests from Nepal’s government to settle the dispute through bilateral talks, India has not responded. Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada presented a 1.474 trillion rupees federal budget for the fiscal year 2020/21 on May 29, 2020, focusing on health and agriculture sectors. The budget provides tax relief for COVID-19-infected people, medicine companies, tourism sector, small industries, provides health insurance of health workers and regular citizens, and establishes health institutes. The budget has been criticized for setting an ambitious gross domestic product target of 7 percent. The Parliamentary State Affairs and Good Governance Committee endorsed an amendment to the Citizenship Act (2063 BS) on June 21, 2020, amid objections from the Nepali Congress, Samajbadi Party Nepal and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal. The amendment proposes that foreign women married to Nepali men will have to wait for seven years to acquire naturalized citizenship. The decision inspired protest rallies in Kathmandu and the Tarai districts. According to Clause 5.1 of the current Act, a foreign woman is immediately eligible for citizenship upon marriage to a Nepali man while a foreign man who marries a Nepali woman has to spend at least 15 years in Nepal to apply for naturalized citizenship.
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The smoldering internal row within the NCP intensified after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, without consulting the party, obtained presidential approval for two ordinances, aimed at easing political parties’ division and political appointments in constitutional bodies. While the Prime Minister eventually withdrew both ordinances the other Chair of the NCP asked him to resign as a PM and party Chair. In turn, Prime Minister Oli blamed India and leaders of his own party for trying to remove him. The latest efforts to patch up the quarrel are likely to end with a cabinet reshuffle as the crux of the row is sharing power between PM Oli and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Despite the challenging context, CS:MAP partners successfully conducted a detailed study on the impact of COVID-19 on the mass media operating in Bagmati Province. Likewise, a virtual dialogue on ‘Civil Society Concerns: Government-Proposed Amendments to Two Bills - Corruption Prevention Act, and Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Act, 2019’ and a virtual meeting on ‘CSO Governing Law Reform Process and Issues’ were held focusing on the much-awaited Social Development Act. Context in the earthquake-affected districts: CS:MAP partners supported the local governments of Kavre, Gorkha, Dhading, Makawanpur and Okhaldhunga districts to develop guidelines on local governments’ preparedness and response to COVID-19. The National Reconstruction Authority has reconstructed 57,623 houses and 22,643 are currently under construction. A total of 786,144 households signed agreements for a grant, out of which 65 percent has been completed. Context in the Western Districts: CS:MAP partners supported the local governments in identifying suspected persons infected with COVID-19, managing returnee migrant workers from India in quarantine and isolation wards, collecting data and providing relief, and developing guidelines on local governments’ preparedness and response to COVID-19 for more than 20 local governments.
3. Progress Overview The following immediate outcomes were achieved as a result of CS:MAP activities during this reporting period: Objective 1: Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media Result 1.1: Improved legal and policy framework, based on international standards, that leads to better operating environment and strengthened capacity for civil society ● CSOs and media jointly initiated policy advocacy to improve two laws: Public Service Broadcasting Act and Social Development Act. They provided inputs to improve them in line with constitutional values and international standards. ● With support from CS:MAP, the Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) and National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal (NARMIN) started to draft "CSO Facilitation Directive for Local Government." ● The NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) coordinated the establishment of a mechanism to monitor the status of citizen rights during the COVID-19 lockdown, led by the National
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Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The mechanism monitored the human rights situation in 77 districts and published one national and four provincial reports with recommendations. Result 1.2: Improved public understanding of and confidence in the role of CSOs and media ● CS:MAP trained 10 Public Interest Reporting (PIR) journalists in contemporary public interest issues and challenges during COVID-19. Trained journalists contributed to raising public interest and concerns associated with COVID-19 and the government response. ● Ten civil society discourses on local planning and budgeting, local governments’ preparedness and response to COVID-19, civil rights and issues of corruption, and public policy formulation process were held to increase citizen engagement with and knowledge of local government processes. ● Civic engagement docudrama "Chaso" – Concern - was released online which raised awareness on citizens’ role in local governance and public policy making processes at the community level. The video amassed 252,349 views and 600 viewers held discussion on civic engagement on the virtual platform. ● CS:MAP compiled information on civil society’s response to COVID-19 and documented their collaboration with local governments. A total of 12 bulletins were produced and disseminated virtually to wider stakeholders. Result 1.3: Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media ● FNJ has supported more than 100 journalists working in 16 media houses to report online, counter fake news and misinformation, and to remain safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Objective 2: Improved civil society and media capacity for effective policy advocacy and government engagement
Result 2.1: Strengthened CSO initiatives to coordinate with the Government of Nepal (GON) and to implement constructive advocacy strategies
● An advocacy resource handbook for CSOs was finalized that includes case studies from previous activities of CS:MAP for campaigns, objectives, strategies, tools, and techniques of advocacy. ● Twenty-two policies were formulated and adopted by the local governments. Among them, 18 local governments customized and adopted the sample guideline shared by CS:MAP on local governments’ preparedness and response to COVID-19. Additional 15 local governments are in the process of revising their DRR policy linking with COVID-19. ● Local CSO coalitions and media played a significant role in the budget formulation process at the local level. To draw the attention of local governments and kickstart the planning process, the coalitions released 15 press statements and memoranda and conducted virtual meetings. ● Citizen-government engagement fora were active in CS:MAP working districts. Five Sajhedari Manch and 11 civic interactions were organized. The major issues discussed
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were the prospects of rescuing Nepali nationals stranded at the border areas, preparedness for COVID-19 response, relief distribution, and future local government strategies.
Result 2.2: Improved coalition-building between local and national CSOs, and between CSOs and media, that leads to joint actions undertaken on selected policy priorities across sector ● CSO partners in collaboration with NFN, FNJ and the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) in various districts were involved in human rights monitoring during the pandemic. The monitoring report was shared among district-based stakeholders. ● Local, provincial, and national CSOs jointly reviewed the policies and budgets of the provincial governments of Bagmati, Karnali and Province 5 this quarter. Based on the review, CSO coalitions organized two virtual meetings with the provincial governments and submitted two memoranda to improve policy and budget of fiscal year 2020/21.
Result 2.3: Improved CSO and media capacity to conduct participatory and evidence-based research on issues, policies, and enforcement to benefit marginalized groups ● Four case studies related to advocacy were documented in this quarter: the implementation of development projects, compensation to the farmers, land access to Thami community, and proactive disclosure of public agencies. One peer reviewed journal article reflecting the efforts of CS:MAP in the local governance process was published. ● EAI continued mentoring 25 journalists trained in ‘Advocacy and Monitoring Oversight’ (AMO), and 30 journalists in ‘Investigative Journalism’ (IJ). This quarter, the trained journalists published 395 articles on public interest issues on COVID-19 response and impact. Objective 3: More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery Result 3.1: Improved capacity of local CSOs, media, and community-based organizations to monitor and report on cross-sectoral public service delivery, based on common standards applicable to each sector ● Implementation of Good Governance Barometer (GGB) action plans helped to improve the quality of public services. For example, GGB-implemented schools of Gulmi district have arranged book corners in each class, improved drinking water supply with funding from gaunpalika, initiated distributing sanitary pads to menstruating students, set up a complaints redressal mechanism, and designated a Nodal Officer to listen to grievances and deal with them. These schools also disclosed information regularly through notice boards and provided regular mid-day meals to students. ● During the COVID-19 pandemic, coordination and collaboration between CSOs and media increased at the local level. Virtual and in-person joint initiatives and actions focused on updating the list of migrant returnees, setting up quarantines and isolation beds, providing masks and sanitizers to local governments, and raised awareness through FM radio on COVID-19 prevention measures and lockdown enforcement. Media and CSOs carried out 21 joint actions such as joint monitoring, meetings, virtual discussions, and submission of memoranda related to COVID-19 prevention and awareness raising.
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Result 3.2: Improved bottom-up coordination among community, district, and national formal and informal CSOs engaged in public service oversight ● CSOs produced 6 PEAR (participatory evidence-based action research) on agriculture, resource allocation, forest resource management, and education, among others. ● Local governments consulted local CSOs for their inputs to 24 laws and policies in CS:MAP districts. Local governments endorsed 21 laws and policies seeking input from civil society. Similarly, 18 local governments customized or adopted COVID-19 Response Guidelines developed by CS:MAP to support local governments in managing quarantines and distributing relief and other logistics during the pandemic. Two local governments endorsed governance policies developed with the technical support of CS:MAP local partners. ● Radio jingles were broadcast on local FM radios urging citizens to comply with the lockdown, maintain social distancing, and use masks, among others, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Result 3.3: Improved citizen awareness and use of available GON social accountability mechanisms
● Radio programs and PSAs targeted messaging around COVID-19 preventive measures, impact, and responses. ● Forty-five Sajha Boli episodes (5 central and 40 local) were produced and then broadcast 356 times (200 nationally and 156 locally). These episodes highlighted the status of quarantine sites, testing facilities, status of returnee migrants, government response to COVID-19, youth and CSO-led initiatives, and the role of media in COVID-19 response, among others. The radio programs also included discussion about the budget for the next fiscal year and public participation in the local-level planning process. ● Two episodes of Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK) radio programs were produced and broadcast by more than 60 local FM stations. The episodes focused on the role of youth in COVID-19 response and the psychosocial impacts of COVID-19. They included voices of youth who are actively involved in the COVID-19 response. ● A total of 7511 callers provided feedback to these radio programs via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) (561 for Sajha Boli and 190 for SSMK). SSMK also received 99 Voice of Youth short message services (SMSs) and 456 messages via the social media page. ● This quarter, 128 PSAs were produced in 10 different languages on COVID-19. These PSAs were broadcast 23,790 times. EAI collaborated with 15 FM radio station partners and initiated weekly production and broadcast of PSAs starting in May. The PSAs were also promoted through the Sajha Boli Facebook page for wider promotion. Result 3.4 Improved citizen engagement in media and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools to strengthen public participation and oversight.
1 The numbers are of episode 86-89. The number of callers of episode 90 broadcast on June 20, 2020 has not been included in this report as the IVR system was ongoing for this episode at the reporting time.
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● EAI’s SMS My Voice (SMV) campaign, through its Facebook page Ma Khaandina and the IVR system, motivated youth to initiate and share campaigns they led to support the COVID- 19 response in their communities. Since May 2020, the campaign received over 253 messages in the IVR system and 16 video messages through social media. These messages focused on local government’s efforts toward COVID-19 response, problems in managing COVID infected people and setting up quarantines, gaps in public service delivery, local government’s budget formulation process, issues in information disclosure by local governments under right to information law. These components helped raise issues on governance, service delivery, COVID-19, among others, thorough social media and did put pressure on the authorities to resolve them. ● Sixty-four photographs were submitted by Community Reporters (CRs), captured to reflect public resource use and public service delivery and oversight in CS:MAP districts. ● The MeroReport2 web-portal witnessed over 12,657-page views this quarter, with 388 blog articles posted, mostly related to COVID-19. These articles reported on the COVID-19 situation, both at the federal and subnational levels, and discussed how essential services related to health, education and agriculture had been affected. They also reported on response efforts by the local governments, youth, and CSOs.
Objective 4: Strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability of CSOs working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions
Result 4.1: Improved institutional governance of selected CSOs and media organizations
● Ten CSOs were capacitated through coaching and mentoring sessions on carrying out Organizational Capacity Assessments (OCAs), Institutional Improvement Plans (IIPs), and on application of minimum standards for internal governance. Result 4.2: Improved capacity of select CSOs and media organizations to mobilize social and financial resources for sustainability
● CSOs prepared 27 project proposals (6 to local government, 21 to international donors) and 14 were successful. Nine received funding from international donors and five from local governments. ● Fourteen CSO partners completed the final round of the Financial Sustainability Revenue form to assess their financial sustainability status based on the last two years financial sources and plan for the next year. Result 4.3: Improved capacity of CSOs and media organizations to advance local solutions of priority development issues across sectors and to promote peer-learning opportunities ● CS:MAP developed guidelines to institutionalize the minimum standards for internal CSO governance and shared them with 14 CSOs. Four of them were endorsed in Q2 and the remaining in Q3 of 2020.
