Final Report of the Cooperative Agreement No. 168-A-00-08-00106-00 Program title: “Sustainable Development of the NGO sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina II”
General References
Center for civil society promotion, CCSP A. Name of the reporting office:
“Sustainable Development of the NGO Sector in B. Program title: Bosnia and Herzegovina II”
C. Program code: Grant Number: 168-A-00-08-00106-00 MOD 05 USAID/BIH
Throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina D. Project location:
E. Total program budget: $1.199.980; is the amount USAID has obligated for (Total program budget received in USD the full project period. from confirmed funding sources)
August 19, 2008 to August 18, 2012 F. Project duration:
G. Donor United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1.1. BENEFICIARY GROUPS…...... 4
1.2. PROGRAM COMPONENTS...... 5 1.2.1. Component One: Improving institutional and legal framework for NGOs……………………….7 a) Advocacy campaign for passing the Law on Volunteering in Federation of BiH ………..7 b) Implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation at state level – building of Institutional dialogue and cooperation between the government and civil society……….8 c) Local Agreement (Compact)…………………………………………………………………..15 d) Development and relationships building of Compact plus network…………………………..22 e) Further development and web page www.sporazum.ba...... …29 f) Legal Framework for Citizen Participation in Public Policy……………………………….29 1.2.2. Component Two: Increasing Financial Sustainability of NGOs…………………………….30 a) Issue based advocacy campaigns on 2 defined issues for improving fiscal framework for civil society organizations operating ………………………………………30 b) Strengthening of BH Network for corporate social responsibility (CSR)………………....32 c) Transparent Mechanism for NGOs Public Funding…………...... 33 1.2.3. Component Three: Increasing Public Support for Civil Society……………………………37 a) Promotion and introduction of Quality Standards for CSOs……………………………….37 b) Manual on Quality Standards in CSOs………………………………………………………41 1.2.4. Component four: IV Development of CCSP Resource Center……………………………..42 a) Strengthening of the Resource Center (RC) and Regional resource centers (RRC) ……….42
3. PROJECT RESULTS...... 46 3.1. Results Component One: Improving institutional and legal framework for NGOs…...... 46 3.1.1 Results 1.1. Law on Volunteers Federation of BiH adopted …...... 46 Results 1.2. Inter-sectoral working group for drafting the Law on Volunteers in Republic of Srpska established …………………………………………………45 Results 1.3. Implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation at state level building of Institutional dialogue and cooperation between the government and civil society………………………………………………………..46 Results 1.4. Compact signed by at least 15 new municipalities...... 46 Results 1.5. Compact used in practice and implemented in fair and consistent manner...... 47 Results 1.6. Annual report developed and published ...... 47 Results 1.7. Draft of the Strategy for civil society finished…...... 47 Results 1.8. Establishment of institutional cooperation between BiH Parliamentary Assembly and NGO sector by signing of Memorandum/Protocol on Cooperation…...... 47 Results 1.9. ToT: 'Agreement on cooperation between government and civil society'….…..49 Results 1.10 Development and relationships building of Compact plus network ……………...... 50 Results 1.11.Network Compact plus Strategy and Communication plan created and implemented...... 50 Results 1.12. Code of Conduct redefined and accepted……………………………………....50 Results 113 Network’s Forums held 50 Results 1.15. Enabling framework for citizen participation at state, entity
and local level in place………...... 52 3.2. Results Component Two: Increasing Financial Sustainability of NGOs...... 53 3.2.1. Results 2.1.Issue based advocacy campaigns on 2 defined issues for improving fiscal framework for civil society organizations operating……………………………....53 Results 2.2. Advocacy campaign designed………………………………………..……….….53 Results 2.3. Annual meeting of bh. CSR network held...... 54 Results 2.4. Directory of CSR best practices published and promoted…………….………….54 Results 2.5. Transparent mechanism for NGOs public financing in place...... 55 3.3.1.Results Component Three: Increasing Pulic support for Civil Society ...... 54 3.3.1.Results 3.1. Quality insurance workshops held ...... 55 Results 3.2. Manual on Quality Standards in CSOs published and promoted ...... 56 3.4. Results Component Four: Development of CCSP as intermediary organizations/ Resource Center …...... 56 3.4.1.Results 4.1. Set up needs-driven training programs...... 57 Results 4.2. Further develop the website www.civilnodrustvo.ba...... 58 Results 4.3. Develop RC membership fees...... 58 Results 4.4. Set up an RC library...... 58 Results 4.5. Establish network of regional resource centers (RRC)…...... 58 Results 4.6. Manual for financial, accounting and tax management of associations and foundations in BiH published and distributed…………………………………...... 58
4. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED AND RESOLVED...... 58 4.1. Staffing...... 58 4.2. Inter-agency cooperation and collaboration…...... 59 4.3. Government…...... 60 4.4. Financial Crisis………...... 61 4.5. Media Coverage...... 61 4.6. Training Programs...... 61
5. LESSONS LEARNED...... 62
6. RECCOMENDATIONS …...... 63
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The USAID Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has awarded a cooperative agreement to the Civil Society Promotion Center (CCSP) No. 168-A-00-08-00106-00 to pursue a three-year project: Sustainable Development of the NGO Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina II and one year Extension of the Project (Project). The Project draws on notable successes and lessons learned in the implementation of the project: “Sustainable Development of Non-Profit Sector in BiH through Partnership with Government and Business Sector I”. The project activities were implemented in partnership with European center for Non-Profit Law from Budapest.
The strategic objective of the Project was to create an enabling framework for sustainable development of the non-governmental sector (NGO sector) through partnership with the government at all levels and full local ownership.
During project period (19.8.2008 – 18.8.2012), CCSP and its partner ECNL, provided comprehensive technical assistance to stakeholders in implementation of the agreement of cooperation between government and NGOs, advocacy activities related to strengthening position and influence of NGO sector, improving legal and regulatory framework for NGOs in BiH, building skills and creating connections that significantly improved the quality and quantity of information that reached the civil society actors in BiH, self-organizing NGO sector in BiH, connecting business sector with NGO sector, and strengthening capacities of CCSP as an intermediary organization.
CCSP have succeeded in establishing a state-wide civic platform, contributed positively to the sustainability of the NGO sector and developed formal cooperation with all levels of government. This project provided continuous support to selforganizing of NGO sector, along with development of self regulating mechanism, such as quality standards and Code of Conduct for NGOs. Today, „Agreement Plus“ is the biggest network of non-governmental organizations in Bosnia, but also in the region. It is currently consisting of 470 members, NGOs from all regions of BiH. Network' mission is promotion and advocacy for key issues of public policies important for development of civil society, cross-sectoral cooperation and good governance in our country.
This project created new space for cooperation of business and NGO sector in BiH, through supporting of „Global Compact Network“ and its activities. Global Compact Network is consisting of more than 80 members (companies and NGOs), and it is organizationally strengthened, and long term selfsustainable.
The Resource Centre became a critical source of advice, connections and information for NGOs, but also government, journalists, businesses and other civil society actors.
Even after the end of major USAID funding for its activities, CCSP continues to support capacity development of NGOs and other civil society stakeholders, cross-border cooperation, advocacy campaigns, reform of the legal and fiscal framework for CSOs operational activities and continues to serve as a secretariat to networks “Agreement Plus” and “Global Compact Network in BiH”. 1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
1.1. BENEFICIARY GROUPS
During the four years of this program, CCSP focused on five beneficiary groups: (1) NGOs (2) government (3) businesses
NGOs This project has directly reached around 1000 NGOs throughout BiH. They are grouped in following way: # Direct beneficiaries No of beneficiaries 1 Members of the network “Agreement Plus” 470 2 Participants in the training programs (including ISO standard) 600 3 Members of the Resource Center 22 4 Users of legal and fiscal advice 111 5 Members of the Global Compact Network 40 6 Total 1. 713
# Indirect beneficiaries No of beneficiaries 1 Visitors of the webpage 297.000 2 Recipients of the publications 2000 3 NGOs receiving info over media outlets, other networks 1000 4. Total 300. 000
Government Bosnia and Herzegovina has very complicated structure, with 14 levels of government. Here is overview of project’ reach to different government levels: # Direct beneficiaries No of beneficiaries 1 Members of Parliament 24 2 BiH Council of Ministers staff 6 3 Participants of Resource Center trainings 20 4 Federation BiH Government 2 5 Republika Srpska officials 5 6 Municipalities 40 7 Members of the Global Compact Network 1 8 Cantons 3 9 Ministries at state level 1 10 Mjesna zajednica in frame of cooperation with PERA Project 12 11 Total 114
# Indirect beneficiaries No of beneficiaries 1 Visitors of website www.civilnodrustvo.ba 700 2 Municipalities involved in research 65 3 Government representatives in research/receiving publications 303 4 Total 1. 065 Businesses Companies were involved mainly through set of activities related to Global Compact Network in BiH # Direct beneficiaries No of beneficiaries 1 Members of the Global Compact Network 42 2 Presented in BiH Directory of CSR Good Practices 41 3 BiH companies presented in European Directory of CSR Good 2 Practices 4 Total 85
# Indirect beneficiaries No of beneficiaries 1 Businesses receiving information 1300 2 Companies in Europe and worldwide 2000 3 Total 3. 300
1.2. PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The strategic objective of the Project is to create an enabling framework for sustainable development of the non-governmental sector (NGO sector) through partnership with the government at all levels state and full local ownership.
The Project consists of four program components: 1. Improving legal and regulatory framework for NGOs; 2. Increasing financial sustainability of NGOs; 3. Increasing public support for civil society; and 4. Strengthening the capacity of CCSP as an intermediary service organization.
Extension of the Project consists of the same program activities, provided that the first component is changed into - Reform of the legal and fiscal framework for CSOs operational activities;
Component One: Improving legal and regulatory framework for NGOs; - Participation in advocacy campaign for passing the Law on Volunteers in Federation of BiH - Implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation at state level – building of Institutional dialogue and cooperation between the government and civil society - Development and relationships building of Agreement Plus Network - Further development and web page www.sporazum.ba - Legal Framework for Citizen Participation in Public Policy
Component Two: Increasing Financial Sustainability of NGOs - Issue based advocacy campaigns on 2 defined issues for improving fiscal framework for civil society organizations operating Component Three: Increasing Public Support for Civil Societ - Promotion and introduction of Quality Standards for CSOs
Component four: IV Development of CCSP Resource Center - Strengthening of the Resource Center (RC) and Regional resource centers (RRC)
1.2.1. Component One: Improving institutional and legal framework for NGOs. a) Advocacy campaign for passing the Law on Volunteering in Federation of BiH
CCSP and European center for Non-Profit Law (ECNL) drafted the Law on Volunteere for Federation of BiH level (F BiH). After drafting the Law members of the Working groups held a several meetings to Government of F BiH officials seeking adequate initiator to propose the Law. Youth Commission in F BiH was proposed by Government of F BiH as an official proposer to Parliament of F BiH. . In June and July 2012 Youth Commission held ten (10) public hearings in all cantons in FBiH. Law on Volunteers is adopted in Parliament of Federation of BiH in November 2012.
Republic of Srpska The RS Parliament enacted the draft in July 2008. Basic challenge in implementation of Law on Volunteers in RS is that there is no mechanism for monitoring of implementation of the Law what greatly makes impossible NGOs in RS to point out its bad sides and that implementation of this law includes high transaction costs for organization of voluntary action because it involves signing of contract for both in short-term and long-term engagement of volunteers. In September 2012, Youth Culture Center in cooperation to Government of RS, ECNL and CCSP as members of intersectoral working group prepared a new draft of the Law on Volunteers. It is very expected that the Law will be adopted in the first part of the 2013 year, and RS will have the Law which is completely in accordance with EU standards.
BH Council of Ministers CCSP has responded an invitation by Sector for Civil Society, Ministry of Justice of BiH, with aim to create Law on Volunteers at state level. At first meeting CCSP has warned Sector for Civil Society at many lacks of proposed raw draft law, offering its already prepared raw draft and support in process of public discussions through its Resource Center. In this process of public discussions intention was a full implementation of Rules on consultations in creation of legal regulations considering that this was a unique opportunity to promote the Rules the same as participation of large number of CSOs in BiH in creation of draft law which provides better quality of the law and greater possibility of its adoption by Parliament of BiH. Second meeting was never held and Sector for Civil Society, regardless of proposed raw draft law by CCSP and offered assistance in process of creation of the law, has sent to legal procedure its own proposal of the law that was rejected at the first reading of Constitutional-Legal Commission of the Parliament in 2010.
dialogue and cooperation between the government and civil society
CCSP held several meetings to Assistant Minister, Mr. Niko Grubac, Mr. Srdjan Arnaut, and Mrs. Sadeta Skaljic, Sector for Civil Society in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sector), Minister of Justice of BiH. The result of these meetings was created a common action plan for conference as the beginning of implementation of the Compact at state level. CCSP also had a meeting to Mr. Nikola Špirić, Head of Council of Ministers of BiH. The result of the meeting was accepting the views and attitudes about the whole process of establishing the Office for collaboration to NGO (Office) and Council for civil society (Council) at the state level, and it was agreed holding a joint conference which will be marking the official beginning of the implementation of the „Agreement between Council of Ministers BiH and NGO sector in BiH“, as well as the appointment of person within the Council of Ministers, who will be also a member of the Organizing Committee.