2 These data were derived from Google analytics, and updated as of June 15.
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Objective 5: Improved enforcement of fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution Result 5.1: Improved the ability of human rights organizations to advocate for and engage with the government at the federal and subnational levels
● CS:MAP produced six human rights situation reports and submitted three civil society reports for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, which will be translated into Nepali and used for advocacy to push for the implementation of fundamental rights. ● A rapid assessment survey on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on Dalits helped authorities understand the situation and needs of the Dalit community and gender-related priorities. ● Advocacy and lobbying meetings with government authorities, including the NHRC, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens (MOWCSC), and Ministry of Finance were organized. This helped them understand the importance of the issues raised by marginalized communities, engage with civil society leaders, and include them in the formal mechanisms dealing with those issues. The Dalit National Federation (DNF) was included in the national delegation to submit the Voluntary National Report (VNR) at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) of the UN. Also, DNF was included in the Coordination and Mobilization Committee under the COVID-19 Action Plan of the government. ● Sensitization programs for media on the rights of marginalized groups to increase media coverage on their issues from a rights-based lens were organized. This increased the amount of news and articles on the rights of the marginalized communities, enriching public discourse.
Result 5.2: Increased knowledge and understanding of subnational government about how to incorporate protections of rights into their functioning
● CS:MAP received a positive response from local governments to the draft guidelines on responding to COVID-19 which, contributed to the adoption of human rights values such as equality, non-discrimination, dignity, access to information during the local-level response to the pandemic. ● CS:MAP supported local governments in identifying measures to improve quarantine conditions by engaging district-level human rights networks, CSOs, and human rights defenders who provided recommendations and developed a press note to disseminate them. ● CS:MAP conducted capacity building training in fundamental human rights principles and legal provisions, which helped community members to identify at least five cases of rights violations and refer them to the Violence Watch Group (VWG). ● CS:MAP led the local-level planning process meetings in different working districts that provided an opportunity for communities to directly engage and share their issues with elected representatives. Application of strategic approach and relevance of critical assumption:
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At a time when the entire nation, including local level governments and elected representatives, was engaged in pandemic response, CS:MAP also aligned its focus and adopted the strategic approach of using a human rights lens to deal with COVID-19. CS:MAP developed guidelines for local governments to deal with the pandemic that are based on basic human rights values such as equality, non-discrimination, right to information (RTI), and positive discrimination for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Local governments that engaged with CS:MAP were receptive of the guidelines and adopted them as a reference document while dealing with the pandemic. CS:MAP provided virtual coaching and mentoring to local CSOs to conduct CS:MAP-created local structures meetings. CS:MAP used these virtual meetings to engage with the local and provincial governments on participatory budget making process, effective public service delivery, and public resource use. CS:MAP supported local CSOs in drafting sample policies related to the COVID-19 response by local governments, which was used as a reference by CSOs engaging in policy advocacy. Similarly, engagement with HEAD coalitions through virtual means was used to generate ownership of whatever could be done during the pandemic. Seeking consent and generating ownership through these networks and other CSOs in the districts helped to raise issues relating to COVID-19 collectively. Even during the lockdown, CS:MAP collaborated and coordinated with local governments through these networks and coalitions to improve quarantines, enhance transparency in distribution of relief, and provide medical stuff to the local governments. CS:MAP also emphasized collaboration among trained journalists, CSOs and media partners to strengthen advocacy efforts. Such collaboration was even more important during COVID-19 as joint advocacy efforts backed by evidence supported rapid and informed government response to the crisis. CS:MAP partners paid special attention to the rights of specific groups, including women, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and Asexual (LGBTIQA) community, and Dalits in training and consultation on the local-level planning process. CS:MAP escalated the strategic approach of engaging with the national institutions and partners increased their engagement with rights bodies such as the National Dalit Commission (NDC), NHRC and with the executive bodies such as the MOWCSC, and Ministry of Finance. Additionally, participation in and collaboration with wider civil society community, including the networks of organizations working to protect and promote the rights of specific groups and communities informed the finalization of the UPR report.
4. Activity Progress
4.1 Development and submission of deliverables
Narrative and Financial Reports:
Quarterly Progress Report # 13 (April 1, 2020-June 30, 2020): CS:MAP submitted its third quarterly progress report (narratives) along with activity matrix for Year 5 on July 30, 2020.
Financial Reports for Year 5: CS:MAP submitted its third quarterly financial report (SF 425) for Year 5 on July 29, 2020. Please refer to Annex 1.
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 15 Quarterly Progress Report No. 13 April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020
Monthly calendar and updates: On the final day of each month, CS:MAP provided the AOR with a calendar for the upcoming month. In the same submission, CS:MAP shared updates on the previous month’s activities.
Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) submission: CS:MAP uploaded 33 documents, reports and knowledge products to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) DEC. (See https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx.)
4.2 Progress achieved toward project objectives
Objective 1: Strengthened enabling environment for civil society and media
Result 1.1: Improved legal and policy framework, based on international standards that leads to better operating environment and strengthened capacity for civil society Activity 1.1.1: Implement advocacy action plans on regulatory reform issues on CSOs and media. Activity 1.1.1.1: Law and policy review CS:MAP reviewed the draft Bill on Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) proposed by FNJ and provided two rounds of inputs. The inputs were mainly on administrative, institutional, and financial independence, content production and management, advertisement, appointment of staff, and international best practices on PSB management. FNJ submitted the draft Bill to the MOCIT on June 28, 2020, with demands for standards to be incorporated in the PSB Bill prepared by MOCIT. The Minister for Communications and Information Technology welcomed the draft and committed to considering FNJ's draft Bill while preparing the final PSB draft. Similarly, CS:MAP reviewed and provided inputs on the draft Bill on Social Development Act (SDA) shared by NFN. NFN used the inputs while negotiating with the MOWCSC during the process of finalizing the Bill. NFN has been engaged from the start of the drafting process and intervened at different stages and versions of the draft Bill at MOWCSC. The final draft Bill on SDA is yet to be public. Activity 1.1.1.2: Disseminating/sharing of the policy review CS:MAP implementing partner Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) organized a virtual discussion on the proposed Bill on Social Development Act on June 30, 2020. It was attended by 26 people, including 6 women, representing different CSOs, their networks and federation. This provided a platform where the CSO representatives agreed on collective advocacy, transparent efforts and common strategies to ensure a CSO enabling environment in the upcoming SDA. CSO representatives agreed on continuous advocacy and lobbying with stakeholders including the MOWCSC for better SDA under the leadership and coordination of NFN. The meeting decided to request that the MOSCSC make the final draft public and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide inputs and suggestions. FNJ shared the final PSB draft Bill submitted to the MOCIT with wider stakeholders including media experts, policy makers, and journalists. Similarly, INSEC, NFN and FNJ organized three
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one-on-one meetings with policy makers to familiarize them with the concerns and demands of CSOs and the media community. Activity 1.1.2: Policy dialogue and discussion with and among CSOs, media, political parties, government and Parliament CS:MAP implementing partner GoGo Foundation organized a virtual dialogue on CSOs' concerns on government-proposed amendments of two Bills - Corruption Prevention Act and Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Act, 2076 BS on June 26, 2020. The dialogue tried to sensitize stakeholders to the proposed amendments to the two anti-corruption-related Bills so that CSOs could better articulate their input to improve the draft bills. It was attended by 37 people representing CSO/media leaders, government agencies, academia, members of independent think-tanks, and the private sector. The participants agreed to prepare and submit CSO-generated inputs on the two proposed Bills to National Assembly and House of Representatives as soon as possible and the GoGo Foundation will lead the process. Activity 1.1.3: Support to local governments to develop and implement civil society and media- related laws Following the strategic meeting and understanding among NFN, MuAN and NARMIN in Q2, CS:MAP implementing partner NFN drafted the "Model CSO Facilitation Directive" to be implemented at the government level in the third quarter. The draft directive was shared with MuAN, NARMIN and the CS:MAP team for inputs and the directive will be finalized in the Q4. If the draft directive is adopted by local governments, it will provide ample opportunities to CSOs to work in an improved enabling environment. As agreed in the last meeting, MuAN and NARMIN will disseminate, promote and encourage their members to use the directives. Additionally, NFN has planned to promote this directive through its members in the Q4. Activity 1.1.4: Promotion of Open Government Partnership (OGP) concept at the national and sub-national level The dissemination of OGP handbook and brochure continued this quarter to educate stakeholders, particularly CSOs. CS:MAP implementing partners Freedom Forum and NFN organized four online events with 138 CSOs representatives, including 30 female representatives. These events focused on OGP principles, the role of CSO to promote OGP, and the importance of OGP in the Nepali context. Considering the COVID-19 crisis, the events highlighted the principles of "Open Response and Open Recovery". These events were organized as suggested by the OGP taskforce meeting held on June 11, 2020. The dialogue 'Open Response, Open Recovery in the Wake of COVID-19 Crisis' organized on June 19, 2020, prioritized the idea of government openness on the COVID-19 response and recovery. The dialogue on June 28, 2020, emphasized openness in different sectors of governance such as open budget, open contracting and procurement, right to information, anti-corruption, and accountable institutions. The meeting also discussed and agreed on demand-side activism, CSO coalition and readiness, mainstreaming openness efforts, collaborative
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dialogues, and continuous advocacy for OGP. Similarly, a virtual discussion on the "Use of OGP Principles during COVID-19 Pandemic" held on June 11, 2020 familiarized the participants with the concept of OGP and how the OGP principles can be used for COVID-19 response in Nepal. Activity 1.1.5: Improving electoral laws and policies The activities were completed in Q1. Activity 1.1.6: Civil society and media coalition meetings
CS:MAP implementing partner FNJ organized a media coalition meeting on June 22, 2020, to ensure professional safety and security of working journalists. The meeting was attended by 25 media coalition members, including four women, representing different professional organizations and CSOs. The meeting decided to protest strongly against the media houses depriving working journalists of their rights. FNJ was mandated to design a campaign for it and all organizations expressed their solidarity. Similarly, NFN organized a people's dialogue on COVID-19 virtually on April 7, 2020, with 69 people, including 12 women and 2 participants identifying as others) from various federations, associations, alliances, networks, and CSOs. The key action points of the meeting were: communicate with government to allow CSOs contribution to COVID-19 response; update, discuss and identify the role of CSOs in the pandemic, regularly, and collect and contribute funds to the Government COVID-19 Response Fund as an expression of solidarity. Activity 1.1.7: Capacity-building training in Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression There was no specific activity planned for this quarter. However, international resources on COVID-19 and its impact on CSOs, freedom of association and expression during COVID-19, and status of civic space globally were shared with participants in capacity-building events from the previous quarter. Activity 1.1.8: Regular technical assistance on policy work CS:MAP continuously engaged with advocacy partners and provided regular technical assistance on policy advocacy work. International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) regularly provided online support and guidance in coordination with CS:MAP team. CS:MAP supported NFN to frame a strong demand or lobbying agenda with stakeholders in the proposed SDA Bill. CS:MAP, through ICNL, provided guidance to the GoGo Foundation on developing an accreditation system for CSOs and FNJ for preparing model draft law on PSB to submit to the MOCIT. Activity 1.1.9: Promote civic engagement, freedom of association and freedom of expression through government training academies or universities CS:MAP followed up with the leadership of Tribhuvan University, Mass Communication Department on the expanded, sustained, and institutionalized use of resources produced under CS:MAP. The Department agreed to act on it by the next quarter. Mid-Western University, Surkhet explored the possibility of incorporating civic engagement contents in its academic session. CS:MAP engaged with Local Development Training Academy for possible collaboration to promote freedom of association and expression. Resources on "Civic Engagement in Democratic Governance" and a handbook on "Open Government Partnership" were produced and shared with the team.
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Activity 1.1.10: Support civil society and NHRC-led mechanism to monitor citizen rights and freedom of association and expression NFN coordinated with NHRC, NBA, and FNJ to establish an NHRC-led mechanism to monitor citizen rights including freedom of association and expression. The mechanism was established on May 6, 2020, and it continuously monitored the status of citizen rights3. The mechanism provided a number of recommendations to governments and stakeholders through status reports. NFN contributed to the monitoring and gathering of primary information A national report released on June 11, 2020 on NHRC's throughout the country and led the process in 24 districts and banner acknowledging the produced four separate provincial status reports on human rights role of NFN including FNJ and monitoring of Province 1, Gandaki Province, Province 5 and NBA . Sudurpashchim Province. The NFN used the status report to engage with provincial governments and demand an effective response. The reports were widely shared with media. Result 1.2: Improved public understanding and confidence in the role of CSOs and media Activity 1.2.1: Launch outreach campaign to improve public understanding and confidence in CSOs and media Activity 1.2.1.1: Use of new media for promoting civil society The lockdown and suspension of activity due to COVID-19 delayed the sub-contract to Public Outreach Campaign (POC). Consequently, the activity is planned for Q4. Activity 1.2.1.2: Social media campaign EAI used Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and the web portal MeroReport to raise awareness on COVID-19. EAI shared a summary of all Sajha Boli episodes produced on the importance of, current condition of, and areas for improvement of quarantine facilities. The episodes also focused on policies, programs, and budget priorities for fiscal year 2020/21 with a COVID-19 focus, and the role of citizens, civil society, and media during this crisis. EAI updated the Ma Khaandina Facebook page, which now has over 13,000-page views. Sajha Boli, Ma Khaandina Facebook page and MeroReport have been promoted across each other. The stories of civic oversight on social media highlighted the activities and roles of CSOs in target districts to oversee the government response to COVID-19 which helped to promote public understanding of COVID-19, its impact and safety measures. Activity 1.2.2: Study on civil society contribution CS:MAP implementing partner Martin Chautari produced a draft of all research articles on the contribution of civil society in Nepal. The draft needs further consultations between CSOs and stakeholders. CS:MAP will finalize this study report in Q4 and disseminate to wider stakeholders educating them on civil society’s contribution in Nepal.
3https://www.nhrcnepal.org/nhrc_new/doc/newsletter/Request%20to%20ensure%20the%20human%20rights%20of %20the%20vulnerable%20people.pdf
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Activity 1.2.3: Discourse on civil society and development issues Considering the COVID-19 crisis and changing priorities of stakeholders, activities were not planned in Quarter 3 (Q3). Out of four events, two will be conducted in Q4 and two in fiscal year 2021.
Activity 1.2.4: Training and technical support for public interest reporting The CS:MAP-trained 10 PIR journalists met virtually on May 14, 2020 and discussed the challenges of reporting public interest issues during the COVID-19 crisis. The closure of and decreased pages of various newspapers has overshadowed public interest issues for the media sector. Journalists’ safety and hazard were other important challenges. The participants agreed to cover more public interest issues related to COVID-19. Freedom Forum coordinated the meeting and urged the journalists to focus on budget allocation at the local levels, sanitation, and rehabilitation, among others. In order to address the identified issues, CS:MAP media partners have assessed the situation and prepared a report with recommendations. They have been working with media houses and government to implement the recommendations. Activity 1.2.5: Proactive civil society initiatives to resolve social issues EAI produced a radio series of Sajha Boli as a campaign focusing on the issues on COVID-19 and broadcast 128 PSAs in 10 local languages about domestic violence, misinformation, and safety, security, female-friendly quarantine, and responsiveness to COVID-19-infected people. Thirty-nine local FM stations broadcast the PSAs. EAI also disseminated the radio programs through MeroReport web portal and Facebook page of Sajha Boli and MeroReport. Activity 1.2.6: Organize interactions to promote understanding on the role of CSOs Despite the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown throughout Q3, CS:MAP succeeded to convene 11 civil society interactions virtually in Gorkha, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Ramechhap, Dhading, Surkhet, Palpa, and Banke districts. A total of 550 participants attended and discussed the local government’s policies and programs, COVID-19 preparedness and response, local-planning process, open budget, civil rights, issues of corruption and the law-making process. The discussion helped the local governments in Banke, Surkhet, Gorkha and Kathmandu to effectively respond to COVID-19. Activity 1.2.7: Media and civil society collaboration to advance public interest INSEC organized a virtual meeting with CSOs, media and local governments in Lalitpur district on May 20, 2020. The objective was to discuss the COVID-19 crisis and collaboration between CSOs and the media with the local governments to enhance accountability. The participants urged media for factual reporting and to disclose the weaknesses of local governments. They further requested for enhanced coordination between stakeholders to combat the COVID-19 crisis and asked FNJ to orient journalists to improve their safety and security. A total of 14 people, including two women, participated in the meeting. This meeting was concluded with following two action points for advancing public interest issues: • Disclose the weakness and area of improvement of government functioning responding COVID-19;
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• Provide necessary orientation to Journalists improving their safety and security while reporting in COVID-19 crisis. Activity 1.2.8: Video production on citizen engagement and role of civil society CS:MAP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Federal Affair and General Administration (MOFAGA), released the civic engagement and role of civil society docudrama "Chaso" in Q2. CS:MAP further released the video on social media sites and YouTube through Gazzab TV that recorded 2,52,349 viewers, more than 7,000 likes and 621 comments were recorded by the end of Q3. Most of the comments reflected that viewers understood the role of civil society and importance of collaboration/engagement between CSO and local governments. CS:MAP could not release the video at sub-national level and advertise on public buses, so this will be done in when long root public buses are allowed. Activity 1.2.9: Document and disseminate information and positive impact stories related to COVID-19 In Q3, CS:MAP produced 12 bulletins on the COVID-19 response and CSOs’ and media’s initiatives and disseminated them digitally to broader stakeholders. These bulletins included updates on CSOs and media’s role and initiatives, collaboration with the local governments, public awareness, handling migrant returnees, management of quarantine and isolation centers and relief distribution in 34 districts. The bulletin has been an important source of information to understand the context in CS:MAP districts and helped strategize on CS:MAP activities. Activity 1.2.10: Provide relief support to local governments to respond Covid19 This activity is planned for Q4. Activity 1.2.11: Hold a multi-stakeholders dialogue on post Covdi19 issues like employment, health services This activity has been planned for Q4. Result 1.3: Improved self-regulation of the sector and internal governance of CSOs and media. Activity 1.3.1: Implement minimum standards of CSOs’ internal governance and self-regulation Considering COVID-19 and revised CSO priorities in the wake of the crisis, the planned activities for Q3 and 4 were dropped. However, NFN regularly shared Minimum Standards of Internal Governance and Self-regulation, 2076 BS with provincial and district chapters. NFN has planned for a quick assessment on the understanding and status of implementation of these standards by its members in Q4. Activity 1.3.2: Prepare “Sample Internal Governance Guidelines” and circulate among CSOs No specific activity was planned in Q3. However, the discussion on the CSO accreditation mechanism and guidelines was continued by NFN, GOGO Foundation and INSEC. CS:MAP and ICNL has been providing technical support.
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Activity 1.3.3: Develop and implement Civic Charter for civil society sector as a means of self- regulation NFN has been regularly sharing the "Civic Charter" content and related issues with its members and wider networks of different federations and in the CSO coalition meetings and events. Activity 1.3.4: Roll-out of self-assessment toolkit and development of action plans Considering the COVID-19 crisis and the changing priorities of the sector, this activity was removed from Q3 and Q4. Considering the need, activity 1.3.5 has been added instead. Activity 1.3.5: Counter disinformation, misinformation, and stigma and support journalists to effectively report during COVID-19 using information technology FNJ with the support of CS:MAP produced a customized version of a guide for preventing and addressing social stigma on COVID-19 reporting. It was based on the reporting guidance produced by International Federation of the Red Cross, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) and shared with the more than 5,000 working journalists. The guide provided basic knowledge on avoiding stigma, stereotypes, and discrimination while reporting on COVID-19. Additionally, FNJ provided technical knowledge to journalists working in 16 media houses to use the Internet safely, and to counter mis/disinformation, among others. Objective 2: Improved civil society and media capacity for effective policy advocacy and government engagement Result 2.1: Strengthened CSO initiatives to coordinate with the GON and to implement constructive advocacy strategies Activity 2.1.1: Strengthen advocacy and government engagement capacity of 14 district-based CSOs and media organizations Activity 2.1.1.1: Continue coaching ISOs in providing advocacy and government engagement capacity building to partner CSOs and media organizations Intermediary Service Organization (ISO) partners were phased out in April 2020. The CS:MAP capacity building (CB) team and Advocacy Advisor provided support on advocacy plans, strategies, and the process to scale up advocacy efforts according to the advocacy readiness index (ARI) assessment. Virtual meetings with CSOs were conducted to support their advocacy efforts, review the status of these efforts, and develop further strategies particularly in policy advocacy, COVID-19 response, and its impact mitigation at the local level. Also, CSOs were engaged in budget advocacy aligned to the local-level planning process as a key priority of ARI capacity building plans. Activity 2.1.1.2: ISOs design and implement advocacy and government engagement coaching and training based on CSOs’ and media organizations’ needs CS:MAP CB team provided coaching and mentoring to CSOs as outlined in 2.1.1.1 Activity 2.1.1.3: Conduct refresher training/orientation or review meeting with selected ISOs on usage of the Advocacy Readiness Index (ARI) This activity was completed in Q2 FY 2020.
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Activity 2.1.1.4: Develop and publish advocacy resource handbook: In Q3, the draft advocacy resource handbook was finalized. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown, the printing process was delayed. A hard copy will be shared with stakeholders in the subsequent quarter. Activity 2.1.2: Strengthen ISO capacity on budget monitoring and advocacy CS:MAP prepared and shared the assessment report on the budgets of 10 selected local governments. It focused on budget allocations to target groups, budget distribution and allocations from the perspective of equity and social justice, local government’s capacity to raise taxes to meet recurrent expenditures, revenue generation, and allocation of funds for natural/resource management to benefit marginalized people. In addition, CSOs and media played a significant role in budget advocacy. CS:MAP local structures were engaged in local-level planning processes. The local governments had delayed formulating policy, program and budget of FY 2020/21 due to COVID-19. Thus, CSO coalitions and CS:MAP local structures submitted memoranda, lobbied through social media, held virtual discussions, and aired radio programs that drew the attention of the local governments to initiate local planning process timely and in a transparent manner. On May 26-30, 2020, Community Development Center Nepal organized a four-episode radio program on budget formulation process in Nuwakot. SOCH Nepal Gorkha, Human Rights Awareness and Development Center, Dolakha and Ramechhap disseminated information related to the local planning process, local government readiness and the concerns of poor and marginalized people. In Dang, 38 Common Assembly (CA) members participated Hon’ble Economic Affairs and in local level planning process and raised issues on health, Planning Minister, Kailash Prasad Dhungel, Bagmati province education, DRR and agriculture for the budget of FY 2020/21. SOCH Nepal facilitated CSO coalitions and other structures. As a result, the local women’s group, CA, Listening, Discussion and Action Group (LDAG) and CSO coalitions in Gorkha, Kathmandu, and Okhaldhunga handed over citizen’s budget to the respective local governments.
Additionally, the provincial CSO coalitions provided policy inputs to provincial governments. The coalition of Bagmati province handed over a memorandum to Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning, Kailash Prasad Dhungel. During a virtual conference, CSOs shared recommendations on policy and program for the province in FY 2020/21. Similarly, the CSO coalition of Karnali province organized a virtual meeting with Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning, Prakash Jwala and representatives of provincial planning commission. Similarly, the CSO coalition of Province 5 submitted inputs in provincial policy and budget of FY 2020/21 through electronic means. Activity 2.1.3: Mobilize Sajhedari Manch (Partnership Forums) and Common Assemblies (CAs) Only five Sajhedari Manch meetings were conducted, linking the local level CA discussions to the decision-making level at the palikas, due to the ongoing pandemic. In this reporting quarter, a total of 19 issues were raised: 5 (26.3%) health, 4 (21.1%) education, 2 (10.5%) agriculture, 5
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(26.3%) DRR, and the remaining 3 (15.8%) other. Out of the 19 total issues discussed, 11 (57.9%) of issues were resolved or addressed. The CAs at the ward level were able to hold discussions on the service delivery issues between citizens and authorities. This quarter, 15 CA meetings were conducted. During these meetings participants discussed issues related to public service delivery and resources used in the education, health, agriculture, and DRR sectors, particularly on COVID-19 response. Among the 33 issues raised and discussed in CA meetings, 11 (33.3%) were related to health, 5 (15.2%) to education, 7 (21.2%) to agriculture, 4 (12.1%) to DRR, and 6 (18.2%) to other categories. In total, 13 (39.4%) of the issues raised in CA meetings were addressed or resolved. The table below lists the major issues raised, addressed, and/or resolved at CAs in Q3: Issues Decisions ● Develop and implement guidelines for the prevention and ● Local governments formulated COVID-19 control of COVID-19. response guideline and implemented them. ● Data collection, quarantine and isolation management for ● Local governments established health returnee migrants. desks, managed quarantines, and ● Provide free treatment to infected people. distributed relief to the needy people. ● Budget should be allocated for community awareness ● Local governments managed funds for programs. COVID-19 response. ● Engagement with local governments in quarantine ● Local governments distributed relief to the management, relief distribution, and transferring infected poor in CS:MAP working districts. cases to a hospital. ● Local governments informed people ● Relief should be distributed to poor families affected by through radio, social media and other COVID-19. means about the pandemic. ● Conduct public awareness program related to COVID-19. ● Citizens' participation in planning process should be ensured.