Photo taken from the official site of the Council of Ministers
Mr. Špirić, CCSP representatives and Mr. Ljubo Janjic have also discussed the possibility of intensifying cooperation between the authorities and the NGO sector through the previously signed Compact on cooperation between the Council of Ministers and the NGO sector. Špirić expressed commitment to the signed agreement implemented, considering that this is one of the obligations in the stabilization and association process. In this sense, is considered the organization of joint conferences to promote activities in the plan of realization of the Treaty, reported from the Information Services of the Council of Ministers.
After acceptance by the Council of Ministers in order to establish the Office and Council CCSP organized numerous consultation meetings with NGOs in order to obtain understanding and support for this process to what is perfect succeeded. Consultations were organized in the premises of the CCSP, attended the some organizations from NGO Council, Association of refugees and displaced persons, Helsinki Citizens Parliament and Human Rights, Youth Organization, the Association of farmers etc. The main goal of the consultation meetings, except to achieve understanding and common performance of NGOs in this process, and expressing interest to participate in the process after the conference, was also a discussion regarding the conclusions of the conference.
Ministers, with the participation of executive and legislative authorities of BiH, representatives of local NGOs, networks, coalitions and other organizations of civil society throughout BiH, and representatives of international and donor community. The Conclusions expressed the participants’ commitment and willingness in consistent fulfillment of their duties taken over by signing the Agreement (or Compact), as well as to determine basic goals and priority programs of the future cooperation are adopted at the end of the Conference (appendix I). The conference attended 105 organizations from BiH, 35 from government BiH (all levels of government) 30 from international and donor community and 16 from media. After the conference Team for implementation of the Compact at state level (The Team) was established. Team members are representatives of the Council of Ministers, USAID, the European Commission and 25 NGOs from all over BiH.
The first meeting of the Team for implementation of the Compact on state level
Mr. Špirić gave his full support to the Team and emphasized that it is partner to Council of Ministers in implementation of Compact at state level.
The Team, in accordance with previous arrangement, prepared a proposal on establishment of the Commission for initiation of legal procedure to form Office (or the State Office) and Council (or National Committee, or Committee) for Civil Society. Proposals were sent to Mr. Mijatović, counselor to Chairman of Council of Ministers. But response that members of the Team received was a new proposal which was completely different in comparison with content of previous one that was prepared by the Team and sent to the Council of Ministers, in close cooperation and with instructions of Mr. Mijatović. Namely, proposal of the decision that was sent by the Team, reflected everything we earlier agreed on, contained establishment of the Commission with one single assignment of initiation of legal procedure to form State Office for Collaboration with NGOs and National Committee for Civil Society. According to his new proposal, the Commission had only consultative manner and not initiation of legal procedure in order to create the State Office and The Committee.
The team organized a meeting right after they received a new proposal, on October, 2009 in Križevci, near Zvornik. The decision delivered from Council of Ministers hardly reflects the goal earlier determined by the Team. In relation with the jurisdiction, question is whether the Commission should no representatives of the state organs while the Strategy is adopted by the Council of Ministers or other state institution). Finally conclusions of the team were as follows: Request that the Team knows the names of other members of the Commission or that Commission, since it is a joint body, be consisted of representatives of government and non- governmental sector considering that opposite practice is unknown in the world To change title of the Decision so it can unambiguously express work of the Commission Prepare an explanation that follows the Decision on establishment of the Commission To create a working group in order to give explanation of attitudes of the Team regarding the Decision Work of members of the Commission shall be pro-bono since this is known practice in all countries who have been through this kind of process The Team as an advisory body shall be clearly marked in text of the Decision (as earlier agreed)
A new proposal of the Decision has been sent out to Mr. Mijatović who called a meeting attended by Mr. Ismet Sejfija and Mr. Slaviša Prorok, where standings of the Team were repeated.
The Team gave another proposal to Council of Minister hat instead of the Commission, Council of Ministers could create Committee for Civil Society. Arguments were contributing to this proposal because the Committee same as the Commission had to be established by the Decision, process of establishment of the Commission during one year or more is more than reasonable and completely equal to the one given to the Commission, and in addition the Commission is composed of all representatives of ministries at level of aides of ministers and representatives of NGO sector in accordance with electoral procedure as it was done in Croatia, which gives more legitimacy, expected to be shown in work of the Commission, in needed establishment of the Office.
A new meeting was held with Ms. Gordana Zivkovic, chief of cabinet of Chairman of Council of Ministers of BiH Mr. Nikola Špirić. At this occasion members of the Team were introduced to Mr. Marko Despot, as a new team member after Mr. Vojin Mijatović, previous Counselor to Chairman of Council of Ministers and member of the Team, returned to Banja Luka. Ms. Zivkovic clearly emphasized determination of Council of Ministers of BiH to implement Compact at state level adding that the team for implementation of Compact at state level is its partner. Other projects, including the one from European Commission that duplicates activities at state level, can be support to activities of the Team. The Team has shortly presented a process of already finalized activities and stated that the Team has done everything that was expected from it and asked for (Overview of activities of the Team for implementation of the Agreement at state level: Append x II). Members of the Team were in the position to wait for an answer from Council of Ministers of BiH in relation to start of the procedure to establish the State Office and the Council where the Team is to provide continuous support and give all necessary assistance.
The Team organized a meeting to members of project team from European Commission (CIDI), where we talked about possible synergy of activities of both projects.
Mr. Despot has expressed his view that at that moment is the most appropriate thing to go on with establishment of the Council Following this round table was held between the Team member ECNL practices in other countries when this body is in question. In accordance with meeting's conclusion the Team members delivered draft of documents of establishing the Council to Mr. Despot but there was no feedback on submitted documents. Unfortunately at state level and level of Republic of Srpska, further activities were almost impossible because of the general election and pre-election campaign, difficulties in constitution of BH Council of Ministers after holding elections; well known difficulties of forming the BH Council of Ministers which lasted more than a year after the election, institution did not adopt a program of work and even budget for 2011 year. According to CCI report for the year 2011, it was the worst year in term of implemented measures by Council of Ministers. Looking at the whole of the 2011 year, Council of Ministers did not spend three working days.
Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina In attempt to restart process of implementation of the Agreement at state level, after the general elections CCSP and International Republican Institute (IRI) agreed for organization and holding of joint meeting with newly elected representatives of Parliamentary Assembly of BiH. This joint meeting had a basic subject: ‘Building of institutional mechanisms of cooperation of non-government organizations and organs of executive and legislative authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Implementation of the Agreement on cooperation between the Council of Ministers and non- government sector in BiH, signed in 2007’. The meeting was held in March, 2011, where 11 elected parliamentarians from five political parties attended, so as members of Team for implementation of State Compact (Agreement). The aim of the meeting was to give participants a chance to exchange their experiences, thinking and ideas on key issues in relation with further development and implementation of the Agreement at state level, same as setting up a dialogue, cooperation and partnership between representatives of executive and legislative authorities and NGOs as a support to overall reforms in BiH for Euro-Atlantic integrations through active cross-sectoral work. After introduction with text of Compact at state level and previous steps and challenges in implementation of State Compact, present parliamentarians gave their clear message that they would involve in implementation of the Agreement, and would give support for establishment of the Office within Council of Ministers of BiH and Council for development of civil society. At the same time they expressed their understanding of the financial situation of BiH, but still did not see major obstacles in the formation of the bodies provided by the Agreement.
March, 2011, eleven elected parliamentarians from five political parties attended the meeting – Implementation of the Agreement on cooperation between the Council of Ministers and non-government sector in BiH – initiated by CCSP and International Republican Institute
Establishment of institutional cooperation between BiH Parliamentary Assembly and NGO sector by signing of Memorandum/Protocol on Cooperation Memorandum/ Protocol on Cooperation (MoU) developed and submitted with Collegiums of Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Follows future contacts with representative of Parliamentary Assembly (MPs) to further discuss and agree of final proposal of MoU. Majority of MPs expressed understanding of establishment of institutional cooperation to NGO sector in BiH and gave a promise that it would be done by the end of mandate of current BH Parliament.
The Parliamentary Assembly is the whole of 2011 year working without the working plan and without a budget of BiH institutions (it was adopted on the last day of last year (31.12.2011.) Also, from its constitution there was not formed a parliamentary majority, which is certainly effect on the results of the Parliamentary Assembly. Parliamentary representatives (MPs) pointed out that too often on the agenda of BH Parliament other issues took priority and that many things caused a delay in its work, but members of BH Parliament found CCSP’s initiative as a very important, and the initiative remains actual.
Activities in Republic of Srpska Government of Republika of Srpska (RS) adopted the conclusion by which it was accepted initiative of CCSP and Network of NGOs from RS on initiation of the process of creation and adoption of Compact at level of RS as an entity. Informal network of NGOs is formed by organizations from different cities from RS: Trebinje, Doboj, Prijedor, Zvornik, Banjaluka. The government obliged Ministry of Governance and Local Self-Governance to deliver the initiative of network of non-governmental organization and working group for creation of Agreement on Cooperation between Government of Republic of Srpska and civil sector to all ministries in order to give their proposals, comments and representatives of ministries in Government of RS, to propose members for working group whose part would be members of Network of NGOs. In June 2010 CCSP and ECNL held a meeting with NGO network from RS and Ministry of Local Governance and promised their technical assistance to participants of the working group in course of process as a whole. After this meeting, Government of RS did not make any further steps in implementation their own conclusion. Any inquiry or initiative to launch the process has not been rejected but other things for the Government of RS had priority. Ministry of Local Governance of RS on recent meeting expressed hope that the process would be restarted in 2013 year.
Central-Bosnia Canton Prime minister of Central Bosnia canton (SBK) officially addressed to CCSP wishing this Canton to start a process of establishment of institutional mechanisms of cooperation between government of SBK and NGOs. Meeting with representatives of SBK was held at government premises in February, 2012. CCSP has presented its rich experience in process of creation and adoption of the agreement at all levels of authority, basic elements of the agreements, possible approaches and offered its technical assistance to government of SBK in future process. After holding a meeting, government of SBK notified CCSP that prime minister has allocated budget funds for process of creation and adoption of the agreement in cooperation with NGOs. CCSP promised to give technical support to the process of institutionalization relations between local NGOs and Government of Central Bosnia Canton. This approach is considered as a very good practice.
Process of creation the Strategy for civil society development in BiH In accordance with the Decision on establishment of working group for creation of Strategy for creation of stimulating environment for development of civil society in BiH (Strategy), in Ministry of Justice of BiH premises held five mostly unsuccessful meetings of Working Group. Members of working group (WG): Mrs. Sadeta Skaljic, Sector for civil society within Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Milanka Sopin, Ministry of Governance and Local Self-Governance within Government of Republic of Srpska (RS), Mr. Entoni Seperic, Ministry of Justice, Government of Federation of BiH (FBiH) and networks of civil society: Compact Plus network, NGO Council, Network for justice, Network for peace building, and Volunteering Network.
First meeting of the Working Group (WG) for creation of the Strategy was held on September 12 in Building of Greek-Bosnian friendship. Meeting was attended by all members of WG consisted of representatives of five networks of organizations of civil society and five representatives of BiH institutions. Sector for civil society within Ministry of Justice of BiH (Sector) was presiding over the work of the WG. On behalf of the Sector the chairman was Mrs. Sadeta Skaljic, assistant Minister of Justice of BiH. Sector is obliged to provide technical support to WG in process of creation of the Strategy. At the first meeting, that had constitutional character, what was clearly marked in invitation letter, members of the Working Group did not accept presented Agenda according to which, after introduction of each of members of the WG and introductory speech by chairman, content of the Strategy had to be discussed. Content of Internal Rules for work of the WG for creation of the Strategy, adopted by Ministry of Justice based on Rules of internal organization of Ministry of Justice of BiH became F BiH and BD), whether it s non-existence of constitutional basis for its adoption or text of the Rules that stipulates, among others, creation and adoption of the Strategy by the end of this year, which was assessed as impossible. After hours of long lasting exchange of arguments between the Sector from one side and members of the WG on another, as a last option supported by majority members, adopted was proposal that the WG keeps working without Internal Rules with an appeal by Ministry of local governance and self-governance of RS to resolve issue of Internal Rules since legally it does exists.. It has been suggested to the Ministry of Justice to prepare Program of Work for the next meeting that will clearly define phases of creation and adoption of the Strategy, deadlines for each of the phases and models for enlargement of the WG. During discussion, chairman of the meeting, faced with observation that the Strategy had to be accompanied with an action plan for its implementation, stated that creation of an action (operational) plan has not been provided for, where some members of the WG said they don’t plan to participate in its creation without action plan, considering this document in advance as ‘a dead letter’. As all members of the WG already have experience in creation of actual strategies in BiH, some steps have been agreed upon, so that process could be purposeful and can gain needed dynamics.
Due to complexity of the process and poor preparations and guidance of the meeting by the chairman and the Sector, it has been suggested that future meetings are to be facilitated by person that is not member of the WG, and instead of numerous meetings a two-day workshop on strategic planning to be held, with engagement of consultants who will prepare methodology and documents for the next meeting. As Ministry of Justice of BiH did not have available means for this type of workshop, which is according to opinion of all members of the WG more than needed; proposed were many options on how to collect funds. One of them is to contact office of TASCO BiH with aim to seek financial support.
Second meeting of the WG for creation of the Strategy was held on September 30, 2011 in Building of Greek-Bosnian friendship. Meeting was organized by invitation from the chairman Mrs. Skaljic, and by Mr. Dzemal Hodzic, task manager for civil society at European Commission in BiH. At very start of the meeting, due to technical failures by Sector for civil society related to creation and distribution of the record and other working documents, there was discussion. Since the record from previous meeting was distributed at the beginning of second one and it did not contained opinion and standpoints of members of the WG, record itself was not considered (adopted). Despite of this situation, Chairman Mrs. Skaljic insisted that even future records from the meetings held are not distributed to members before holding next meeting but to be given out at the meeting, which was refused. Proposed by member of the WG, Mr. Brano Jovicic, representative of Government of Brcko District, it has been decided that rest of the meeting, due to impossibility of members to follow proposed topics (working materials have not been delivered on time in a way it was agreed at the first meeting), not be included in discussion in accordance with agenda but to reach agreement for basics for future meetings of the WG. Following conclusions resulted in agreement of the WG members: Records keeping is obligatory working document which has to contain along its basic parts (time, place, attending members of the WG, agenda, introduction to discussion on every topic), the conclusions for every individual item on the agenda, where members of the WG need to have possibility to comment, accept it and/or reject Records from previous meeting had to be distributed to all members of the WG other ways. All working materials had to be distributed at least three days before meeting of the WG. It is urgent to find possibility for engagement of one person/consultant for services of technical assistance for continuation of work on creation of documents.
After holding a second meeting, the record was distributed but it contained free interpretations including such parts of text that were never mentioned at the meeting or ever accepted as such, where representatives of WG reacted and requested this part to be deleted. Disputable part of the record is - ‘at the moment of distribution of working materials to members of the working group, they agree that process of consultations has started’. Representatives of networks agreed that, if process of creation of the Strategy got wrong way, to leave the Working Group since they don’t want participate in creation of the Strategy without consultations with CSOs.
Despite difficulties, WG held two two-day meetings in order to create strategic goals and other elements of the Strategy. The first workshop was held in Vlasic in March 2012, and second one in Jahorina on April 2012. CCSP and other networks members of WG participated at both meetings and gave its full contribution to text of draft version of the Strategy and planning of methodology of creation until its final adoption.
In the following period Mrs. Sadeta Skaljic did not pay any attention to agreed methodology, suggestions of working group member, and demonstrated her own lack of process, even tried to skip public debate of the Strategy again. Unfortunately constant exchange of methodology was the main reason that representative of Republic of Srpska stopped their work in working group. The same reaction we can expect from representative of Brcko District.
CCSP on September 12 held a meeting with Mr. Barisa Colak, Minister of Justice of BiH and introduced him the situation and wrong process. Another meeting of representatives of networks of civil society with Mr. Zeljko Bogut, adviser of Minister of Justice, was held. Mr. Bogut fully understood the fact and confirmed that the process of developing the Strategy was coordinated incompetently. Representatives of civil society were asked to provide support to the process which would be re- launched by Ministry of Justice but with other, more competent staff.
c) Local Agreement (Compact)
During the project 19 of planned 15 municipalities officially ratified Compact at local level: Bosanska Krupa, Gacko, Prijedor, Bijeljina, Zvornik, Kalesija, Doboj Jug, Livno, Novi Grad, Glamoč, Bratunac, Maglaj, Doboj, Široki Brijeg, Ljubuški, Kotor Varoš, Stari Grad Sarajevo, Kakanj, and City of Sarajevo.
Example of Municipality Bijeljina: After CCSP's initiative for municipality of Bijeljina to start a process of establishing institutional mechanisms of cooperation to local NGOs by creation, adoption and implementation of the Agreement (WG) Accepting initiative of CCSP, inter-sectoral working group was formed, made of local NGOs and municipal officials including Head of Department of Economy. CCSP had meetings with members of the Working Group, same as with municipal administration aiming at present elements of Compact at local level that gives institutional form of cooperation of local organs of authority and local NGOs. After those meetings and arrangements on needed activities for creation and adoption of Agreement (or Compact), CCSP held a training on writing project proposals for local NGOs and members of the Working Group from municipal administration. After the training there were several meetings of the WG in Bijeljina that was responsible for initiation of process of creation and adoption of Agreement at local level. All members of the group seriously understood their role, and goals set to us but also a benefit that Compact would bring, which made our work much easier. A detailed action plan was prepared containing following activities: Creation of rough draft of the Agreement Sending the rough draft of the document to local NGOs and all departments at municipality of Bijeljina Meeting of the Working Group in order to inform about and monitor earlier activities, same as detailed preparation of all members of the Working Group for upcoming activities Presentation of rough draft of the Agreement Public information campaign Creation of plan to hold public discussions Public discussion on drafts of the documents after conducting internal discussions Definition of text of proposal of the Agreement and Code of good practices Signature and adoption of the Agreement Monitoring and evaluation Monitoring of the Agreement
According to working plan, WG split into two smaller groups and started to prepare rough draft of the Compact; in a way that one group had to make common principles and another one to deal with codes that the Agreement had to resolve. On March 2010 there was second meeting of the WG aiming at determine final text of rough draft of the Agreement, so they had to deal with final preparations for next steps in accordance with earlier action plan, especially those for already planned public discussion. A public discussion on rough draft of text of the Agreement was held. After receiving suggestions and comments by participants at public discussion, WG included comments into text of the Agreement, created resume of all comments for distribution to all participants of public discussion. Final text of the Agreement was sent to the Mayor who, as a proposer, would send it for discussion to Municipal Council of Bijeljina for its next session in order to be officially adopted.
In municipality of Bijeljina the Agreement was adopted between municipal Mayor, President of the Municipal Council and local NGOs at session of Municipal Council held in July 22, 2010. After its adoption there were several meetings of WG which was responsible for process of creation and adoption of this document, in order to prepare ceremony of signing of the Agreement. For this purpose of signing Agreement at local level, the detailed action plan of holding ceremony was prepared. All members of working group expressed their satisfaction that we succeeded to realize action plan set at municipal mayor, establishment of joint working group, creation of draft text of Agreement at local level, introduction of all actors in municipality with process itself and text of Agreement as a document, holding public discussion, creation of final text of Agreement and its final adoption. After adoption of Local Agreement between Mayor of Municipality, President of Municipal Council and local NGOs in July 22, 2010, at the session of Municipal Council in Bijeljina, there was official ceremony of signing of Local Compact. Ceremony was held in November 5 at the hall of Municipality of Bijeljina and all representatives of the Municipality of Bijeljina were present, more than 40 representatives of local NGOs and media. Along with municipal mayor and President of the Assembly of Municipality of Bijeljina as signers, 44 NGOs have signed Local Compact which makes it the largest number of signers in BiH. Six TV media has covered this event: BN television, HIT TV, Slobomir TV, IN TV, RTRS, Arena, then five print media and three local radio stations. The next step was a visit by Mr. Jonathan Moore, deputy US Ambassador to BiH, and representatives of working group that had cross-sectoral role. This visit by US Embassy was assessed as great a honor but also of use for future process of implementation of Local Compact.
Details from ceremony of signing of Local Compact between Mayor of Municipality, President of Municipal Council and local NGOs. November 5, 2010, the hall of Municipality o Bijeljina
Development and publishing an Annual report on cooperation government – NGO sector for 2011 Taking into account that since the Agreement was signed and introduced as an institutional mechanism of cooperation and new democratic practice in relations between organs of authorities and local NGOs, there is no any other document or survey in BiH but this very analysis which is starting point in relation of these two sectors of society based on which Network Compact plus awarded the best practice and cooperation in BiH at local level.
First phase of the survey – preliminary analysis – included ‘desk research’ or gathering already existing analysis, rules, regulations and data aimed at define initial conclusions to structure next phases of the survey, above all to define precisely a sample and target groups. In this phase, we have gathered various materials that are showing implementation of the Agreement in municipalities by researching the web pages of all municipalities which signed it and general electronic research of web pages of non-government organizations and donors which work at local level. At the same time, we have gathered similar surveys and literature on cooperation between we also used working materials from coalition To work and succeed together and Network Compact plus.
Second phase of the survey – questionnaire – has been realized aiming at gather quantity data. Developed are two types of questionnaire: one for representatives of municipalities and second for representatives of non-government organizations that work in municipalities where the Agreement is signed and in those where is not. In this phase of the survey 65 municipalities has participated – 55, 4 % from Federation BiH and 44, 6% from Republic of Srpska. From overall number of surveyed municipalities 77, 8 percent of them have the Agreement signed while 22, 2 percent does not have signed agreement with non-government organizations. In this survey 156 non-government organizations have participated – 55, 5 % from Federation BiH and 44, 5% from the rest of the country. During this part of the survey we have paid attention to representation of sample, the size of municipality and NGOs which participated in the survey, their regional representation and other factors that can influence on the results of the survey (level of economic development of municipalities and presence of donors and other projects directed at strengthening of local democracy). For NGOs, along with regional representation, while doing the survey, we paid attention to participation of non-government organizations of different profiles: those with more or less professional experience, those with different number of members and employees, same as sectoral representation. Based on results of this part of the survey, its next phase was conducted – holding of focus groups meetings. There were five focus groups in Bileca, Mostar, Prijedor and Zvornik in which representatives of municipalities and non-government organizations from all over BiH have participated. In last phase of the survey we have processed and analyzed the data where we created an integrated database that unified all gathered information based on which analysis has been done. At the end, we have prepared first version of analysis that contains concrete recommendations for further implementation of the Agreement and development of cooperation between NGO sector and municipal institutions.
Table: Influence of the Agreement on specific elements of development of cooperation between municipal authorities and non-government sector: Elements of development of cooperation between municipal authorities and non-Registered influence government sector of the Agreement Cooperation with non-government sector is regulated by basic internal acts and Yes procedures of the municipality Appointed officials for cooperation with non-government sector Yes Municipalities are working on building needed capacities for cooperation Yes Municipalities have developed efficient system of information and communication Yes with non-government sector Municipalities are providing financial support to non-government organizations Yes Municipalities are including non-government organizations in processes of Yes creation and monitoring of public policies Municipalities are transferring their competencies for provision of public services Yes to non-government organizations and realizing projects with them as partners As a direct result of signing of the Agreement in their municipality, non-government organizations are defining following improvements in cooperation between municipalities and non-government organizations: - Non-government organizations are invited to participate in the process of decision-making at local level, specially at council meetings and work of bodies for creation of local strategic plans; - Municipalities have started to allocate funds for non-government sector beyond sports and war veterans fields, where in some municipalities there has been registered increase of those funds; - More quality, efficient and transparent system of granting the funds to non-government organizations; - Adopted local strategic documents in field of development, youth policy and ecology; - Municipalities and non-government organizations have joint cooperation in realization of specific activities and projects; - Creation of local NGO networks and coalitions; - Representatives of municipal authorities are participating in activities of non-government organizations; - Developed and improved activities of volunteering and informing the citizens in municipalities; - Allocation of working space and offices to non-government sector by municipalities;
Yet, it is important to add that few organizations from Bosansko Grahovo, Drvar, Jajce, Livno and Trebinje think that implementation of the Agreement in their municipalities is not qualitative as is should be and that the Agreement in those municipalities is still ‘a dead letter’. Joint implementation of projects is also rare. Inclusion of non-government organizations in the processes of decision-making at local level is sporadic without any systematic approach to development of existing and creation of new mechanisms. It is also important to emphasize that most of non-government organizations think that municipal authorities are still ignoring them no matter whether municipalities have the Agreement signed or not. Initiatives and proposals given by non-government organizations regarding local problems are rarely accepted or adopted. 14, 3% of surveyed non-government organizations claim that municipal institution or their representatives have treated NGOs in their work in non-professional, unlawful manner or they didn’t respect certain rules. Objections of those organizations are related to above as following: - Non-distribution of information requested by municipal authorities to non-government organizations based on Freedom of Information Act; - Ignorance of requests and letters sent by non-government organizations without any explanation(including applications for open calls for receiving grants); - Non-transparent procedures and practices for granting the funds to non-government organizations; - Non-acceptance of proposals and recommendations from non-government organizations without any explanations, given at public discussions; - Cancelling of contracts for rent of office spaces contrarily to clauses of the contract; - Non-attendance to meetings and events of non-government organizations by municipal authorities; - Insufficient funds that municipalities are granting for specific problems and areas (employment of disabled persons in public institutions, return, etc.) municipal authorities is that it is too general. From the survey conducted it is evident that most of the representatives of non-government organizations and municipalities sees the Agreement as a framework for regulation of distribution of public funds towards non-government organizations, and less as a mechanism that provides non- government organizations to participate in process of decision-making at local level. Survey indicates problems that exist in non-government sector that are reflecting on a weak implementation of the Agreement. Large number of organizations works in municipalities, in some municipalities even 200 of them. Representatives of municipalities think that such a huge number of these organizations are not active, and that most of them were founded with sole aim to receive funds from the municipality. Similar self-criticism was given by non-government organizations. Municipal representatives are also emphasizing the problem of communication with large number of organizations and rare practice of creation of local NGO networks that have joint representation towards municipal administration. At the same time, different associations and groups are classified as non-government sector - from sports, war veterans, and humanitarian to professional non-government organizations - so, it is difficult for municipal authorities to develop a unique approach towards those different groups and to recognize those who could be partners in the projects. Representatives of municipalities have pointed out at many occasions to greater need of engagement of non-government organizations on problem of decreasing of unemployment and reduction of poverty. Representatives of municipalities have opinion that most successful non-government organizations in their municipalities are those which are not relied only on municipal funds but those who apply to other domestic or foreign donors. But there is small number of such organizations or small number or organizations has capacities built for application for funds to foreign donors, despite numerous trainings held on this subject.