Activity 2.1.4: Conduct Sajha Sabhas, or Public Forums Due to the pandemic and the lockdown, it was impossible to organize in-person Sajha Sabha. As a result, 58 public fora were organized through Facebook messenger, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams. Current issues and challenges were discussed with representatives of CSOs, media, local elected representatives, health workers, political parties, human rights defenders, and other government authorities. Activity 2.1.5: Capacity building to the facilitators of CS:MAP supported local structures On May 19, 2020, CS:MAP organized a virtual half-day refresher training to 32 Community Action Researchers (CARs) in 26 districts. The training was focused on participatory evidence- based action research. On May 13, 2020 Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal organized a half-day virtual training for its staff. Seven participants including the newly appointed project coordinator, district coordinator and other staff attended the training. The training focused on the CS:MAP theory of change, advocacy strategies and tools, evidence-based advocacy efforts, constructive engagement with government, the role of CS:MAP structures in oversight of public service delivery and public resource use, budget advocacy, and role of CSOs in response to COVID-19. A similar training was organized by IHRC in Banke.
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Activity 2.1.6: Record citizen-led responses to inform the public on the risks of COVID-19 This activity had no targets for this quarter. Activity 2.1.7: Conduct virtual Sajha Sabha - Citizen's Bahas (dialogue) This activity had no targets for this quarter. Result 2.2: Improved coalition-building between local and national CSOs, and between CSOs and the media that leads to joint actions undertaken on selected policy priorities across sectors Activity 2.2.1: Strengthen coalitions and networks to undertake joint advocacy actions on policy priorities across sectors In Q3, advocacy efforts focused on 10 different4 issues mostly related to COVID-19. The joint advocacy actions included mentions in 85 news stories published/broadcast by local and national media; and consisted of 15 virtual meetings of CSO/HEAD coalitions; 35 memoranda, and attention letters submitted to municipality/gaunpalika. In addition, 11 civic interaction on public service delivery and 21 joint actions of media and CSOs were conducted. Likewise, CSO coalitions provided their inputs on 10 draft policies/programs/budgets developed by local and provincial governments. As a result, new child protection, governance, agriculture, COVID-19 response and local-level development policies and budget were formulated and revised. Activity 2.2.2: Support local governments to develop and implement Disaster Risk Management strategies that includes preparedness for pandemic This activity had no targets for this quarter. Result 2.3: Improved CSO and media capacity to conduct participatory and evidence-based research on issues, policy, and enforcement in order to benefit marginalized groups Activity 2.3.1: Build research capacity for CSOs and media organizations EAI continued publishing the findings of PEAR reports and other advocacy-related activities on MeroReport to enable wider circulation and discussion. This resulted in CARs and CSOs publishing 15 articles5 on the web platform. Likewise, EAI reviewed PEAR reports submitted by CSOs and incorporated examples into the PEAR training manual that is currently being revised. Activity 2.3.2: Organize study visit for media partners in Kathmandu for investigative journalism This was postponed due to the lockdown announced by government from March 24 to control the COVID-19 pandemic since it required field research.
4 Access to relief for poor and marginalized people, participatory planning process, online class in community school, quarantine management, crop damaged by insects, budget provision to migrant returnees, and proper use of community forestry fund, among others. 5 In the blogs published by CARs and CSOs, they have highlighted issues related to food security amidst COVID-19 pandemic and the local government's role (https://meroreport.net/blog/lii-40), establishment of emergency media fund for media personnel and media houses (https://meroreport.net/blog/lii-40), civil society efforts in ensuring human rights (https://meroreport.net/blog/l-b-a-a-2), local level efforts in COVID-19 response (https://meroreport.net/blog/l-l-l-ul-1, https://meroreport.net/blog/l-231), relief package for disabled (https://meroreport.net/blog/l-l-125) and pregnant women (https://meroreport.net/blog/l-ul-llii-0).
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Activity 2.3.3: Mentoring and coaching provided to journalists who receive Advocacy and Monitoring/Oversight (AMO) Training Journalists at the sub-national level, trained by EAI on ‘advocacy monitoring and oversight’, published 218 (129 on online media and 89 on MeroReport) articles on the COVID-19 situation and response. The articles focused on government's plans, policies, programs and standards for COVID-19 response. Activity 2.3.4: Mentoring and coaching to Investigative Journalism (IJ) trained journalists and media professionals EAI provided technical support to 30 journalists selected from the roster of previously trained journalists based on the frequency of their contribution to local issues and how often they publish on MeroReport. This quarter, 177 (121 via online media and 56 on MeroReport) in-depth stories were published online, through sub-national media, and on MeroReport. These articles focused on the COVID-19 response, local development, fiscal-year programs and budgets of local governments, issues related to women and marginalized communities, and HEAD-related issues. Activity 2.3.5: Public interest reporting training and fellowship Please refer to CS:MAP Result 1.2, linked with Activity 1.2.4. Activity 2.3.6: Document advocacy case studies from 14 CSOs and publish academic article Four case studies related to advocacy efforts6 were documented this quarter. Additionally, an article on “Strengthening Local Governance through Youth Volunteerism” was published in Nepal Youth Journal, volume 3 by Youth Advocacy Nepal. This article reflects the efforts of CS:MAP in the local governance process (please refer to Annex 2). Activity 2.3.7: Publish civic monitoring report of local government response in COVID-19 This activity did not take place during Q3. Activity 2.3.8: Share advocacy initiatives of CS:MAP between academia and practitioners This activity did not take place during Q3. Activity 2.3.9: Share participatory response strategies in COVID-19 at local level This activity did not take place during Q3. Objective 3: More coordinated and effective civil society and media oversight of public resource use and public service delivery Result 3.1: Improved capacity of local CSOs, media, and community-based organizations to monitor and report on cross-sectoral public service delivery, based on common standards applicable to each sector Activity 3.1.1: Conduct GGB in select local governments
6 Development projects of Gorkha, access to land to construct the house damaged by earthquake in Dolakha, compensation to farmers for crops damaged by wild animals in Kavre, and treatment of Sickle cell anemia in Tharu community benefited from CS:MAP advocacy.
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CS:MAP implementation of GGB action plans has helped improve the quality of public services. Kavre Pokhari Secondary School in Gulmi Darbar gaunpalika of Gulmi district arranged book corners in each class, improved drinking water supply with gaunpalika funding, initiated the distribution of sanitary pads to menstruating students, set up a complaint redressal mechanism, and designated a nodal officer to listen to grievances. The School Management Committee (SMC) has been more active, convening 21 times last year to discuss GGB action plan. Teacher accountability has improved, leading to a better teaching and learning environment in the school. Likewise, Maindanda Secondary School of Chhatrakot gaunpalika in Gulmi redecorated pre- primary classrooms, disclosed information regularly through a notice board, provided mid-day meals to students regularly, and distributed sanitary pads to menstruating students. The school administration has kept book corners in all classrooms and the SMC meets more frequently than in the past. Activity 3.1.2: Conduct research to generate evidence for advocacy CSOs produced 6 PEAR products focused on agriculture, resource allocation, forest resource management, and education, among others. Likewise, CSOs conducted law and policy reviews at the local level and used the findings for advocacy efforts aiming to improve those. (See Activity 3.1.4 for additional information about the outcomes of advocacy based on this research) engaged in law and policy reviews at the local level. Activity 3.1.3: Utilize online collaboration platform (MeroReport) to monitor and report on cross-cutting issues In Q3 the MeroReport platform (www.meroreport.net) continued to bring citizens, journalists and bloggers together to share news, ideas and views among civil society and media actors. Recent posts included articles that reported on oversight of public service delivery and use of public resources, with an increased focus on COVID-19. The blogposts were shared via the MeroReport Facebook page to increase their reach and user interactivity. A total of 388 blogposts were published through MeroReport in Q3, a four percent increase over the previous quarter. Geographically, 62 percent of the posts were from Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) districts and 38 percent were from earthquake-affected districts. With 226 blogposts, CRs were the top contributors, followed by trained journalists and CSOs. Almost 90 percent of the blogs addressed COVID-19, its impact, and government response tied to local-level planning and funds across the HEAD sectors. A total of 12,657-page views were recorded this quarter, with each user spending about 3 minutes and 24 seconds per visit.
Activity 3.1.4: Support local governments to draft specific laws/policies/guidelines for effective civic-government engagement As noted above, in Q3 local governments consulted local CS:MAP CSO partners to request their inputs/feedback on 24 laws and policies in CS:MAP districts. The local governments endorsed 21 laws and policies after seeking input from civil society. Similarly, 18 local governments
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customized or adopted COVID-19 Response Guidelines developed by CS:MAP to support local governments in managing quarantines, distributing relief, and managing logistics during the pandemic. Two local governments endorsed governance policies developed with technical support from CS:MAP local partners. Molung gaunpalika of Okhaldhunga district and Temal gaunpalika of Kavre district developed and enforced policies and guidelines to respond to COVID-19 with the support of SOCH Nepal and Samudayik Sarathi. Similarly, Integrated Rural Development Society (IRDS) Gulmi, Development Exchange Center (DEC) Makawanpur and Dhading, and CDC Nuwakot supported their respective local governments to formulate guidelines to ensure equitable distribution of relief packages. The CSO coalition in Gorkha also supported the local governments and District Administration Office to collect information about migrant workers and assisted them in returning to their homes. Similarly, Media for Development & Social Change (FMDC) and Sanjeevani Nepal organized virtual meetings with local governments to collect information about their preparedness in response to COVID-19. The mayors of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolis, Sanfebagar and Doti-Dipayal municipalities requested that CSOs monitor the response activities of the local governments to track their effectiveness and efficiency. Result 3.2: Improved bottom-up coordination between community, district, and national formal and informal CSOs engaged in public service oversight Activity 3.2.1: Strengthen coalitions and networks for public service oversight by conducting an orientation for HEAD coalitions/networks on common standards/checklists for public service oversight This activity has been completed in earlier quarter. Activity 3.2.2: Organize coordination meetings of the HEAD coalition for oversight A total of 28 HEAD coalitions/networks were organized met virtually 28 times to discuss issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil society actors in target districts urged local governments to improve quarantines, update records of migrant returnees, raise awareness about COVID-19, and distribute relief to poor and marginalized community members, among others. In addition, Rural Women Development Center (RWDC) convened virtual meetings on April 24, 2020 and 27, 2020, with USAID implementing partners and members from other CSOs to take stock of the IPs’ responses, avoid duplication of work, and coordinate and collaborate with local governments. Similarly, CS:MAP partners FMDC and Sanjeevani Nepal conducted four virtual meetings with CSOs and local governments to plan and respond to COVID-19 at the local level. The meetings were focused on the local governments’ plan, status, and efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic at the local level, and on exploring collaboration between local CSOs, media, and local governments. The meetings brought together journalists, civil society leaders, and activists who highlighted the need for collaboration among CSOs and media in response to the pandemic. After the meeting, stakeholders formed a special task force in Amargadhi Municipality of Dadeldhura. Likewise, Human Rights Protection and Legal Service Center (HRPLSC-Nepal) called a joint meeting of CSOs in Dailekh district to discuss issues related to COVID-19 and planned an initiative to engage with the government of Karnali Province. A memorandum was submitted to
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the Chief Minister of Karnali Province on June 1, 2020. In response to this advocacy effort, led by HRPLSC-Nepal, Karnali Province established a 50-bed isolation ward in Kapurkot gaunpalika, a 100-bed isolation ward in Sharada municipality and a 50-bed isolation ward in Bangad-Kupinde municipality in Salyan.