On the other side, certain non-government organizations got closer to political parties, so in large number of municipalities there is political division of non-government sector. It is interesting that level of economic development and political qualification of municipal authorities does not influence signature of the Agreement or implementation of its individual clauses. It can be assumed that implementation of the Agreement is result of the will, but also capacities owned by municipal authorities for support and inclusion of non-government sector. Survey also shows that the level of cooperation between municipal authorities and non-government organizations is largely conditioned by way of work of non-government sector: implementation of the Agreement is better in those municipalities where non-government organizations have actively advocated for its application. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that good implementation of the Agreement or good cooperation between municipal authorities and non-government sector is not only result of its signing, but above all, the result of higher level of engagement of non-government organizations to use signed Agreement as a tool for advocacy for more transparent public policies towards non-government sector and its inclusion in the processes of decision-making.
(Appendix III: TOWARDS A PARTICIPATORY LOCAL SELFGOVERNANCE - An Analysis of the Implementation of the Agreement between Municipal Councils, Municipality Governors and Non- Governmental Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Proper application of the Agreement on cooperation requires educated civil servants and active and educated NGOs that use the Agreement as a tool in everyday relations with the government sector. Based on prepared training modules and materials by CCSP, five-day training for trainers (ToT) titled 'Compact on cooperation between government and civil society' was held from 25th to 29th of October in Sarajevo. Training participants were members of Regional Resource Centers and highly respected individuals from non-government and government sector which were remarkable activists in process of creation and implementation of compact. Over five days of training 25 regular participants were present and more seven persons who were there in whole course of the training. Besides lecturers from CCSP, the role of trainer and resource person was awarded to ECNL, subcontract organization in this project. Five media outlets have published information about this training – news agencies ONASA and FENA, and Oslobodjenje newspapers. At Sarajevo Cantonal Television in the morning program, CCSP representatives were invited as guests with an additional appearance on Saturday night evening news, where event was treated as a topic of the day. PINK TV has published information on holding and importance of this training in its highly rated show 'Udri muski'. Training has dealt with following subjects: - Government policies towards civil society in BiH; Development of institutional mechanisms of cooperation with its background and history; - Different approaches and mechanisms of cooperation, comparative practice; - Experiences of BiH in development of mechanisms of cooperation – achievements and challenges; Agreement at state and lower levels of authority; - Rights and obligations of main actors; - Infrastructure for support and development of the Agreement; - Partnership, financing, application and monitoring; - Formats of local agreements in BiH – advantages and weaknesses; - What are codes of good practice, their purpose and aim; - Aims, types and content of codes, their role and place in the Agreement with mentioning of comparative practices; - What is life cycle of the Agreement, what are initiators of the process; - Analysis of starting point of cooperation of local government and NGOs; - Common understanding of basic purpose and aims of the Agreement; - Models of adoption and signing; - Promotion and distribution of the signed Agreement; - Achievements, obstacles and challenges in implementation of the Agreement; - Institutional structure for application and further development – Main actors – Action planning – Key to successful application and Case Study.
Last day of the training creation of framework of monitoring and evaluation of Compact – its goals, main areas of cooperation, and aspects of monitoring, identification of indicators, sources and ways to gather information were in focus.
ToT titled 'Compact on cooperation between government and civil society' was held from 25th to 29th of October in Sarajevo. d) Development and relationships building of Compact plus network
As an infrastructure organization representing non-government sector in BiH on taking forward the Compacts (or Agreements) at different levels of authority in BiH a network was forming as a implementing methodology of all activities related to campaign and lobby on issues affecting the relationship between government and non-government sector in BiH. Mission of the Network is to promote effective partnerships through the Compact between the NGO sector, government and the rest of the public sector at all levels of authority that lead to benefits for individuals, local communities and BiH society as a whole.
CCSP organized meetings, with great attendance and great interest of organizations, in Travnik, Doboj, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Trebinje, Bihac, Livno, Foca, Srebrenica, Mostar and Zenica with partner organizations and other NGOs in order to establish network „Compact plus“as an institutional framework that would enable effective representation of common interest with regard to key issue concerning the relations between government and non-profit organizations. In almost each of places, to local television or radio station is given the statement on the occasion of meetings for the purpose of forming network „Compact plus“(Cantonal TV Bihac, TV Prijedor, Radio Mostar, TV Federation BiH, TV Zenica). Over 250 organizations attended these meetings and all of them expressed a great interest in the idea of network „Compact plus“, and the process of establishing Office for collaboration to NGO and Council for civil society at the state level.
Meeting of the organizational board of the network Compact plus, held on April 28, 2009, was organized in Sarajevo and the preliminary concept of the Network is presented.
Organization Committee was composed of representatives from 15 cities from BiH, who were proposed by other members of the Network. After the meeting the aims and mission of network “Compact plus” have been created and distributed throughout the network. In Canton Sarajevo the Network Compact plus was successfully established too. Members of the Organization Committee all the time were informing about the process of establishing the Office and the Council that was leading to the Council of Ministers. November, 2009, in Sarajevo. Meeting of the Team was held two hours before scheduled meeting of Organizing Board where Mr. Sejfija and Mr. Prorok gave their remarks from the meeting with Mr. Mijatović from the Council of Ministers. It was explained that the Committee is a link between the State Office and civil society organizations (CSO's), as the most important body to NGOs responsible for work of the State Office. Members of the Team have mentioned a problem of preparation of strategy of civil society financed by the Delegation of European Commission in Sarajevo, which is currently undertaken by private consultation firm, and the fact that the Commission developed it by the Team for a long time now in cooperation with Council of Ministers is already in latest version of the Strategy or „Policy Paper“, as it is to be named, despite opposition from CSOs from BiH to recognize the Strategy they are not a part of.
Conclusion was that it is was not acceptable that someone gave a guidelines because the civil society should initiate its own processes, so Team would take position and ask for a meeting with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, where actual process would be presented and openly expressed on what has been agreed on, so all speculations on who is a partner to the Council of Minister of BiH in process of establishment of the State Office and the Committee will be ended. The next step was a joint meeting with the members of the Team with members of Organizing Board where preview of all activities has been presented: ‐ held initial meetings for establishment of the Network in 12 cities in BiH at which members of the Organizing Board of the Network were selected ‐ the team of working groups created to prepare founding documents, the Statute and the Founding Charter of the Network ‐ proposal of founding documents was prepared: the Founding Charter and the Statute of the Network ‐ meetings of the Working Group and the Team were held in order to review and harmonize founding documents of the Network
At this meeting, founding documents of the Network were adopted.
Founding convention of Network Compact Plus was held on 15 December, 2009, in Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At this moment Network Compact plus has more than 450 members and established 3 sectoral networks: Rural development, Children protection and Compact plus Canton Sarajevo.
First Coordination board of the Network Compact plus, Second Convention of the December 12, 2009 Network Compact plus, June 27, 2011
Forums of the Network Compact plus - Recommendation of the Network Compact plus First forums were the regional ones and were held in May 7, 2010, in four cities in BiH – Sarajevo, Mostar, Prijedor and Doboj. Starting with significance of the process of the European integrations for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the need for greater participation of civil society in creation of public policies that will bring our country faster to full membership in the European Union, the Network organized series of forums of NGOs and other organizations of civil society (CSOs) in BiH with common name „ Partnership of authorities and civil society in the process of integration of BiH into the EU – from challenge to (im)possibility“. Main purpose and aim of these forums is to promote a principle of partnership of representatives of state authorities, civil society and the EU as one of the key conditions for effective realization of actual reform processes at all levels and sectors of BiH society. Result of each of the forums was proposal of concrete recommendations of civil society in BiH about possible measures and activities for successful application of principle of partnership in everyday practice of relations between all actors involved in process of the European integrations. While making preparations to hold forum, the Network in cooperation with NGO ALDI, from Goražde, has conducted a survey about basic subject that is to be discussed at forums. Results of this survey have been used as basis for discussion at forums so as for definition of proposal of recommendations.
After holding four regional forums of Network ‘Compact plus’ which resulted in conclusions and holding of central forum of the Network in Sarajevo titled 'Building partnership of BiH authorities, civil society and the European Union in process of integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the EU', where all conclusions of regional forums were joined, we approached to printing the Recommendations titled „Recommendations of Network 'Compact plus'“(Appendix IV). Main goal of the Forum was to promote publicly a principle of tripartite dialogue and cooperation of authorities in BiH, civil society and the European Union in overall process of stabilization and association of BiH to the EU, including programming of pre-accession support of the EU to emphasize request for its consistent implementation in practice. community. Distribution was followed by street action of distribution of the Recommendations . In this way in Sarajevo, 3.000 copies of the 'Recommendations' were distributed to citizens what was covered by 28 different media. For this purpose, 'Recommendations' were printed in format of passport and titled 'European passport'. Members of the Network were invited to make the same street actions in their municipalities and regions, where 15 members of the Network have responded positively.
Recommendations distribution. In this way in Sarajevo 3.000 copies of the 'Recommendations' were distributed to citizens which was covered by 28 different media
Halfway there – Government allocations for the NGOs in BiH in 2010 In March 31, a forum of Network ‘Compact Plus’ was held titled: ‘Who, how, to whom and how big budgetary spending is in BiH’ where results of the survey ‘Halfway there– structure and allocations from budget from government to non-government sector in BiH’. Forum was opened by His Excellency Ambassador of the United States to BiH Mr. Patrick Moon. In the first part of the forum through her presentation ‘Public financing of NGO sector in BiH’, Mrs. Aida Daguda, director of CCSP, gave information on whether authorities have obligation to finance NGO sector and if they do so, what are the principles used. After this presentation, director of Foundation for social inclusion in BiH (FSU) presented results of survey ‘Halfway - structure and allocations from budget from government to non-government sector in BiH’ (Appendix V). Survey clearly and precisely shows amount and structure of allocations for NGO sector by all levels of authority in BiH. Percentage of institutions which participated in this survey was 98%, what gives this survey a 100 percent relevance and objectivity of data collected. After the survey was conducted and presented, we received information from Ministry for family, youth and sports in Government of Republika Srpska saying that this ministry allocated 4.862.705, 08 KM for sports organizations which is equal to this sum for the year 2008 when the last survey was done.
Second part of the forum was opened by Mrs. Mirjana Sirćo, coordinator of Network ‘Compact plus’ for Canton Sarajevo with presentation titled: ‘The role and responsibility of government and NGO sector for transparent public financing of CSOs’. This presentation pointed out a necessary sector is transparent, at least its part that makes Network Compact Plus , it has been shown through results of our mini-survey among members of the Network. On two questions about narrative and financial reporting of organizations and means to publish them, responds were sent by 126 organizations out of 444 members of the Network which received questionnaire by e-mail. It has been emphasized that it is encouraging that 91 percent of members creates narrative and financial reports; four percent does it occasionally while five percent does not have practice of preparing any of the reports. Worrying is the fact that 91 percent of member’s prepared narrative and financial reports files into archives and makes them available only at request, 17 percent of members makes them public via their web presentations, 11 percent in form of printed publication while five percent of members stated that their report was not available for public.
Murisa Maric, deputy coordinator of Network ‘Compact Plus’ presented a draft of Code of Conduct for members of the Network (The Code) stressing that the Code is self-regulating document for members of the Network that contributes to greater publicity and transparency of work of NGOs that are part of the Network, and by this the greater credibility both of members and the Network as whole.
In final presentation Mr. Milan Mirić, member of Team for implementation of Compact at state level, presented previous activities and challenges of the Team for Implementation of Compact between the Council of Ministers and NGO sector in BiH, announcing the next steps of the Team for implementation: Creation of policy/strategy of communication with the Council of Ministers of BiH Joint meeting of the Team for implementation of the Agreement with the Council of Ministers of BiH same as with newly elected parliamentarians in House of Representatives in Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Establishment of Council for development of civil society Establishment of Office for cooperation with CSOs Creation of Instruction for implementation of Rules on Consultations for CSOs in preparation of legal documents Start of creation of document, planned in the Agreement, which is Rules on principles, procedures and criteria for transparent financing of CSOs from budgets in BiH
During discussion after all presentations, participants have pointed out the role of NGOs as a corrective factor to authorities, not forgetting the reason of its existence - their users. Aiming at more efficiently advocate for interests of its users, legal and fiscal framework for NGOs in BiH which is to great extent unfavorable, there is no institutional mechanisms at state and entity levels, while municipal level most often requests deeper implementation of already signed contracts on cooperation. On the other side, taking into account the basic role and actual image of NGO sector as a whole, it is needed to get greater transparency of organizations in order to stick themselves to basic values of civil society. Code of Conduct for members of the Network is defined as self-regulating mechanism that Network can offer in order to make more credibility for its members and Network as whole. Rough draft of the Code will be offered to members for adoption and signing if it is accepted.
H.E. US Ambassador to BiH was opening a forum of Network “Compact plus”, March,31 2011
Development and publishing of report on cooperation between government and NGO sector for 2011 In December 22, 2011 Network forum was held titled “An Analysis of the Implementation of the Agreement between Municipal Councils, Municipality Governors and Non-Governmental Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina“, which was published. Recommendations from the Analysis are accepted for both: municipalities and NGO sector (at least members of the Network). Main recommendations are incorporated in strategic and activity plan of the Network. All activities about the Analysis are explained in part b.
Award for best practices in implementation of the Agreement between government sector and NGOs at local level in 2011 For years, many NGOs were making efforts to build relations between local authorities and NGOs (including other levels) that were based on clear and effective procedures of mutual cooperation in solving problems of public interest. As a tool in establishing a transparent mutual cooperation, NGOs launched an initiative of adopting the Agreement on cooperation in almost every municipality in BiH.
Today in Bosnia, almost a hundred municipalities adopted some of the documents that establish the institutional cooperation between local authorities and NGOs.
Even 80 municipalities adopted the Agreement as a result of initiative of the Network Compact plus (2008) and the Coalition to work and succeed together (2004). Further work on the consistent application and development of mutual relations remains one of the priority activities of the Network Compact plus. The agreement establishes a transparent work, involvement of citizens and non- governmental organizations in the preparation and adoption of the most important decisions for the community, cooperation and partnerships to identify and solve the key problems of the citizens. Having in mind a great importance of the Agreement rewarding of best practices in its implementation was one of the objectives and planned activities within the Network Compact plus. It is important to note that Bosnia and Herzegovina has one of the best practices of intersectoral collaboration at the local level in the region. It remains that good practice of local level be transferred to higher levels of government in BiH, especially the State and Entity level, given the fact of complete absence of any institutional mechanisms of cooperation at these levels.
After establishing criteria public call for nomination was sent to all municipalities in BiH as well to all members of the Network Compact plus. Nomination process was open to all BH municipalities that adopted the "Agreement on cooperation between the Mayor, the Municipal Council / Municipal Assembly and associations and foundations" in the previous period, as well as prominent individuals who was recognized for their commitment in the promotion of advocacy and cross-sectoral dialogue and consistent application of the Agreement at any level of authority.
Award ceremony was organized in the Youth Center Skenderija. Awarded practices were: a) Funding of NGOs from municipal budget: Prijedor and Jablanica b) Participation / involvement of citizens in decision-making: Bugojno and Kakanj c) Innovative examples of good cooperation between the municipality and NGOs: Zvornik and Bosanska Krupa The best practices in implementation of the Agreement between government sector and NGOs at local level in 2011 is available only on b/h/s languages (Appendix VI)
Award ceremony in Sarajevo, representatives Awarded individuals in promotion the Agreement of Jablanica, Kakanj, Prijedor, Zvornik and at local level Bosanska Krupa municipalities.
‐ Other Network forums and activities of ‘Advocacy campaign for better legal and fiscal treatment of organizations of civil society in BiH’, will be explained in: Component Two: Increasing Financial Sustainability of NGOs”
On the web site www.civilnodrustvo.ba a sub-web has been designed and includes founding documents, basic elements of the Network, a way of accession as well as information on NGOs, which, so far, joined the Network. Intention of the web site, besides network of NGO’s and needs it has to satisfy in that context, is to offer municipalities and other level of authorities efficient exchange of documents and other relevant information, same as insight into members of the Network and organizations they might engage in process of creation of Compact at all levels. Documents that are uploaded to the web site are compacts or other decisions of municipal, cantonal, entity or state level of authority who direct to cooperation with NGO’s, same as other sub-legal acts who bring more details on procedures in cooperation with NGOs, such as composition of the Commission that makes selection of submitted projects of NGOs, system of ratings, methods to deal with complaints, different internal rules, open bids for projects, etc.
f) Legal Framework for Citizen Participation in Public Policy
At its 136th session held in November 2010, the Council of Ministers of BiH, has adopted Report of Ministry of Justice of BiH on implementation of Rules on Consultations in creation of Legal Regulations in Institutions of BiH and in this regards, adopted following conclusions: - all institutions of BiH are obliged to plan in their programs of work for 2011 the establishment of instruments for implementation of Rules on Consultations (to name the coordinator for consultations, make list of CSOs and individuals interested in consultations, make assessment on influence of the regulations on public and define form of consultations for regulations planned in program of work for institutions in 2011, make assessment of financial influence of consultations for regulations defined in program of work for institutions in 2011., publish a list of normative and legal work from program of work for institutions in 2011 on the website and deliver it to interested organizations and individuals from the list and those who are seeking it in written form); - Council of Ministers in 2011, through changes and amendments of its Internal Rules, ought to regulate in more details obligation to implement Rules on Consultations, what was assigned to General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
Ministry of Justice published Annual report on implementation of the Rules on consultation. The report highlights key issues: - Most of the institutions of BiH did not fulfill its obligations on the establishment and pitting into effect the instruments for implementation of the Rules on consultations, nor was planned in their strategic plans or work programs. - Commitment of BiH institutions to enforce the Rules on consultation is not enough expressed. The main reason for this situation is the lack of staff in most institutions, but also a lack of will to implement the Rules. Reallocation of existing staff, with effective planning and coordination within the institution, can be overcome in short term, but it will not necessarily affect the degree of implementation of the Rules for consultation, if they do not change attitude towards enforcement. - Lack of knowledge of civil servants, individuals and NGOs for consultation in development of consultation process. CCSP participated in work of seminar named Participation of civil society organizations in creation of public policies of legal and executive organs of authority in F BiH – Rules on consultation'. Government of Federation of BiH also adopted Rules on consultation in 2012, which are very similar to the Rules at state level.
CCSP through the Compact plus network, while drafting a Law on associations and Law on foundations, as well Law on volunteers at state level, prepared a proposal for cooperation aimed at full implementation of the Rules on consultation (Rules). Meeting with administration sector (in charge for drafting abovementioned laws) was held, and CCSP offered draft of the proposal accepting all changes and any kind of cooperation that would lead to the application of Rule on consultation in drafting mentioned laws. But it was very apparent complete misunderstanding and ignorance of the contents on the Rules by administration sector’s staff. In spite of the pressure of the Network’s members, any proposal for cooperation is ignored.
1.2.2. Component Two: Increasing Financial Sustainability of NGOs a) Issue based advocacy campaigns on 2 defined issues for improving fiscal framework for civil society organizations operating
Philanthropy is an important potential source of income for NGOs in Bosnia. Given economic realities in Bosnia, this particularly pertains to charitable giving by corporations, which presents an opportunity for a productive partnership between business, governments and NGOs in addressing pressing social needs. Given the fact that culture of corporate giving and the notion of corporate social responsibility are on the rise elsewhere CCSP and ECNL started activities to ensure enabling tax framework as one of the critical conditions to encourage philanthropy. CCSP with project’s partner ECNL and Center for Civic Initiatives CCI, that are directly granted from USAID, organized the conference which took place in Sarajevo, in 2008, with the topic :"Challenges and perspective of development NGO sector in BiH - fiscal, budgets and philanthropic funding policy of non-governmental organizations," including CCSP's components activities „Transparent Mechanism for Public Funding NGOs“ and „Amendments to Tax Laws to Support Philanthropy“, with the participation of over 60 representatives of government, NGO and business sector, and representatives of international organizations and agencies, unanimously adopted the following conclusions: - It is necessary to insist on full implementation of the Compact between the Council of Ministers BiH and NGO sector, as well as making and implementation of other strategies, laws, agreements, especially the Code of Good Practice, which should provide energizing environment for the operation and development of non-governmental sector in BiH. - Encourage the necessaries of establishing a transparent and efficient mechanism of budget financing civil society organizations at all levels of governments. - Initiate changes in tax laws, in order to expand the definition of (or in order to expand the range or scope) allocations in public interest. organizations provided in the IPA for 2007 year, as important institutional steps toward greater sustainability and civil society organization.
But behind tax changes, that were submitted to entities Ministries of Finance as well Ministry of Finance of Canton Sarajevo, no organized campaign what was the reason to change approach. Although submitted tax changes proposals had declarative support relevant ministries did not take any major measures.
CCSP decided to act more organized through network of civil society, primary Compact plus network.
First of all it was necessary to define which legal provisions were objective difficulties for NGOs in BiH. A questionnaire named 'Make our obstacles visible' was sent to all members of Compact plus network and contained four questions from tax and four questions from legal area. Received questioners were starting points for analysis laws that NGOs indicated.
On June, 2011 VII forum of Network ‘Compact Plus’ named ‘Advocacy campaign for better legal and fiscal treatment of organizations of civil society in BiH’ was held. Forum took place in Sarajevo at hotel ‘Hollywood’ and was attended by 88 members of the Network and other organizations of civil society. Mr. Almin Skrijelj from association ‘Lawyer’ Sarajevo presented a report ‘Review of legal and tax rules for NGOs in BiH’ (Report) with recommendations for changes in it as a leading document of the forum. Mr. Skrijelj noticed that it was a draft version of the Report taking into account the fact that results of work of discussion groups would be incorporated into Report and after that distributed to all members of the Network for suggestions based on which final Report with recommendations would be created and offered. The Report contains suggestions from 100 received questionnaires ‘Make our obstacles visible’ by members of the Network. Participants in three discussion groups through a system of rotation have participated in work on three given themes: 1. Development of philanthropy and civil society through legal and fiscal reforms 2. System of financing of initiatives, projects and programs of organizations of civil society 3. Working/legal and financial regulations and volunteering in BiH.
After the Forum CCSP and ECNL, based on comments received at the forum prepared ‘Analysis of legal and tax status of NGOs in BiH with proposal for changes’ (Analysis) that was sent again for final comments members of the Network as well members of partners network: NGO Council, Network for justice, Network for peace building, Women network and Volunteering Network. This approach ensured synergy between networks and joint efforts for future tax and legal campaign.
Forum of Compact plus network ‘Review of legal and tax rules for NGOs in BiH’, June 2011, Sarajevo
VIII Forum of the Network Compact Plus was held in December 14, 2011 in Sarajevo, December 15 in Banjaluka, and December 16 in Mostar. Forums aimed to present ‘Analysis of legal and tax status of NGOs in BiH with proposal for changes’ (Appendix VII) and definition of subject of advocacy campaign of the Network Compact Plus. Interest and expressed need for this kind of campaign by members of the Network and other civil society organizations (CSOs) was at high level. Participants of all three meetings have stated their worries about current legal and fiscal frame in BiH which completely equalized non-profit with profit sector in BiH. Current legal solutions, especially in field of fiscal policies, are literally strangling CSOs without any intention of lawmaker to set up better legal frame.
In coordination to partners networks campaign team was selected among partners network. During 2012 meetings are held to Ministry of Finance in F BiH and RS, as well Ministry of Finance of Canton Sarajevo. Ministry of Finance of F BiH already put all law proposals in draft of the Law but well- known situation of frequent change of parliamentary majority in Parliament (and Government) of F BiH, the Ministry of Finance decided to postpone putting the Law into parliamentarian procedure. Members of the team for campaign are in constant contact to this Ministry.
Ministry of Finance of Canton Sarajevo expressed commendable for the proposed tax changes and gave a promise that all proposed law changes would be incorporated in law. Ministry of Finance of RS has an attitude that budget situation does not allow any tax changes and that did not plan any legal changes in this year. The views that are expressed were the new starting point for access to Ministry of finance and the Government of RS for campaign team. b) Transparent Mechanism for NGOs Public Funding.
During project period in BiH, especially at local level, clear rules and procedures which governed a fair and transparent distribution and use of public grants to NGOs are much improved. CCSP researh shows that governments at all levels distributed about $85 million in 2010 to NGOs that pursue activities deemed for pubic benefit There are very noticeable examples of good practices and procedures at the ISO or other appropriate standards. Comparing procedures and criteria for distribution funds befor and after the Project, system of much improved and more transparent. During the project 19 of planned 15 municipalities officially ratified Compact at local level. Essential part of the Agreement is Code on good practice of transparent mechanism for NGO public financing that is put in place. Member of the Compact plus network by using training materials (ToT materials what is explained in ToT part) and guidance for implementation of the agreement, designed for this purpose, in their everyday communication and work to municipalities much improved Code of financing. NGOs has benefit of “soft” regulation such as Code of financing as a part of the Agreement.
c) Strengthening of BH Network for corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Network of the Global Compact in BiH gathers leading companies same as small and medium businesses, who have decided not to build their market competitiveness only based on amount of profit they make, but also by care for their employees, their environment and community they work in. At this moment there are 82 members of the GCN.
Corporate social responsibility in the post-war period in BiH did not have any greater success. The only attempt of establishing CSR network had UNDP mission in BiH, but after completion of the project / funding the project of CSR network was completely abandoned. After UNDP, CCSP became Focal Point of the UN Global Compact Network for Bosnia and Herzegovina (GCN), and was a member and one of the founders of Network for CSR as well. As a Focal Point of GCN, at that time CCSP has an obligation for organization and maintenance of annual meeting.