Activity 3.2.3: Conduct public service oversight through the HEAD/CSO coalitions Per the revised AWP, this activity did not take place in Q3. Activity 3.2.4: Organize district-level interactions focused on increasing vibrant civic space, the role of civil society and policy priority issues A total of 11 interactions were organized in Q3. Civil society champions facilitated interactions focused on different concerns related to COVID-19 and the role of society during pandemic. Participants discussed civil society’s support to local governments in containing the coronavirus, vigilance over curtailment of civic freedom during the pandemic, the role of civil society during the pandemic, transparency in the procurement of medical supplies, and the importance of oversight of funds spent on quarantine management at the local level. In addition, FMDC organized a virtual discussion with national and subnational-level stakeholders to discuss COVID-19, with an emphasis on the settlement of returnee migrants from India through the Gaurifanta border near Dhangadhi in Kailali. Local journalists reported live during the interaction and provided details from the border where approximately 4,000 returnee migrants were waiting to enter Nepal. Approximately 45,000 migrant workers returned via Gaurifanta and Gaddachauki borders (37,000 via Gaurifanta, 8,000 via Gaddachauki) between May 15-31, 2020. Activity 3.2.5: Conduct strategic coalition-building meetings between CSOs and media to initiate joint actions A total of 21 joint actions were initiated in Q3, including actions focused on updating lists of migrant returnees, setting up quarantine and isolation beds, providing masks and sanitizers to local governments, and COVID-19 prevention and lockdown awareness-raising through local FM radios. Media and CSO actors conducted joint monitoring, meetings, and virtual discussions, and submitted memoranda regarding COVID-19 prevention and awareness raising. Chandra Raj Pant, a civil society champion in Dang, along with other CSO leaders conducted a video conference with Shankar Pokharel, Chief Minister of Province 5, in relation to the provincial government’s response to the fight against COVID-19. Pant requested that the Chief Minister conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in Dang district and provide support for additional health facilities and related human resources.
Similarly, Information and Human Right Research Center (IHRC) in coordination with human rights activists and other CSO leaders in Banke handed over a memorandum to the Banke District Administration Office and Province 5 Parliament Member, Krishna KC, on May 21, 2020. The CSOs proposed 11 major points regarding COVID-19 safety and security measures, following a rapid increase in coronavirus infections in Banke, and the declaration of Narainapur gaunpalika as a red zone. IHRC and human rights activists jointly monitored the human rights situation of the
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inmates of Banke jail and Duduwa juvenile correction home on May 10, 2020. Subsequently, the team organized a meeting with Ajaya Kumar Shrivastava, District Coordination Committee chair and Kumar Bahadur Khadka, Banke Chief district officer, and debriefed them. Finally, CDC Nepal organized a virtual HEAD coalition meeting on May 29, 2020, in Rasuwa district. The main objective was to discuss the role of civil society and media in the context of COVID-19 in the district. Participants reviewed preparations for COVID-19 related to quarantine, local-level relief distribution, and human rights protections, and urged local governments to improve their preparation for the prevention and control of COVID-19 by setting up quarantine facilities as per the government standards and increasing the number of tests available. Activity 3.2.6: Hold Bi-annual Summits CS:MAP convened a two-day virtual Biannual Summit and Review and Reflection from May 20- 21, 2020 due to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 100 people participated, including CS:MAP grantee project leads, district coordinators from CS:MAP’s 34 working districts, and representatives from USAID, EAI, FHI 360, and national-level civil society and media coalitions. The main objectives of the Summit were to: (1) expand horizontal and vertical coordination and collaboration between provincial and local actors working on policy reform for an improved enabling environment, public service oversight, and advocacy on public interest issues; (2) share with, reflect on and learn from each other in areas including an improved enabling legal, policy and human rights environment; advocacy on public interest issues; use of social accountability tools for public service oversight and advocacy initiatives; and capacity building for institutional governance; and (3) to foster sharing, reflection and learning among partners across CS:MAP objectives, with an emphasis on anticipated results, thereby enabling CS:MAP to identify and document success stories/cases that reflect sustainability and exit strategy goals. Result 3.3: Improved citizen awareness and use of available GON social accountability mechanisms Activity 3.3.1: Conduct orientation for citizens on Social Accountability (SA) Tools This activity had no targets for this quarter. Activity 3.3.2: Institutionalize and regularize Social Audits and Public Hearings in target gaunpalikas/municipality at a fixed venue This activity had no targets for this quarter. Activity 3.3.3: Conduct public expenditure tracking (PET) at the local level This activity had no targets for this quarter. Activity 3.3.4: Apply Community Score Cards at the local level This activity had no targets for this quarter. Activity 3.3.5: Conduct Social Audit of CSOs This activity had no targets for this quarter.
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Activity 3.3.6: Conduct Right to Information (RTI) Campaign CS:MAP through its partner IHRC filed 2 PIL and 7 RTI during this reporting period. On May 22, 2020, human rights activists, lawyers, and CSO leaders filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Tulsipur High Court, Banke, demanding improvement of the quality of quarantine and isolation centers in accordance with WHO guidelines. The PIL was filed against all local governments, Banke and Bardiya district police administrations, and the Ministry of Health and Population of Province 5, including 37 different agencies. The IHRC chair and vice chair were also involved in filing the PIL. The PIL was based on the monitoring visit conducted at eight local governments' quarantine and isolation centers. The petitioners also demanded mandatory PCR and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) for people coming from India. Activity 3.3.7: Radio programming to raise citizen awareness of social accountability mechanisms Activity 3.3.7.1: Hold Content Advisory Group (CAG) meetings: Due to the pandemic, most of the CAG meetings this Quarter were held virtually, with only three radio partners conducting physical CAG meetings while maintaining appropriate safety measures. The meetings generated productive discussions, leading to a collective understanding of content priorities for the Sajha Boli radio program. A total of 11 CAG meetings (one central, 10 "Many problems have arisen during this health local) were held in Q3. The central CAG emergency - insufficient budget, poor quarantine meeting included government representatives; management, and lack of coordination with experts related to youth, migration and gender; stakeholders, among others, and the media should and CS:MAP CSO representatives. The prioritize these issues. I am happy that the CAG discussions centered on how the COVID-19 meeting gave me an opportunity to share my thoughts on what the media should prioritize during the current pandemic had affected services related to crisis” Bina Shrestha, Deputy Mayor of Gorkha health, education, agriculture, and DRR, and Municipality. how they might be improved; quarantine
centers and how they could be rendered more accessible for women, children and persons with disabilities; youth employment; citizen participation in the local-level planning process; and the role of media and civil society in supporting effective implementation of COVID-19 plans and responses. Sixty-six issues were identified for Sajha Boli and SSMK via central and local CAG meetings. Activity 3.3.7.3: Carry out Sajha Boli production, broadcast and audience engagement: Sajha Boli radio episodes produced centrally and sub-nationally focused on quarantine facilities and management; policies, programs, and budget priorities for fiscal year 2020/21, with an emphasis on COVID-19; and the role of youth, civil society, and media during the pandemic. A total of 45 episodes of Sajha Boli were produced to increase awareness of safety measures and precautions related to COVID-19. Of the 45, five were produced centrally and 40 were produced at the sub-national level. The central episodes were broadcast by 39 local radio partners and Radio Nepal, and the local episodes were broadcast by the 39 local radio partners. In total, the central version episodes were broadcast 200 times while the local versions were broadcast 156 times.
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Only 45 of the target 66 episodes were produced due to the lockdown implemented during Q3. The talk shows, interviews and news bulletins focused on raising awareness about COVID-19, calling for behavior change and engagement between local government and citizens to address problems related to COVID-19 response. In Q3, a total of 561 callers accessed the Sajha Boli IVR platform Sajha Boli Chautari7. The EAI M&E and Outreach teams are currently assessing how the pandemic and resulting lockdown have influenced radio listenership and audience interactivity. The findings of this assessment will be shared in the next reporting period. 3.3.7.4. Critical Listening Feedback Session (CLFS) Despite the lockdown, 10 production partners held CLFSs to seek stakeholder feedback on Sajha Boli episodes. The CLFSs were conducted using online forms that included links to radio program episodes. Respondents were identified by partner radio stations, and included youth and LDAG members, as well as government and CSO representatives. Participants listened to the radio episodes and provided input via the forms, which was then used to improve the quality of radio programs and address audience needs and concerns. To overcome potential barriers to access, EAI shared an audiovisual guide to help respondents complete the process. The online forms, a new approach for CS:MAP, allowed for the participation of more people from diverse geographical locations. The participants evaluated each criterion on a scale ranging from “Very Poor” to “Very Good,” equivalent to a numeric score of 1 to 5. The CLFS score analysis showed an overall six percent decrease in scores in Q3 as compared to the previous quarter. 3.3.7.5 Production and Broadcast of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) Since the coronavirus outbreak, EAI has produced PSAs every week to raise awareness "I liked the PSAs that EAI produced and about the infection, tackle misinformation, found them unique. We also produce PSAs address stigma and discrimination, and to raise awareness on COVID-19, but we emphasize citizen responsibilities during the only focus on preventive measures. EAI pandemic. The PSAs focused on the importance discusses psychosocial impacts and these of quarantine for people returning from abroad, are very informative and essential in the and addressed stigma and discrimination present context - Deepak Sharma, Jagriti against those infected and frontline workers, Child and Youth Concern Nepal relief distribution, gender-based violence (GBV), and precautions to be taken in home quarantine. A total of 128 PSAs were produced and broadcast 23,790 times via 39 partner radio stations. To ensure a wide reach, the PSAs were produced in ten different languages: Nepali, Magar, Newari, Awadhi, Tamang, Sherpa, Tharu, Doteli, Baitadeli, and Achhami. The PSAs were also disseminated via IVR, MeroReport, Sajha Boli radio episodes, and social media.