Meeting of GCN was organized in Sarajevo in October, 2010. The meeting was attended by 60 participants who represented BiH companies, non-government organizations, public institutions, international organizations and organizers of the meeting. The main conclusions of the participants of the meeting was strengthening and definition of common vision and strategy of work of GCN in BiH, Informing about current situation on functioning of the Network, Informing on actual trends related to social responsibility of companies (DOP), Review of good practices from the region, Reminder on responsibilities in accordance to UN GCN, Adoption and creation of common vision and action plan, acceptance of new members, etc. But the meeting considered also the following topics: philanthropy, protection of living environment, donations from employees’ salaries and national strategies.
First meeting of the Corporate Social Responsibility Network, Sarajevo, 2010
After the meeting CCSP made contacts and held meetings with larger number of companies in BiH: BH Telecom, Bosnalijek and Intesa San Paolo bank, Bobar insurance, Nektar Brewery and MTEL Company (telecommunications). Aim of these meetings was exchange of opinion on aspects of cooperation between NGO sector and companies doing business in BiH. During these talks defined were certain areas of cooperation such as exchange of information, experiences and educational programs, system of quality for NGOs (since it is area easily understandable and acceptable for business sector), so as establishment of working groups (which is one of conclusions of last meeting of GCN) in fields of philanthropy, environment and creation of state strategy. In this regard, some of the companies expressed their wish to be coordinators of some of the groups or to participate in them. So, BH Telecom wanted to be coordinator of working groups for creation of state strategy, Bosnalijek coordinator of working group for environment and Lottery of BiH of working group for philanthropy. From NGO sector some of organizations that participated in working groups: Association for entrepreneurship and work, Open Network, Topeer, Obrazovanje gradi BiH, Association of Citizens ‘Dobro’, Tuzla Community Foundation, etc.
Another meeting of GCN was held in November 17, 2011 in Sarajevo at ASA Group premises. The meeting was opened by US Ambassador in BiH, His Excellency Mr. Patrick Moon who emphasized that development of BiH is a challenge where government but also business and non-government sector have to be included, so that partnership of these three sectors of the society offer best hope for creation of sustainable future for BiH. In second part of the meeting presented were founding documents of GCN and held parallel meetings (action planning) through earlier formed groups: a) Creation of strategy for socially responsible business, b) Philanthropy c) Protection of environment d) Children protection In order to create working plans meeting of working groups was held.
Meeting of Assembly of GNC was held in March, 2012. At the meeting of the Assembly adopted were basic documents of GCN: Statute of GCN Policy on usage of logotype and Policy on reporting about their own progress, at least once in three years. Except existing working groups at the meeting was supported establishment of fourth working group for rights of children within GCN. Initiator for establishment of this network and its coordinator was UNICEF mission in BiH.
After adoption of these documents Governing Board was selected. In accordance with the Statute, Assemble of first Governing Board of GMC is made of three representatives of business and two from non-government sector. They are as follows: Vedran Persic, ASA Holding, Fikret Semisc, Energoinvest and Melisa Durak Buljubasic from Lutrija BiH (BiH Lottery). From non-government sector those are Aida Daguda from CCSP and Jasmina Mujezinovic from Foundation of local democracy. CCSP has renewed its role of secretariat of GCN in 2012. Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time presented CSR network as well best practices at the "Rio +20", which was held in Rio de Janerio from the 20th - 22 June 2012. Rio conference was attended by more than 130 heads of state and delegations, over a thousand parliamentarians, mayors, representatives of local governments, the UN, as well as representatives of civil society from around the world. In future development of CSR network is the perceived benefit for all stakeholders involved in these practices. To this partnership businesses will bring financial resources and necessary management skills; NGOs will bring their project expertise, knowledge of local community needs and social networks and governments will bring institutional support and matching funds.
Best practices collection of Corporate Social Responsibility in BiH (Appendix VIII) In accordance with the working plan of the CSR network, CCSP in May 2012 issued a call for the submission of examples of good corporate social responsibility practices in BiH. The idea was to, in a simply way, introduces the general public and especially companies in BiH, to the concept of social responsibility, and to promote its best practices in BiH. The main objective of the Directory of best practices of Corporate Social Responsibility (Directory) was to identify and systematically presented socially responsible practice among companies in BiH, thereby contribution of visibility of these positive examples in the public, and stimulating and encouraging business sector to be more involved in this area. Directory also included some examples of good practice by NGOs, with intention to emphasize that CSR is a priority of all legal entities, and not just companies.
Hope remains that the future edition of the Directory will contain more positive examples, and show steady progress in development of CSR in BiH.
Global Compact Network in BiH submitted several examples of good practices of CSR in BiH to European directory publishers of best practices that were promoted in Rio. Two BiH practices were chosen: Holding ASA and Prevent BH. Holding ASA presented their practice in the field of education, and support youth employment program in BiH, while Prevent BH presented their program of support the development of local communities.
Good practice of CCSP:
Humanitarian action In 2011, CSPC employees launched two humanitarian actions to collect donations to help flood-stricken areas in Goražde, Gacko, Zvornik and other rural places. A total of four trucks of supplies were sent to help the families who need the help, an action we realized in cooperation with local crisis and Civilian protection centers.
Heart XXL The mechanism of giving donations from salaries is the simplest way for employees to donate the sum of their choice for humanitarian purposes. This is a very popular way throughout the world to help people who need it most. In BiH, it is still a new concept. However, this is still a very adaptable system with no transaction costs for the companies that decide to implement it. This is done by the employees asking of the employer to regularly deduct from their net salary a sum to donate to the charity of their choice (by specifying the amount of the donation, and the recipient). CSPC introduced the system of donations from salaries in2011, becoming the first organization in BiH to introduce this mechanism. The amount of the donation is determined individually by the employees who wish to participate in this program, depending on their financial situation and desires. The procedure is very simple, and all it takes is the filling in of a form. The donation is taken from the employee’s next salary, is deducted from the net amount, and is indicated on the employee’s payroll. At any time, the employee can change the amount or the recipient of the donation, or stop giving donations, by filling in the form again. CSPC employees have chosen the Otvorena mreža (Open Network) as the recipient of its donations, which are spent on the medical treatment of children and adults for whom the Network ensures help. Although modest, this contribution represents regular income for the Network and its humane mission. CSPC has promoted this concept at a meeting of the Global Network Agreement in October 2011, in the hope that companies in BiH, as well as all other legal entities, will recognize the value of this kind of personal donations, and allow their employees to use this simple, but effective way to donate to noble and useful initiatives. CSPC has printed posters that all interested parties may obtain for free, which will facilitate the promotion of these ideas within socially responsible companies, organizations or institutions. Promoting this concept was included in the annual plan of the Global Agreement Network for 2012, within the Working Group on Philanthropy. An additional challenge has been the lack of an adequate legal framework that would motivate all legal and natural persons to donate to charities.
1.2.3. Component Three: Increasing Public Support for Civil Society a) Promotion and introduction of Quality Standards for CSOs
The main goal of the Quality System is capacity –building of CSOs in implementation of their activities, relationship with their beneficiaries, credibility in relation with the public, government and other donors. CCSP has entered into contacts with Slovenian Institute for quality (SIQ), the only institute that has developed Quality standards for NGOs. Result of meetings and negotiations was the signing of a cooperation agreement between SIQ and CCSP.
Process of training of Quality Standards was divided into two phases, the first one in which internal auditors of System Quality was certificated (8 workshops for 20 organizations), and the other one in which external auditors of system quality was certificated (CCSP - Resource Center and Regional resource centers) The second phase was presentation of System Quality to NGOs in BiH, apply NGOs to check adjustment of its system of work with standards of system of quality and maintenance workshops for selected NGOs. Presentations have been splited by the regions. Introductory workshops devoted to subject of System of Quality were held in eight cities (Sarajevo, Prijedor, Bihać, Doboj, Tuzla, Mostar, Livno and Travnik) in December 2010 and January 2011. Along with presentation, organizations were presented an offer of the Resource Center within CCSP that includes free assessment of interested organizations, so as baseline assessment education based on assessment conducted. At the presentation participants were given a questionnaire through which an organization could expressed their interest for introduction of System of Quality, which is also provided in electronic form at RC website www.civilnodrustvo.ba. This education included creation of training modules that are complying with requests of system of quality for each of NGOs. CCSP has also participated at TASCO conference held in Sarajevo in December 2010, where more than 200 NGOs from all of BiH was presented Quality System. It is important to underline that moderators of this conference was CCSP personnel together with four Regional Resource Centers as the only certified external auditors in this field in BiH.
After holding seven introductory workshops NGOs had open possibility to apply in order to check adjustment of its system of work with standards of System of Quality. By selecting among 72 applications from organizations who expressed their interest for introduction of System of Quality in their organizations, 31 of them were selected who met already set criteria (Criteria was that NGOs had at least one employee). Based on created forms for assessment of adjustment and reporting, certified trainers by April 15, 2011 have visited all organizations and made interviews with them. Underway is creation of reports on assessment based on which education programs were offered.
On May, 2011, workshop on System of Quality was held and attended by 33 representatives of organizations and CCSP employees. Agenda of workshop on System of Quality has been made of following presentations: basics on system of quality development and tendencies meaning of quality Guest of the workshop was Mr. Goran Tešanović, Head of Institute for Standardization of BiH. Based on initial talks on best way to implement free educational program on components of System of Quality for organizations we have agreed to start educational part of service/ workshops in cooperation with Institute for Standardization of BiH and Consultancy Company “Agency QS” that has the biggest experience in introduction of Quality System in large number of municipalities in BiH. At the same time this represented an example of cooperation of nonprofit-state –private sector in BiH. Aiming to introduce more seriousness into organizations towards whole process, and their commitment to the process of adjustment of work with standards of System of Quality, organizations have delivered Memorandum of Understanding (further Memorandum) between CCSP and individual organization where obligations and responsibilities of both sides had been defined. At the signing of Memorandum organizations were obliged to mark trainings they want to attend, 20 organizations signed Memorandum and provided their participation in further process.
Workshop of System of Quality, May 2011, Sarajevo
Mr. Tešanović and Mr. Alispahić in period between September 2011 - July 2012, delivered six workshops on subject ‘System of Quality for ISO standard 9001:2008’ that was modified with its content to work of NGOs. During the work participants (organizations) were monitored and directed in course of whole process. Mentoring support in process of introduction of system of quality management was provided by lecturers, same as by Quality Managers from the RC (CCSP) and RRC. For making preparations easier, lecturers have been given assessment of adjustment of work with requests of System of Quality management created in previous period of time. Qualified quality managers for System of Quality from the RC and RRC have also taken a role of participants at workshops, with aim to gain additional knowledge for strengthening their own capacities. Method of workshops was performed in a way that each organization received a set of assignments needed to fulfill until next workshop.
9001:2008 in NGOs First workshop on subject ‘Introduction of quality management system with international standard ISO 9001:2008 in NGOs’ was held in September 14, 2011 at CCSP premises. Workshop was attended by 34 participants from 21 NGOs. At the workshop plan of activities for next year was presented, participants were introduced with requests of standard of quality ISO 9001:2008, importance of establishment of project teams and definition of expectations, but also of importance to define vision and mission. All participants have been given forms of Decision to establish internal team for quality, so that all organizations until next workshop have assigned with a task to produce Decision on appointment of Team for Quality and its leader within organization.
Workshop for Quality System, September 14, 2011
Second workshop was held in October 11, 2011 at CCSP premises. This workshop was attended by representatives from 26 organizations and CCSP employees, members of Team for Quality. Lecturers that spoke about following topics, in accordance with agenda: ‐ Policy of quality and goals of quality, ‐ Creation of manual for creation of procedures,
‐ Creation of manual for documentation labeling and ‐ Creation of procedure for documentation management.
Participants have been given an assignment to create and deliver to the RC their own policy of quality.
Workshop System of Quality, October 11,.2011. organizations together with CCSP employees, which totals 29 participants. At the beginning of the workshop presented were review and analysis of finalized homework. After conducted analysis of homework and shown improvement by individual organizations in creation of quality documents for work of organizations, lecturers introduced all attending with creation of instruction and procedure for documentation management, creation and implementation of procedures for correction and preventive measures, same as procedure for acting in case of unadjustment.
Workshop ‘System of Quality’, November 15, 2011
Fourth workshop on subject ‘ Introduction of system for quality management in accordance with international standard ISO 9001:2008 in NGOs’ was realized in December 13, 2011. The workshop was attended by 27 participants from 21 organization and four representatives from CCSP. Participants have been presented with internal rules on quality and its components. Until next workshop participants were given assignments to create and deliver Internal rules for quality at their organizations. Up to this moment organizations have shown great readiness for adoption of new matter and they actively participate at workshops.
Workshop ‘System of Quality’, December 15, 2011/Group work
Last two workshops on subject 'Internal audit' were held in February 23/28, 2012 at CCSP premises. These workshops were attended by representatives of 23 organizations. At the workshops participants were introduced with terms of internal audit, requests and methods of work.
Workshops on subject „Internal audit“ as a part of education on “Introduction of system of quality based on international standard ISO 9001:2008 in NGOs“
Representatives of organization were obliged to conduct internal audit in their own organizations and as a result of successfully passed exam and realized internal audit, participants were awarded a certificate from Mr. Nijaz Spahic and his Agency QS at ceremony that was held in June. CCSP also awarded by certificates organizations that participated in process of introduction of ISO standards at workshops. News about workshops was published on our website www.civilnodrustvo.ba
Totally 21 NGOs educated in System Quality and each representative of them, after the exam, received internal manager of system quality certification.
In February, 2012, CCSP held a meeting with Mr. Aleksandar Cincar, new director of Institute for standardization of BiH. Institute has expressed its readiness for conclusion of Memorandum on Cooperation between the Institute and CCSP. Memorandum on Cooperation included high level of awareness rising among non-government organizations (associations and foundations) and public on system of quality in NGO sector, inclusion of NGO sector in development strategy of the Institute, etc. According agreement to Mr.Tesanovic (Institute for standardization of BiH), who is going to development a scheme of system of quality for NGOs. Scheme will have more fluid frames based on similar scheme developed in more developed country such as Slovenia, and it will a basis for future plans and cooperation between CCSP, Institute for standardizations, prominent lecturers and institutions to work on joint project ideas.
Internally CCSP is in a process of harmonization of all rules and procedures, and it plans to seek official certification and become first organization in BiH that possess a quality system. b) Manual on Quality Standards in CSOs In cooperation with NGOs that attended workshops of quality insurance, CCSP, Institute for Standardization and Consultation Company a Manual on Quality Standards for NGOs (Manual) was developed and published (Appendix IX). Manual will primarily be a tool for learning of System of Quality, but also a tool for introduction of the System to daily work. It is important to say that the Manual will have a regional application and it is already a grate interest of NGOs from neighboring countries. 1.2.4. Component four: IV Development of CCSP Resource Center a) Strengthening of the Resource Center (RC) and Regional resource centers (RRC)
Web site www.civilnodrustvo.ba has been redesigned as a portal for CSOs in BiH. It is widely recognized and monthly visited by 10 000 visitors on average. The RC has created Services Directory and developed its standards (Ethical Codex and Work Standards of the RC, policies and procedures of Trainers’ work, necessary skills and competencies of trainers, ToR for trainers with all necessary forms for training delivery). New forms of membership have been developed resulting in expanded range of services and opportunities for beneficiaries. Apart from information dissemination, education and trainings for a large number of CSOs (the biggest and the most credible data base in BiH) there are other necessary resources such as conducting survey researches, library, large number of publications, researches, analyses etc. Regional Pool of Trainers has been created with 70 trainers and experts from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian, Montenegro and Macedonia. As RC trainers and experts they were required to submit a signed Code of Ethics, as well as developed training programme on topics that are currently the focus of the Resource Center towards civil society organizations. Some of the registered trainer also expressed a desire, and have experience in mentoring. Trainers are experts in the following areas: project cycle management, soft skills, advocacy, financial management, gender issues, public relations, ecology, strategic planning, business skills, voluntary management, youth etc. Resource centre implemented trainings in these areas under the principle of providing free educational trainings for CSOs, and commercial and semi-commercial provided trainings for all interested parties.
Mentoring is a concept that Resource center developed, considering huge need pointed out by numerous CSOs from all over BiH. Specifically, as a new concept in CSOs, implemented training defined certain terms and items, but many questions and concerns are reported, followed by filed experience.
Analysis of NGOs needs As a first activity was analysis of the needs of NGOs in whole BiH. The analysis gave precise information and insight into real needs for education of NGOs in BiH. Analysis was prepared within activities of 6 newly opened resource centers (including Sarajevo as a seventh resource center) and involved more than 300 NGOs from all over BiH. This analysis was meant to offer an answer to the question of what are real needs of NGOs in terms of their education. In this analysis more than 300 organizations from all over BiH took participation. Results of the analysis were a guideline for design and delivering of training programmes. The analysis showed that basic trainings from following areas are still presenting the most important segments of needed education for NGOs such as Strategic planning, Creation of project proposals (basic and advanced level), Financial management (the statutory obligations, tax auditing, contracts, etc.) and PR and Strategic Communication.
Interest in training and other services is noteworthy, as well as quality of given services by RC, what shows evaluations that are very positive. Often the number of applications for any training was much higher than anticipated number of participants Trainings/education and other services delivered by RC: Number of education programs on commercial and semi-commercial basis: 63 Number of participants: 1222 Number of users web site: 297 725 Number of information placed on the web site: 43 718 Number of advertisements placed on web site: 37 324 Number of brochures, analysis, researches vital for NGOs placed on web site: 723 Number of laws placed on web site: 231 Number of NGO database: 3242 Number of members/ clients: 22 Number of information for RC clients: 3878 Number of given legal advice and financial management: 111 Number of available books and publications: 1051 Number of RRC: 4
Trainings treated following topics: - Media capacity (how to attract media) - Strategic planning - Compact on cooperation between government and civil society' - five-day training for trainers (ToT) ‐ Creation of media and promotional campaigns ‐ Writing project proposals (for NGOs and government officials especially municipalities; basic and advanced level) ‐ Techniques of mentorship ‐ Public advocacy and lobbying ‐ Introduction to public relations ‐ Service contract ‐ Planning and realization of special events ‐ Business communication and public relations ‐ Fundraising at OCD's ‐ Organizational management in NGOs ‐ Skills of facilitation' 'Strategic planning
The same training/topics were realized by RRC in Prijedor, Doboj, Livno and Travnik.
Database of trainers and experts For the purpose of collecting all of the services offered by RC, and trainers who would provide services, CCSP made a base of pool of trainers and Catalogue of services and training by CCSP (RC). Public invitation was sent out for applications of trainers, mentors and consultants. All interested trainers were obliged to send their CV, application form with expertise and references, same as statement on acceptance of code of ethics whom they received attached with public invitation. 75 individuals responded and their data entered into the database. Together with applications from BiH, moment there is very credible RC base of trainers of 70 trainers from BiH and the region.
Catalogue of RC services RC published and distributed Catalogue of services that promotes overall service of RC and detailed description of trainings. Catalogue of services has been distributed to 300 addresses of municipalities in BiH, donors and businesses and has been uploaded on the website www.civilnodrustvo.ba as well forwarded via e-mail to organizations of civil society. Catalogue is published only in b/h/s language so this appendix is available only in that form. (Appendix X) Catalogue of services offers following topics: ‐ Definition, significance and role of civil society ‐ Legal acts and procedures for establishment and registration of non- government organization ‐ Management of non-government organization ‐ Fundraising ‐ Strategic planning for non-government organizations ‐ Advocacy ‐ Policy cycles ‐ Networking and establishment of coalition ‐ Training for trainers ‐ Account and financial management for NGOs/ Management for grants/ Basic financial management/ Fiscalization ‐ Strategies for assurance of sustainability for NGOs ‐ Creation of logical frame for project ‐ Public relations/ Relations between NGOs and the media ‐ System of quality management for NGOs ‐ Monitoring and evaluation of project ‐ Preparation and writing projects for EU programs and funds ‐ Mentorship ‐ Different roles of councilors ‐ Agreement on cooperation ‐ Program budgeting ‐ Participation of citizens in creation of public policies
CCSP also developed and standardize following form: ‐ Training needs and analysis; Training proposal; ‐ Training program explanation; ‐ Plan of work sheet; Form for evaluation of trainings and trainers ; Report from training; Application form for trainers ‐ Application form for participants of training ‐ Plan of internal education of employees ‐ Competency of trainers of Resource Center and standards ‐ Policy and procedures of work of Resource Center ‐ Catalogue of services of Resource Center
CCSP incorporated previous lessons learned in establishing different resource centers throughout BiH, in order to strengthen their overall institutional and network structure. CCSP created, through RC, a functional and informal network of regional Resource centers (NRRC), where RC served as main office and core of NRRC. Organization that have been chosen following careful assessment of their potentials to serve local needs. RC provided support in terms of information, education, and coordination of the NRRC. This encouraged RRC to additionally promote RC services and to directly contact NGOs, municipalities and other possible clients in their region.
The main goal was to provide services and give support to development to organizations in all parts of BiH, especially in rural areas. As a first activity was to held consultative workshop to ten recognized organizations to introduce them with content that each resource center has to have, so that based on existing capacities and last year's experience. After consultations NRRC as informal network was established by 5 NGOs (including CCSP RC) recognized in their region as umbrella NGOs: Association 'Don' Prijedor, Center for education of youth Travnik, Citizen's Association 'Topeer' Doboj, and Center for Civic Cooperation Livno.
NRRC held several meetings to define basic vision and mission, main goals and activities, mutual relations of members (roles and responsibilities, capacities(technical, human and other) and expectations, reaching of consensus of present representatives on approach to partnership in realization of initiative for NRRC, founding documents, strategic planning, creation of annual program of work and financial plan with M&E plan. Strategic directions of NMRC: information and education, networking and coalitions, mobilizations of local communities, facilitation and development of partner relationship with authorities, development of relations with media and advancement of advocacy. As a strategic achievements cited were: ‐ Support to development of OCDs in BiH as a factor of changes through support for development of institutional and technical capacities ‐ Increased influence of OCDs in process of creation of public policies in local community through networking and development of joint coalitions, advocacy and other forms of joint work and influence ‐ Promotion and strengthening of transparency and professionalism in work of NGOs through promotion of standards of quality and ethical code for NGOs ‐ Continued development of own institutional and technical capacities of the Network in order to efficiently achieve basic mission and goals of the Network, through assurance of self- sustainability in period of 2-3 years, through different source of financing ‐ Facilitation and support to development of dialogue and partnership of authorities and civil society through development and application of agreement on cross-sectoral cooperation.
Among training services and other activities it is worth to single out that members of NRRC participated, as a new component for cooperation with aims to increase influence of citizen initiative on planning and realization of policies of local development in 20 municipalities in BiH included, in PEP project until the end of 2011. Taking this opportunity NRRC increased their reputation and role in support for establishment of operational capacities of local development initiatives. Aiming to make comprehensive Manual that can give answers to all questions faced by associations and foundations in their everyday work, renowned audit company Deloitte selected to realize, together with CCSP (RC) ‘Manual for financial, accounting and tax management of associations and foundations in BiH’ (further The Manual). Draft of the Manu was presented in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Bihac, Tuzla in March 2012. The presentations were very well visited, about 150 NGOs participated in presentations, and expressed great interest in having the Manual (Appendix XI). Suggestions from all the presentations have been carefully considered, and the majority was enlisted in the Manual. After Manual was published, it was delivered to members of Network, Compact plus, members of partner’s networks, to NGOs from database, and was published on website www.civilnodrustvo.ba.
Rating of the Manual by NGOs is that this is most useful Manual, and represents indispensable matter for the work and finances of NGOs in their daily work. It is hoped by NGOs that a similar Manual would be drawn and in the future, when legislation is modified.
3. PROJECT RESULTS
3.1. Results Component One: Improving institutional and legal framework for NGOs.
3.1.1 Results 1.1. Law on Volunteers Federation of BiH adopted Results 1.2. Inter-sectoral working group for drafting the Law on Volunteers in Republic of Srpska established
CCSP and European center for Non-Profit Law (ECNL) as a part of Working Group for drafting the Law on Volunteers prepared the draft of the Law on Volunteers for Federation of BiH level.
In June and July 2012 Youth Commission held ten (10) public hearings in all cantons in F BiH. Law on Volunteers is adopted in Parliament of Federation of BiH in November 2012.
In September 2012, Youth Culture Center in cooperation to Government of RS, ECNL and CCSP as members of inter-sectoral working group prepared a new draft of the Law on Volunteers. It is very expected that the Law will be adopted in the first part of the 2013 year, and RS will have the Law which is completely in accordance with EU standards.
Results 1.3. Implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation at state level – building of Institutional dialogue and cooperation between the government and civil society
Mr. Nikola Špirić, Head of Council of Ministers of BiH accepted the views and attitudes about the whole process of establishing the Office for collaboration to NGO (Office) and Council for civil society (Council) at the state level
Created and accepted common action plan as the beginning of implementation of the Compact at state level. implementation of the „Agreement between Council of Ministers BiH and NGO sector in BiH”. The conference attended 105 organizations from BiH, 35 from government BiH (all levels of government) 30 from international and donor community and 16 from media.
NGOs gave support and expressed their interest to participate in the process of establishing Office and Council
Team for implementation of the Compact at state level (The Team) was established. Team members are representatives of the Council of Ministers, USAID, the European Commission and 25 NGOs from all over BiH.
Proposals of establishing the Office and Council at the state level drafted and submitted to BH Council of Ministers
Proposal on establishment of the Commission for initiation of legal procedure to form Office (or the State Office) and Council (or National Committee, or Committee) for Civil Society drafted and submitted to BH Council of Ministers
The team got support from newly elected representatives of Parliamentary Assembly of BiH on a joint meeting that held in March 2011, with a basic subject: ‘Building of institutional mechanisms of cooperation of non-government organizations and organs of executive and legislative authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Implementation of the Agreement on cooperation between the Council of Ministers and non-government sector in BiH, signed in 2007’.
Government of Republika of Srpska (RS) officially adopted the conclusion by which it was accepted initiative of CCSP and Network of NGOs from RS on initiation of the process of creation and adoption of Compact at level of RS.
Informal network of NGOs by organizations from different cities from RS established.
CCSP gave technical assistance to Central Bosnia Canton (SBK) that officially addressed to CCSP wishing to start a process of establishment of institutional mechanisms of cooperation between government of SBK and NGOs. SBK allocated budget funds for process of creation and adoption of the agreement in cooperation with NGOs.