7 The data for the fifth episode is not included in this report as numbers were still being collected and collated.
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Activity 3.3.8 Listening, Discussion and Action Groups (LDAGs) to engage citizen in social accountability. In Q3 LDAG participants discussed concepts and issues broadcast via Sajha Boli and Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK). They engaged with local government officials, public service providers, and relevant stakeholders on matters of public interest, especially those pertaining to youth. However, LDAG engagement for collective monitoring and oversight was limited this quarter due to the lockdown and restricted mobility. Still, LDAG participants supported local governments to identify the neediest in their communities, in the distribution of relief packages, as volunteers in quarantine management, and in public oversight and advocacy. Such efforts are presented as LDAG’s initiatives in success stories section. On May 26, 2020 an online meeting was held via Zoom for 26 CRs. This meeting was facilitated by EAI to ensure continuous engagement of CRs in oversight and mobilization of LDAGs to support local governments’ COVID-19 responses. Participants discussed the possibility of CRs meeting and engaging through online platforms, the promotion of the SMS My Voice campaign calling youth to action, and CRs’ role in gathering community opinions and voices regarding COVID-19 and its impact for radio and MeroReport content. EAI also held a virtual meeting with 15 LDAG facilitators from CDCS districts via Zoom. The meeting encouraged them to ensure that members continued listening and discussion around the Sajha Boli and SSMK radio programs, and PSAs, and that they provide feedback and promote the Mero Palika Mero Chaso (SMS My Voice) campaign. LDAGs in Kailali and Surkhet districts held online meetings, via Zoom, to remain connected with their members, CRs, and CS:MAP districts coordinators. The LDAG members shared their thoughts about recent Sajha Boli and SSMK radio episodes. The LDAGs in Kailali also shared information about various activities that they had initiated in collaboration with their Ward office in response to COVID-19. Activity 3.3.9: Engage youth in social accountability Two episodes of youth-targeted, CS:MAP-themed SSMK radio programs were produced and broadcast through Radio Nepal and more than 60 local FM stations. Due to lockdown, most activities were suspended in April. The two episodes produced focused on youth involvement in social accountability initiatives in the context of COVID-19; the first discussed the role of youth in the COVID-19 response, and the second on psychological problems and suicidal tendencies due to COVID-19. A total of 745 responses were received following the two episodes, among which 358 (61 percent) came via Facebook, 190 (26 percent) via IVR, and 99 (13 percent) through SMS. Data compiled by the Nepal Police shows that there were more than 1,100 suicide cases witnessed in Nepal after the lockdown. The episode highlights how this pandemic is affecting students and also suggest ideas for addressing this crisis. Panel discussion on ‘role of youth and media in the COVID-19 response' To promote awareness about the important role of youth and media in tackling fake news and misinformation for an effective COVID-19 response, SSMK organized an online panel discussion through Zoom on June 15, 2020 (see photo). The panelists included Sameer Mani Dixit from Nepal
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Public Health Foundation, Binu Subedi from Kantipur Daily, Arun Khadka from the Emergency Response Centre, and Madhav Dhungel from the National Youth Council. There were 35 participants including public health professionals and scholars, representatives from media houses, and individuals and CSOs working in emergency response. Most participants were youth, including CS:MAP CRs and LDAG facilitators. The panel discussion was also streamed live from the SSMK Facebook page and shared 17 times, watched by over 2,500 people, and reached over 6,660 people. Result 3.4 Improved citizen engagement in media and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools to strengthen public participation and oversight. Activity 3.4.1 Conduct SMS My Voice Campaign Mero Palika Mero Chaso – SMV is an innovative campaign that targets adolescents and youth whose voices are often unheard. These youth are also underrepresented and underserved in different government plans and policies. The campaign offers a platform for dialogue utilizing various ICTs to foster an environment where their voices can be heard and respected. This quarter, the campaign pivoted towards COVID-19, calling upon youth to join the response with their local governments. After the government announced a nationwide lockdown on March 24, 2020, the federal and subnational governments created several temporary quarantine and isolation facilities for the treatment of infected patients. The SMV campaign sought to engage youth to support local governments, while ensuring that they remained safe. Cross-promoted by Sajha Boli, the Ma Khaandina Facebook page that promotes the campaign saw a notable surge in interactivity, with comments, feedback, and videos being shared. The campaign has gradually gained in popularity, with an increase in IVR participation and videos received. A total of 252 callers engaged with the SMV campaign through IVR, and another 16 video messages were received through the social media page. Among the 252 callers, 92 recorded their messages. Of the 132 that provided information about their gender, 54 percent were male and 32 percent were female. A majority (89 percent) of the callers were between 15 and 29 years of age. Activity 3.4.2 Organize Public Service Delivery Exhibition After the public interest reporting training held in Nepalgunj, CRs increased the number of photos submitted, and the quality of photos has improved. This quarter, the CRs submitted 64 photos with images demonstrating public interest oversight related to service delivery in the HEAD sectors. However, because of the lockdown, CRs were limited in their ability to document oversight activities. Activity 3.4.3: Update online collaboration platform (MeroReport) Please refer to the Activity 3.1.3 for more details. Activity 3.4.4: ICT workshop for CSOs, media and concerned stakeholders Per the revised AWP, this activity did not take place in Q3.
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Activity 3.4.5: Technical support to open local units’ (municipality/gaunpalika) annual budgets and plans to the public Due to COVID-19, local government priorities have shifted to managing quarantines and isolation wards. As a result, local units are unlikely to open their budgets and plans to the public in FY20. Due to the shortened implementation period in FY21, this activity will no longer take place. Objective 4: Strengthen organizational capacity and sustainability of CSOs working in USAID priority sectors to advance local solutions Result 4.1: Improved institutional governance of selected CSOs and media organizations Activity 4.1.1: Train and provide technical assistance and coaching to partner CSOs and media organizations The CS:MAP CB team conducted virtual coaching and provided mentoring support to CSOs as they worked to implement their OCA IIPs developed in the final round of OCA assessments. The coaching/mentoring also supported CSOs in implementing minimum standards of internal governance. Virtual coaching was conducted with 10 CSOs, during which staff reviewed IIP items’ status and priorities. Due to COVID-19, some activities outlined in IIPs were not conducted; the CB team discussed these activities with the CSOs, updated deadlines, and worked with CSOs on their self-identified priorities. The CB team also provided support to the CSOs in revising and updating forms and formats based on their experiences implementing new policies and guidelines. In addition, the team discussed the status of minimum standards for internal governance, institutionalization processes, and areas where additional CS:MAP support is needed. During discussions, the team emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the minimum standards and securing early endorsement from CSO boards and general assemblies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CS:MAP has also worked too strengthen CSO capacity for virtual work, use of ICT, and remote work. Activity 4.1.2: Conduct annual organizational capacity assessments with partner organizations, and adjust IIPs Per the revised AWP, this activity did not take place in Q3. Result 4.2: Improved capacity of select CSOs and media organizations to mobilize social and financial resources for sustainability Activity 4.2.1: Analyze Financial Sustainability Plans (FSPs) and make necessary changes In this quarter, CSO partners completed the final round of CS:MAP Financial Revenue forms in order to assess their status with regard to funding diversification, resource mobilization, and financial sustainability. To complete the forms, CSOs provided information about their financial revenue from the past two years and their plans for the following year, and developed strategies for donor identification and engagement, implementation of resource mobilization guidelines and committees, etc. In future quarters the forms will be analyzed and CS:MAP will provide need- based support to implement funding diversification and resource mobilization plans. In addition, CS:MAP partner CSOs worked to increase their sustainability by diversifying their funding. In Q3, 12 CSOs prepared 27 project proposals (six to local government, 21 to international
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donors); 14 of these were successful (nine from international donor-funded projects and five from local governments). These ongoing efforts will help CSOs diversify their funding streams and support long-term sustainability. Activity 4.2.2: Build capacity of select CSOs in financial sustainability CS:MAP conducted a two-day virtual training, “Fundraising for CSOs,” on June 29-30, 2020 for 30 representatives from 14 CSOs. The training aimed to strengthen the fundraising capacity of CSOs to support their funding diversification efforts and explore funding avenues in national and global contexts. Participants received training on sustainability and exploring and developing organizational niches, and had opportunities for sharing effective practices in fundraising with government and international funding, along with opportunities to work with government and international donors. Trainers shared technical information related to fundraising scenarios in national and global contexts and provided an introduction to crowd funding. In addition, presenters shared an analytical report on a 2019 financial sustainability assessment of CS:MAP’s 14 partners in order to spur to reflection on partners’ sustainability and plans for funding diversification to achieve their strategic focus. Participants committed to implement lessons from the training in their organizations and agreed on the following takeaways: 1. Review and analyze the Sustainability Rapid Assessment Tool within their organization and determine their organization’s sustainability status, 2. Increase access to crowdfunding to promote funding diversification, 3. Apply the niche identification tool, and 4. Incorporate lessons learning to support funding diversification and resource mobilization efforts. CSOs’ efforts will be tracked and need-based support will be provided throughout the project period. Activity 4.2.3: Conduct open houses to expose CS:MAP partners to new donors This activity will take place in Q4. Result 4.3: Improved capacity of CSOs and media organizations to advance local solutions on priority development issues across sectors and to promote peer-learning opportunities Activity 4.3.1: Train and provide TA to selected CSO and media partners to improve technical and organizational development capacities Please refer to Activity 4.1.1 Activity 4.3.2: Strengthen the local marketplace of capacity development services CS:MAP continues to promote the internal governance of CSOs in its working districts by conducting OCAs for non-CS:MAP CSOs. In previous quarters ISO partners supported this effort; however, with their phasing out in April 20, 2020, they are no longer available for this assistance. At the same time, COVID-19 limits CS:MAP’s ability to plan and facilitate OCAs for non- CS:MAP CSOs in CS:MAP working districts. To develop the facilitation expertise required for this effort CS:MAP had planned a training of trainers (ToT) in the OCA tool for CSOs, but it could not be delivered due to COVID-19 due to the intensive nature of the ToT and need to ensure the
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skills and capacity of each participant. As a result, once the COVID-19 situation improves this initiative will be revisited. As a result of COVID-19, activity targets for this quarter have been reduced in the revised AWP and moved to Q1 FY21. Results for this activity will be linked with activity 4.3.5 - ToT in the OCA tool to board and staff member of CSOs. In addition, CS:MAP had established minimum standards for internal governance in all 14 CSOs in FY19. As of this reporting period at least 97 percent of indicators have been achieved, and CSOs are working to achieve the remaining indicators. To institutionalize the standards and resulting changes, CS:MAP drafted guidelines and shared them all 14 CSOs in Q2 FY 2020. These were endorsed by four CSOs during that period. In this quarter, the remaining 10 CSOs endorsed the guidelines via board decisions, which will be validated through upcoming general assemblies as per their statutes. Activity 4.3.3: Promote internal governance standards at the local and district level In Q3, due to COVID-19 partner CSOs could not organize district-level interactions with CSOs and media organizations to discuss the importance of internal governance standards. Discussions and interactions on the minimum standards require CSO participation and contribution, which could not be achieved due to restrictions on in-person gatherings. As of Q3 out of the 34 targeted districts, only 11 districts have completed the interactions and six have CSO coalitions sign on to the minimum standards and decided to promote this among other organizations as well. declared minimum standards for internal governance of CSOs for their districts. As a result, declarations and interactions in the remaining districts will be conducted in the next reporting period. Activity 4.3.4: Facilitate peer learning among local CSOs and media organizations This activity has been planned for Q4. Activity 4.3.5: TOT in customized OCA tool The CS:MAP CB team prepared and finalized the training contents and schedule for a five-day ToT in the OCA tool. However, due to COVID-19, CS:MAP was unable to conduct the activity. CS:MAP considered a virtual training, but concluded that it was not feasible due to the intensive nature of the ToT and need to ensure the skills and capacity of each participant. The event is being rescheduled for the next reporting period (Q4 FY 2020). Objective 5: Improved enforcement of fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution Result 5.1 Improved ability of human rights organizations to advocate and engage with government at the federal and subnational level Activity 5.1.1: Review of human rights context In Q3 CS:MAP initiated human rights media monitoring with the objective of tracking the general human rights context, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the exercise of rights by citizens. Based on this monitoring, CS:MAP produced two monthly and four weekly human rights situation reports. Likewise, a rapid assessment survey was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on the lives of Dalits. A total of 210 respondents, comprising both Dalits and non-
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Dalits, from seven provinces took part in the survey. The survey consisted of 22 questions relating to the social, gender, and economic aspects of the lives of the people. The survey revealed that Dalits were significantly affected, particularly in the areas of livelihoods and economic opportunities. Dalit women were victims of both GBV during this period. The survey report was shared among stakeholders to raise awareness about the impact on Dalits and support lobbying for required interventions. Additionally, CS:MAP partner ICNL prepared three educational booklets on freedom of expression and freedom of association to enhance the knowledge of stakeholders, especially at the subnational level (please see Annex 3 for more details). The documents will be translated into Nepali and widely disseminated among stakeholders in coming quarter. This quarter, CS:MAP-HRS partners finalized UPR reports (please see Annex 4 for more details), updating the reports to include the impact of COVID-19, and submitted them to the UN Human Rights Council for the third UPR cycle. Activity 5.1.2: Capacity building of CSOs for human rights advocacy A three-day training for CSOs and activists was organized virtually on June 26-28, 2020 to enhance their knowledge and capacity in advocating the rights of LGBTIQA individuals. Similarly, two virtual interactions were organized with media actors to sensitize them to the rights of women and Dalits and increase media coverage of the issues from a rights-based lens. Further, a virtual sensitization program for local CSOs in Kailali was organized to encourage CSOs to engage in collaborative advocacy to protect women’s and LGBTIQA rights during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, a virtual interaction focused on reducing violence against women and girls during COVID-19 was organized with CSOs and activists on May 26, 2020. This interaction helped participants understand how the pandemic has fueled violence against women and girls, and the possible roles of that CSOs and networks can play in response. Similarly, in order to promote LGBTIQA concerns in the recently-concluded local-level planning process, a virtual orientation was organized to introduce LGBTIQA CSOs from the project municipalities to the seven steps of the planning process and identify opportunities to engage and ensure integration of LGBTIQA issues. Altogether, 163 participants (37 female, 11 others)8 people from 30 CSOs and 25 journalists participated in the events. Activity 5.1.3: Advocacy, lobbying and consultation meeting/workshop with stakeholders CS:MAP partner DNF initiated strategic engagement with the National Dalit Commission (NDC) in order to improve cooperation to promote and protect the rights of Dalits. During a delegation visit to the NDC and follow-up workshop on the NDC’s role related to the protection and promotion of human rights of Dalits, participants discussed areas of possible collaboration. Additionally, DNF held four advocacy meetings with the NHRC, MOWCS, and MOF in order to raise issues relating to the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown on vulnerable groups, particularly among Dalits; ongoing human rights violations and discrimination; and requests that ministries and relevant government authorities consider the needs of vulnerable groups in government plans, policies, and budgets.
8 The disaggregated data of two virtual interactions on protecting the rights of women and girls during COVID-19 and on the seven-step planning process for LGBTIQA CSOs is not available.
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To discuss the impact of the pandemic on human rights and the process of the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights (ICCPR) and International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) shadow reports, the Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Coordination Center (HRTMCC) held a meeting of the executive committee on May 25, 2020. The members also met on June 16, 2020 for an update on human rights violations during the lockdown, the killing of Dalit youths in Rukum, and the inclusion of issues pertaining to Dalit rights in the upcoming ICCPR and ESCR shadow reports. A total of 74 (15 female) participants, including 13 government officials, were present at the events. Activity 5.1.4: Develop and implement management information system (MIS) for human rights situation reporting A list of fundamental rights to be included in the MIS was finalized, shared with, and agreed upon by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM). In addition, a set of indicators for each selected fundamental right has been drafted. The list will be finalized upon receiving comments from the OPMCM. The process of hiring a consultant has been initiated, and the MIS is expected to be developed by the end of Q4 to compile the human rights related data from local government. Result 5.2 Increased knowledge and understanding of subnational government about how to incorporate protections of rights into their functioning. Activity 5.2.1: Assess the need of local governments to implement human rights CS:MAP needs assessment reports of selected local governments9, dealing with human rights implementation and gaps and review of municipal laws, were finalized in the previous quarter. Endorsement of the needs assessment reports and resulting advocacy based on the legal reviews could not be conducted in this quarter due to local governments’ need to focus on COVID-19 response. Activity 5.2.2: Build capacity and provide technical assistance to elected representatives and officials A virtual orientation for the elected representatives and officials of Birendranagar municipality was conducted on June 28, 2020, focusing on their responsibility regarding human rights standards and implementation. This also provided a platform to engage with and advocate to government units to promote the participation of marginalized communities in the local planning process of their respective Wards. A total of 10 people (one female), including three elected representatives and five officials, participated in the orientation. Additionally, a “Draft Guideline to Local Government to Fight against COVID-19” developed by FHI 360 was shared with and then used by the municipality. Following the workshop conducted with the local governments of Duduwa and Badhaiyatal gaunpalikas in the last quarter, a virtual meeting was organized in June with the officials to share and secure their inputs for revision of the drafted guidelines. It is anticipated that the guidelines will be finalized and adopted by both the gaunpalikas by the end of this fiscal year. To apply a human rights-based approach and principles while facilitating mediations, a one-day HRBA training for members of the judicial committee and community mediators was conducted
9 Birendgranagar municipality, Surkhet; Badhaiyatal gaunpalika, Bardiya; Duduwa gaunpalika, Banke; Tribeni gaunpalika, Rukum (West) and Gauriganga municipality, Kailali
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virtually on June 23, 2020 at Badhaiyatal gaunpalika. The members shared their practices of mediating cases at the local level. Facilitators also stressed the need for smooth coordination between the two structures to handle the rising number of cases. A total of 18 persons (11 female), including two judicial committee members, 12 community mediators and the Deputy Chairperson/judicial committee coordinator participated in the training. Activity 5.2.3: Build capacity of local CSOs and human rights defenders Training of human rights defenders could not be conducted in this quarter due to the ongoing pandemic. The trained human rights defenders and activists were involved in coordinating with existing human rights networks to draw the attention of local governments to the impact of quarantines in the districts, as discussed in Activity 5.2.4. In addition, two in-school events were conducted to train 81 young students (38 female) on human rights principles in Birendranagar municipality in Q2. As the data could not be verified in Q2, the events have been reported in this quarter. Activity 5.2.4: Facilitate peer learning among human rights advocates and elected representatives for human rights-friendly local governments The pandemic and the government lockdown have exacerbated many human rights problems. To discuss the role of CSOs, facilitate district-level human rights networks, and increase their engagement in response to COVID-19, CSO representatives and human rights defenders met virtually five times in selected municipalities in Q3. Subsequently, a joint press statement was submitted to the Birendranagar municipality. A total of 82 people (28 female, two others) participated in these meetings, including government officials, journalists and media actors, CSO representatives, activists, violence watch group members, and other human rights defenders. Activity 5.2.5: Formation and mobilization of violence watch group CS:MAP violence watch group members with digital access met virtually in selected municipalities four times in this quarter. A total of 48 participants, including CSO members, government officials, and elected representatives, participated in the meetings. The meetings were instrumental in discussing human rights violations during the quarantines, and in coordinating relief distribution at the local level. Additionally, in Birendranagar municipality 17 members (seven female) with digital access received a virtual one-day training in fundamental human rights principles and legal provisions applicable to violence against individuals based on sex, caste, origins and any other reasons. Watch groups in Badhaiyatal and Duduwa gaunpalikas, and in Gauriganga municipality, organized to support five individuals from marginalized groups with legal and financial aid. In Badhaiyatal gaunpalika, the watch groups supported three women under 30 years of age (one minor of 15 years) who were victims of GBV violence, physical violence and child marriage. The case of physical violence was registered with the police with the help of the project. The other two cases in the gaunpalika were facilitated by violence watch group and the judicial committee members, and the survivors were supported without any further legal activities. Similarly, in Duduwa gaunpalika, a 21-year-old female from a religious minority group was also supported to seek legal justice for intimate partner violence at the district court. In Gauriganga municipality, after an 80-year-old man accused of raping a 7-year-old girl was released on bail of NRs 50,000,
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the mother of the child sought assistance from the violence watch group to register the case in the High Court. The project then provided aid to register the case and provided transportation costs. Activity 5.2.6: Enhance the capacity of community members to demand their rights The local-level planning process of all local governments was completed in June 2020. Two virtual events to build the capacity of community members for increased engagement in the planning process was conducted in Birendranagar municipality with 22 participants (seven female, six Dalits and Janajatis), including four elected representatives and officials. Along with highlighting the importance of their engagement and the existing gaps and barriers in the planning process, the event also provided a platform for citizens to directly engage and share issues with elected representatives and officials. 5. Cross-Cutting Interventions 5.1 Gender equality and social inclusion With the onset of coronavirus pandemic, CS:MAP circulated among its partners a compiled list of organizations providing shelter, counseling, legal, and other services for GBV survivors and those at risk. CS:MAP partners compiled this information due to an expected rise in the rates of violence, exploitation and other type of abuse against women, children and other vulnerable populations (e.g., LGBTIQA), based on data from previous emergencies. CS:MAP recognizes the growing Shadow Pandemic of domestic violence in the COVID-19 crisis in Nepal as shown by the National Women Commission data and anecdotal evidence from women’s rights organizations. In response, CS:MAP partners engaged in advocacy to protect reproductive health and the human rights of women; addressed the concerns of women, vulnerable communities and excluded groups in the government’s COVID-19 prevention and response; distributed relief supplies; arranged additional budget allocations for labor and poor people hit hardest by the pandemic; and disseminated information about hotline numbers and available services and facilities for GBV survivors via social media. Partners also made appeals to ensure quarantine and isolation rooms and treatment facilities were women- and gender minority-friendly, and abuse- and harassment-free. And, partners worked to protect against GBV, provide psychosocial counseling, ensure social security for daily wage earners and those engaged in the informal sector, prevent and address social stigma associated with COVID-19, create enabling environments for HIV-infected sexual and gender minorities to access anti-retroviral treatment, and maintain the confidentiality of coronavirus-infected people in the media. Further, a CS:MAP partner introduced a fellowship program for journalists to encourage writing on Dalits’ issues. The recipients wrote several feature articles and news reports covering various issues, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Dalits, including discrimination, injustices, and violence faced by Dalits. CS:MAP partner EAI prioritized discussions on issues related to women, marginalized groups, persons with disabilities, and underprivileged groups in radio programs. One PSA discussed “gender violence during the pandemic,” and another dealt with “the security of women, children and persons with disabilities in quarantine.” EAI utilized its GESI tracker to assess and ensure that central and subnational radio episodes remained sensitive to inclusion in terms of issues raised, voices, and participation. Likewise, through EAI’s ongoing mentoring support, trained journalists
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continuously emphasized the issues of voiceless people and raised the issues and concerns of women, Dalits, and minorities in their articles/news. CRs, subnational radio program producers, and LDAG facilitators were encouraged to prioritize issues for advocacy that supported access to public service for women and marginalized groups. CS:MAP partners also carried out capacity building activities aimed at enhancing knowledge on gender equality, intersectionality, gender identity and sexuality, constitutional provisions and national and international frameworks on human rights of women and sexual and gender minority community and local level planning process. And, CS:MAP partners joined a Civil Society Network for Citizenship Rights in issuing a press statement on the Nepal Citizenship Act Amendment Bill passed by the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee. A CS:MAP partner issued a separate call for action to remove a discriminatory provision that has made it mandatory for third gender individuals to have medical evidence of their identified gender to obtain citizenship based on their gender identity. 5.2 Youth Engagement Two episodes of the youth-targeted Saathi Sanga Manka Kura (SSMK) episodes focused on the role of youth in COVID-19 response, and the psychological effects of the pandemic. See Activity 3.3.9 above. Youth engagement via Social Media, IVR and SMS Social media was used to engage youth at the local level. The SMV campaign was promoted via social media, and youth videos have enhanced interactivity. Most participants in IVR were youth ages 15-19. Radio programs and PSAs were increasingly shared via social media platforms. As a result of COVID-19, digital engagement in the form of Zoom and Messenger meetings and discussions has surged. 5.3 Use of Information, Communication, and Mobile Technologies There was a surge in the use of ICTs this quarter due to the lockdown in response to COVID-19. CS:MAP partner EAI used ICT tools such as radio, IVR, SMS, MeroReport, and social media to encourage youth participation in advocacy and oversight. Furthermore, radio episodes encouraged the use of IVR as a means of sourcing information and serving as a platform for citizen interaction and feedback. EAI utilized the IVR platform to carry out monitoring and evaluation related to the effectiveness of media messaging; performances of CRs, CARs and LDAG facilitators; outcome harvesting; and broadcast monitoring. EAI also engaged CRs and LDAGs in virtual meetings, and they expressed their excitement about being able to meet and discuss virtually. Finally, EAI supported local radio producers to hold CAG meetings and CLFSs virtually. 6. Coordination and Collaboration National partners DNF and Women Act continued coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders, including CSOs and government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Finance, MWCSC, Parliamentary Regulations Draft Committee Coordinator, National Women Commission, NWD, Nepal police). Government of Nepal
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Ministry of Communication and Information Technology: FNJ held consultation meetings with the MOCIT secretary, Press Council President, DG of Information and Broadcasting Department on issues of journalists’ safety and salary. GoGo Foundation attended the meeting on the Sustainable Development Goals-16 theme to submit the Voluntary National Review (VNR), organized by the National Planning Commission (NPC) and NFN, and contributed to the VNR report preparation. Freedom Forum met with Bagmati Press Registrar Rewati Sapkota on April 21, 2020 and discussed journalist safety while reporting and journalists who lost their job during the COVID-19 crisis. Freedom Forum also submitted an 11-point suggestion document concerning development in the field of media in the 2020/21 budget and program to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning of Bagmati. CS:MAP-HRS regularly coordinated online meetings and made phone calls with NPC, NHRC and the Prime Minister Office (PMO) regarding the CSO Section, Human Rights data, and treaty reporting sections respectively; these discussions included coordination and collaboration on the Management Information System (MIS). Min Bahadur Shai, Member of NPC, Koshal Chandra Subedi, Joint Secretary at PMO office and Bed Bhattarai, Secretary, NHRC were regularly contacted. Others: FNJ organized a media coalition meeting on June 22, 2020 to discuss journalists’ issues and develop an advocacy strategy directed at media houses to improve professional safety and journalists’ security. Freedom Forum convened two levels of meeting with the Nepal Medical Association (NMA) with the objective of combating misleading and fake news. NMA agreed to coordinate and cooperate on the COVID-19-related facts. CS:MAP is also closely coordinating with the Association of International NGOs in Nepal (AIN) on CSO-related laws and policies. This quarter, the partners were not able to conduct the planned activities due to the lockdown. However, they were in constant communication with local governments to collect updates on the COVID-19 situation. They coordinated with members of CS:MAP-created local structures like LDAGs, CAs, Sajhedari Manch and district-level coalition/networks. In addition, local CSOs also regularly coordinated with DAOs, NHRC, District Education Coordination Units, journalists, human rights activists, police officials and various networks, including women's networks and human rights networks to organize virtual meetings to discuss and facilitate actions to address problems created or exacerbated by the pandemic and the lockdown. 7. Monitoring and Evaluation The CS:MAP Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team continued regular monitoring and reporting of activities in Q3, albeit remotely. Regular meetings with program leads and partners were conducted virtually. Routine update of the project database, monthly plans and progress of activities were carried out. With the unprecedented disruption in project activity due to the pandemic, the MEL team coordinated with the project team and partners to revise the annual workplan. The team also provided technical assistance to partners through digital platforms like Google Meets, Microsoft Team, and Skype, and by phone. Details of MEL activities during Q3 are discussed below: Capacity building activity related to MEL and CS:MAP Database Management System:
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The CS:MAP MEL team supported partners to document virtual interactions, meetings, and trainings. A virtual session on remote monitoring mechanisms was conducted, focused on accurate reporting, changed workplan templates, and common errors in project databases and reports submitted. Conduct periodic field visits for data monitoring and field verification: As travel was restricted this quarter, the CS:MAP MEL team tracked progress achieved through verification of sample documents maintained online. The team participated in a few project activities, and later shared observations and improvement points for an effective online meetings and training. Conduct Data Quality Assurance (DQA) of CS:MAP partners: During Q3, no specific DQAs were conducted. However, the team conducted desk-based assessment of data and attendance sheets uploaded in the CS:MAP database management system. Based on this, adjustments and corrections were suggested to partners regarding documentation of meeting minutes, attendance sheets, photos, and visit notes. Conduct Monthly/Quarterly review and reflections: CS:MAP continued to conduct regular monthly and quarterly review meetings virtually with its partners and held interactions with the Executive Directors of partner organizations to discuss the evolving role of CSOs in the pandemic. CS:MAP partners presented their changed implementing strategies, revised plans, progress made, and challenges faced. The partners also worked on their sustainability plans for the upcoming year. The team provided feedback and recommendations for adjustments for effective implementation, and continued meeting with the USAID AOR to keep USAID/Nepal updated on programmatic progress. Conduct bi-annual summit and review reflection workshops: The entire CS:MAP team and USAID convened a two-day Biannual Summit and Review and Reflection from May 20-21, 2020 using a virtual platform. More than 100 people participated, included project leads of CS:MAP grantees, district coordinators CS:MAP’s 34 working districts, and representatives from USAID, EAI, FHI 360 and national-level civil society and media coalitions. This helped expand coordination and collaboration between all actors and facilitated reflection and learning focused on policy reform, public service oversight, advocacy on public interest agendas, institutional governance and human rights. During the summit, CSOs identified the best cases, initiatives and stories under each objective for scaling up further. It was agreed by all that identifying and documenting such best practices would serve as examples to others for wider replication and dissemination in the district and beyond. Discussion also focused on framing sustainability plans from each of the partners that would help strategize some of the best approaches, tools and structures of CS:MAP from sustainability perspective. The partners also agreed to finalize the exit strategy to make smooth exit from the district ensuring that some of the best approaches and structures would keep going smoothly. At the end of the event, 10 action points were agreed upon for the rest of the fiscal year. For detail refer to Annex 5. Facilitate peer learning among partner CSOs and media organizations:
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CS:MAP used MeroReport, Facebook groups, the bi-annual summit, CS:MAP monthly calendars, and CS:MAP monthly newsletters as platforms for facilitating peer learning among CSOs and media partners. This promoted resource sharing, learning, monitoring, and reporting on cross- cutting issues. During Q3, CS:MAP produced three issues of its newsletter and shared them with all partners via email. The newsletters have served as a platform for partners to highlight key activities, events, and achievements, both internally and externally. CS:MAP also produced 12 e- bulletins on COVID-19 response and initiatives implemented by CSOs and media and disseminated to stakeholders (refer to Activity 1.2.9). To track the general human rights situation and the impact of COVID-19 on citizens’ exercise of human rights, CS:MAP produced two monthly and four weekly human rights situation reports. These reports were disseminated digitally to stakeholders, keeping all partner CSOs and media abreast of the latest situation and enabling them to take action accordingly (refer to Activity 5.1.1). Remote monitoring mechanism: CS:MAP adopted remote monitoring mechanisms as project activities shifted to a digital platform. At the beginning of the quarter, the CS:MAP MEL team and partners faced challenges in collecting disaggregated data or maintaining proper documentation of activities conducted digitally. Although email invitations for participants and event screenshots were documented, many participants are also invited through a messenger groups or through SMS. Therefore, the accuracy was questionable. Following conversations with partners, the team noted that many participants engaged in multiple events. Therefore, details of participants already saved from previous events were used when applicable. Also, since most participants are known members of civil society, many times they were asked for their disaggregated information over the phone or through chat messages. Wherever possible, Microsoft or Google Forms were used to capture participants’ details. 8. Overview of Financial Performance
The financial status of the project for this quarter (Q3) and up to June 2020 is outlined in the Annex 6. The overall burn rate up to the end of June is 73% and this quarter burn rate against projection is 44%. The low burn rate is observed in most of the line items compared to the planned budget for this quarter mostly due to lock down for COVID-19 pandemic for entire quarter. There were no activities conducted during this period either by the Country Office or the implementing partners as per government and donor agencies guideline for lock down. The lock down is lifted but, there are still restrictions to conduct activities and therefore, the burn rate will be expected to increase only in case of normal situation. However, the overall burn rate for this year is expected to be low compared to annual allocated budget.
9. Travel Update Due to COVID-19, international travel was restricted. As a result, there is no travel to report during this quarter.
10. Activity Progress Summary Please refer to Annex 7.
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11. Priorities for Quarter 4 (July 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020) ● Support policy dialogues and discussions with and among CSOs, media, political parties, governments and parliaments ● Deliver capacity-building training in freedom of association and freedom of expression ● Support civil society and NHRC-led mechanism to monitor citizen rights and freedom of association and expression ● Document and disseminate information and positive impact stories related to COVID-19 ● Provide relief to local governments to support the COVID-19 response ● Hold a multi-stakeholder dialogue on post-COVID-19 issues (e.g., employment, health services) ● Mobilize Sajhedari Manch (Partnership Forums) and CAs ● Conduct virtual Sajha Sabha -Citizens’ Citizens Bahas (dialogue) ● Conduct participatory evidence-based action research (PEAR) ● Share advocacy initiatives of CS:MAP among academia and practitioners ● Implement production and broadcast of Sajha Boli and SSMK radio programs and PSAs ● Support public oversight functions through the application of social accountability tools ● Deliver collaborative leadership and advocacy skills training for Women- and LGBTIQA-led CSOs ● Facilitate interaction with government stakeholders (e.g., OPMCM, Ministries, Parliamentarian Committees, NHRC) to incorporate concerns of women, Dalits, and LGBTIQA individuals in laws and policies ● Engage and lobby with government agencies to incorporate the issues of LGBTIQA individuals and women into the state reports on UPR, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), ICCPR, and ICESCR ● Conduct GESI and LGBTIQA audit of select municipalities ● Deliver coaching and mentoring support to CSOs/CSO coalitions; support develop of knowledge products related to advocacy, DRR/M policy review/revision of local governments; and strengthen CS:MAP local structures ● Provide capacity building for elected representatives, officials, members of judicial committee and community mediators on human rights ● Map Dalit rights situation in the remaining five provinces, and support advocacy for Dalit- friendly budgets and policies ● Finalize ICCPR and ICESCR alternative reports ● Document best practices and project success stories ● Prepare and publish knowledge products ● Strengthen CSO-media cooperation and collaboration at all levels
12. Success Stories
Please refer to Annex 8.
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13. Challenges and Mitigation Measures
● COVID-19 and the lockdown disrupted regular work, public gathering and movement, public events, and campaigns. This limited civil society advocacy on issues concerning civil rights and the COVID-19 response. During the lockdown, CSOs convened discourses using virtual platforms and social sites. As most activities were stalled, the project had to revise the annual workplan. ● As public gatherings could not be organized, virtual platforms were widely used for conducting meetings with project stakeholders and CSOs. ● During the lockdown, both the local governments and citizens expected relief materials from CSOs, but a majority of CSOs could not provide the materials. To mitigate this challenge, CSOs coordinated with local governments and relief providers and facilitated citizens and foreign returnees to receive relief. ● The government imposed indirect restrictions on civil rights, limiting civil society activists’ freedom of expression. Government processes relating to organization registration was halted; force was used against citizen protests and voices raised against the government mismanagement and situation of quarantines; which resulted to increased fear among media/civil society actors. CSOs, media, and CSO coalitions jointly released press statements against this government move. ● Virtual meetings as an alternative were challenging in some project areas because of the lack of internet access, electricity, and smart phones. Radio programs were organized as an awareness raising approach in these areas. ● Most of the activities planned for this quarter could not be conducted due to increases in COVID-19 cases, the government lockdown, and the project suspension. Where possible, CS:MAP conducted activities virtually. ● With the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, local governments and stakeholders are appropriately focused on containing and preventing spread of COVID-19 cases. As a result, activities were conducted virtually wherever possible with the consent of the stakeholders. ● Coordination with local stakeholders in target gaunpalikas was difficult as they were sealed for a while and fell under the “red” zone. The influx of migrant returnees, quarantine management, and increased testing were some of the main priorities of the municipal stakeholders and their availability for other issues was scarce. ● Although human rights violations remain prevalent, including those related to domestic or GBV, there was an increased reluctance among the survivors of human rights violations to register their cases or seek any support. CS:MAP built the capacity of Violence Watch Groups on justice seeking process and reach out to the victims to offer the service ● In addition, new activities were planned in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect and promote the rights of marginalized groups and reduce pandemic-induced risks to Dalits, women and LGBTIQA. ● Purchase of software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Team) was difficult for partners. CS:MAP supported partners to use available free software and platforms for virtual meetings. ● CSOs’ limited capacity to formulate policy hindered their ability to support local governments to develop guideline and policies to respond COVID-19 at the local level. To address this
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challenge, CS:MAP provided a sample policy, which some CSOs used to support local governments in their working areas. 14. Lessons Learned
CS:MAP’s results this quarter continue to show that advocacy is a process where results often take time to come to fruition. For example, CS:MAP lobbied and advocated for the amendment to the proposed CSO Bill, and, in the end, government decided to scrap it and draft a new law instead. Conducting advocacy during the pandemic lockdown was also a challenge since public gatherings were largely restricted, but CSO partners were able to shift to advocacy activities such as issuing press releases, filing public interest litigations, and submitting attention letters to government agencies. During the quarter, CS:MAP staff were able to successfully transition to work from home, which allowed work to continue. The project also supported CSOs to make the switch to remote working. While virtual platforms have been effective in ensuring continued collaboration with different stakeholders, there needs to be continual pursuit of innovative approaches for better results. It is important to ensure that digital connectivity does not become a barrier to the participation of marginalized groups who may not be familiar with digital tools and may be limited due to poor internet connectivity. Hence, inclusive participation through digital connectivity should be ensured across project platforms. 15. Annex Annex 1- CS:MAP third quarterly financial report (SF 425) Annex 2- Article on “Strengthening Local Governance through Youth Volunteerism” Annex 3- Educational booklets on freedom of expression and freedom of association Annex 4- UPR reports Annex 5- Bi-annual summit report Annex 6- Overview of financial performance Annex 7- Activity progress summary Annex 8- Success stories Annex 9- Training participants Annex 10- CS:MAP indicators reporting table for FY2020Q3
Annex 10 CSMAP_Indicators_Reporting_Table_FY20Q3.pdf
Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project 48 Quarterly Progress Report No. 13 April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020