Results 1.4. Compact signed by at least 15 new municipalities
19 municipalities signed Compact (Agreement) on cooperation to local NGOs: Bosanska Krupa, Gacko, Prijedor, Bijeljina, Zvornik, Kalesija, Doboj Jug, Livno, Novi Grad, Glamoč, Bratunac, Maglaj, Doboj, Široki Brijeg, Ljubuški, Kotor Varoš, Stari Grad Sarajevo, Kakanj, and City of Sarajevo. 12 of them are in F BiH and 7 of them are from RS. In total about 100 municipalities in BiH ratified some Memorandum/ Agreement on cooperation to NGO sector, and 78 f them in cooperation to CCSP and Compact plus network (Work and succeed together)
At least 35 municipalities implemented the Compact/ Agreement in fair manner. Exact data are incorporated in „An Analysis of the Implementation of the Agreement between Municipal Councils, Municipality Governors and Non-Governmental Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina“
Results 1.6. Establishment of institutional cooperation between BiH Parliamentary Assembly and NGO sector by signing of Memorandum/Protocol on Cooperation
Memorandum/Protocol on Cooperation between BiH Parliamentary Assembly and NGO sector is drafted and submetted with Collegiums of Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Follows future contacts with representative of Parliamentary Assembly (MPs) to further discuss and agree of final proposal of MoU.
Results 1.7. Draft of the Strategy for civil society finished
CCSP proposed to be a member of working group (WG) in accordance with the official Decision of Ministry of Justice for establishment of working group for creation of Strategy for creation of stimulating environment for development of civil society in BiH (Strategy).
6 meetings of WG is held
Rough draft of the Strategy is finished. It is debatable whether WG will continue its work since representatives of RS stopped their work in working group. The same reaction we can expect from representative of Brcko District
Results 1.8. Annual report developed and published
Annual report named „ An Analysis of the Implementation of the Agreement between Municipal Councils, Municipality Governors and Non-Governmental Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina“ is developed and published
Main elements of the report: Elements of development of cooperation between municipal authorities and non-Registered influence government sector of the Agreement Cooperation with non-government sector is regulated by basic internal acts and Yes procedures of the municipality Appointed officials for cooperation with non-government sector Yes Municipalities are working on building needed capacities for cooperation Yes Municipalities have developed efficient system of information and communication Yes with non-government sector Municipalities are providing financial support to non-government organizations Yes Municipalities are including non-government organizations in processes of Yes creation and monitoring of public policies Municipalities are transferring their competencies for provision of public services Yes to non-government organizations and realizing projects with them as partners defining following improvements in cooperation between municipalities and non-government organizations: - Non-government organizations are invited to participate in the process of decision-making at local level, specially at council meetings and work of bodies for creation of local strategic plans; - Municipalities have started to allocate funds for non-government sector beyond sports and war veterans fields, where in some municipalities there has been registered increase of those funds; - More quality, efficient and transparent system of granting the funds to non-government organizations; - Adopted local strategic documents in field of development, youth policy and ecology; - Municipalities and non-government organizations have joint cooperation in realization of specific activities and projects; - Creation of local NGO networks and coalitions; - Representatives of municipal authorities are participating in activities of non-government organizations; - Developed and improved activities of volunteering and informing the citizens in municipalities; - Allocation of working space and offices to non-government sector by municipalities;
Results 1.9. ToT: 'Agreement on cooperation between government and civil society'
Five-day training for trainers (ToT) titled 'Compact on cooperation between government and civil society' held from 25th to 29th of October in Sarajevo.
Over five days of training 25 regular participants were present and more seven persons who were there in whole course of the training.
Five media outlets have published information about this training – news agencies ONASA and FENA, and Oslobodjenje newspapers. At Sarajevo Cantonal Television in the morning program, CCSP representatives were invited as guests with an additional appearance on Saturday night evening news, where event was treated as a topic of the day. PINK TV has published information on holding and importance of this training in its highly rated show 'Udri muski'.
Training has dealt with following subjects: Government policies towards civil society in BiH; Development of institutional mechanisms of cooperation with its background and history; Different approaches and mechanisms of cooperation, comparative practice; Experiences of BiH in development of mechanisms of cooperation – achievements and challenges; Agreement at state and lower levels of authority; Rights and obligations of main actors; Infrastructure for support and development of the Agreement; Partnership, financing, application and monitoring; Formats of local agreements in BiH – advantages and weaknesses; What are codes of good practice, their purpose and aim; Aims, types and content of codes, their role and place in the Agreement with mentioning of comparative practices; What is life cycle of the Agreement, what are initiators of the process; Analysis of starting point of cooperation of local government and NGOs; Common understanding of basic purpose and aims of the Agreement; Models of adoption and signing; Promotion and distribution of the signed Agreement; Achievements, obstacles and challenges in implementation of the Agreement; Institutional structure for application and further development – Main actors – Action planning – Key to successful application and Case Study. Results 1.10. Development and relationships building of Compact plus network
Information meetings held in Travnik, Doboj, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Trebinje, Bihac, Livno, Foca, Srebrenica, Mostar and Zenica.
Over 250 organizations attended information meetings and all of them expressed a great interest in the idea of network „Compact plus“, as well the process of establishing Office for collaboration to NGO and Council for civil society at the state level.
In almost each of places, to local television or radio station is given the statement on the occasion of meetings for the purpose of forming network „Compact plus“(Cantonal TV Bihac, TV Prijedor, Radio Mostar, TV Federation BiH, TV Zenica).
Organization Committee established (representatives from 15 cities from BiH)
Founding convention of Network Compact plus held on 15 December, 2009, in Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina.The Founding Charter and the Statute of the Network
At this moment Network Compact plus has more than 450 members
Three sectoral networks are established: Rural development, Children protection and Compact plus Canton Sarajevo.
Regular Convention of the Network held. New Coordination Committee (CE) established by Network’s members public voting.
Annual report and plan of work accepted
Results 1.11. Network Compact plus Strategy and Communication plan created and implemented
Network Compact plus Strategy and Communication plan created and implemented (please see results below)
Action plan created and implemented
5 regular meeting of Coordination Committee held
Four teams within CE established: PR team, Team for Agreement on cooperation to government sector, team for EU integration, Team for Code of Conduct
Results 1.12. Code of Conduct redefined and accepted
Code of Conduct eredefined and accepted by Network Compact plus memers stablished and operational
53 members ratified the Code of Conduct till this moment
Totaly twelve (12) of four (4) Network's forums held.
Recommendation of the Network Compact plus Four regional forums named „ Partnership of authorities and civil society in the process of integration of BiH into the EU – from challenge to (im) possibility“ are held in May 7, 2010, in: Sarajevo, Mostar, Prijedor and Doboj. 100 Network’s member participated.
Central forum was held in Sarajevo titled 'Building partnership of BiH authorities, civil society and the European Union in process of integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the EU'. Main goal of the Forum was to promote publicly a principle of tripartite dialogue and cooperation of authorities in BiH, civil society and the European Union in overall process of stabilization and association of BiH to the EU, including programming of pre-accession support of the EU to emphasize request for its consistent implementation in practice. Recommendations from forums are delivered to all municipalities in BiH, to all embassies in BiH and donor community. By street action 3.000 copies of 'Recommendations' were distributed to citizens Street action was covered by 28 different media.
Street action was also held by 15 members of the Network in 13 cities: Doboj, Bugojno, Jajce, Bihac, Prijedor, Banjaluka, Livno, Srebrenica, Derventa, Priboj, Tuzla, Zivinice and Zvornik.
Halfway there – Government allocations for the NGOs in BiH in 2010 In March 31, a forum of Network ‘Compact Plus’ was held titled: ‘who, how, to whom and how big budgetary spending is in BiH’ where results of the survey ‘Halfway there– structure and allocations from budget from government to non-government sector in BiH’. Survey clearly and precisely shows amount and structure of allocations for NGO sector by all levels of authority in BiH. Percentage of institutions which participated in this survey was 98%, what gives this survey a 100 percent relevance and objectivity of data collected. After the survey was conducted and presented, we received information from Ministry for family, youth and sports in Government of Republika Srpska saying that this ministry allocated 4.862.705, 08 KM for sports organizations which is equal to this sum for the year 2008 when the last survey was done.
150 participants attended the forum.
Development and publishing of report on cooperation between government and NGO sector for 2011 In December 22, 2011 Network forum was held titled “An Analysis of the Implementation of the Agreement between Municipal Councils, Municipality Governors and Non-Governmental Organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina“, which was published.
Recommendations from the Analysis are accepted. Main recommendations are incorporated in strategic and activity plan of the Network. .
100 Network’s members participated the forum.
Five other forums will be explained in results 2.1. Results 1.14. Annual Awards Ceremony organized/conducted
The best practice of implementation of the Agreement at local level are identified by Compact plus network's members and annual report .
Awarded practices: a) Funding of NGOs from municipal budget: Prijedor and Jablanica b) Participation / involvement of citizens in decision-making: Bugojno and Kakanj c) Innovative examples of good cooperation between the municipality and NGOs: Zvornik and Bosanska Krupa.
Twenty prominent individuals from BiH, recognized in promotion of advocacy and cross-sectoral dialogue and consistent application of the Agreement at any level of authority awarded.
Results 1.15. Enabling framework for citizen participation at state, entity and local level in place
Network 'Compact plus', in organization CCSP as secretariat for the Network participated on process of consultations of Law on associations and foundations in BiH made by Ministry of justice of BiH in 2009.
Three amandments are adopted in Parliamentarian procedure.
CCSP participated in consultation process on Law on associations and Law on foundations in BiH made by Ministry of justice of BiH in 2012.
Ten (10) of fifteen (15) submetted amandments are accepted. Unfortunately Law on association failed on parliamentary procedure.
Participation in concultation process and organizing public hearings on Law on Public Gathering in Canton Sarajevo in 2011. This was the bigges success of the Network members because they managed to achieve major changes in the text of the Law.
Participation in programing IPA priorities for BiH.
Participation in public hearing on Law on volunteers in F BiH.
At its 136th session held in November 2010, the Council of Ministers of BiH adopted conclusions that all institutions of BiH are obliged to plan in their programs of work for 2011 the establishment of instruments for implementation of Rules on Consultations (to name the coordinator for consultations, make list of CSOs and individuals interested in consultations, make assessment on influence of the regulations on public and define form of consultations for regulations planned in program of work for institutions in 2011, make assessment of financial influence of consultations for regulations defined in program of work for institutions in 2011., publish a list of normative and legal work from program of work for institutions in 2011 on the website and deliver it to interested organizations and individuals from the list and those who are seeking it in written form); in more details obligation to implement Rules on Consultations, what was assigned to General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
Ministry of Justice published Annual report on implementation of the Rules on consultation. The report highlights key issues: - Most of the institutions of BiH did not fulfill its obligations on the establishment and pitting into effect the instruments for implementation of the Rules on consultations, nor was planned in their strategic plans or work programs. - Commitment of BiH institutions to enforce the Rules on consultation is not enough expressed. The main reason for this situation is the lack of staff in most institutions, but also a lack of will to implement the Rules. Reallocation of existing staff, with effective planning and coordination within the institution, can be overcome in short term, but it will not necessarily affect the degree of implementation of the Rules for consultation, if they do not change attitude towards enforcement. - Lack of knowledge of civil servants, individuals and NGOs for consultation in development of consultation process.
3.2. Results Component Two: Increasing Financial Sustainability of NGOs
3.2.1. Results 2.1.Issue based advocacy campaigns on 2 defined issues for improving fiscal framework for civil society organizations operating
A questionnaire named 'Make our obstacles visible' responded 100 Compact network’s members
On June, 2011 VII forum of Network ‘Compact Plus’ named ‘Advocacy campaign for better legal and fiscal treatment of organizations of civil society in BiH’ was held.
88 members of the Network and other organizations of civil society participated the forum.
‘Analysis of legal and tax status of NGOs in BiH with proposal for changes’ (Analysis) drafted
‘Analysis of legal and tax status of NGOs in BiH with proposal for changes presented at forums of the Network Compact plus held in December 14, 2011 in Sarajevo, December 15 in Banjaluka, and December 16 in Mostar.
More than 100 civil society organizations participated regional forums.
It is decided that all tax proposals would be priority issues.
Results 2.2. Advocacy campaign designed
Five partners’ networks supported advocacy campaign: NGO Council, Network for justice, Network for peace building, Women network and Volunteering Network. This approach ensured synergy between networks and joint efforts for future tax and legal campaign. In coordination to partners networks campaign team was selected among partners network.
Advocacy campaign designed by the Team for campaign
The team for campaign held meetings to Ministry of Finance in F BiH and RS, as well Ministry of Finance of Canton Sarajevo. of frequent change of parliamentary majority in Parliament (and Government) of F BiH, the Ministry of Finance decided to postpone putting the Law into parliamentarian procedure. Members of the team for campaign are in constant contact to this Ministry.
Ministry of Finance of Canton Sarajevo expressed commendable for the proposed tax changes and gave a promise that all proposed law changes would be incorporated in law.
Results 2.3. Annual meeting of bh. CSR network held
Meeting of Global Compact Network (GCN) held in Sarajevo in October, 2010. The meeting was attended by 60 participants who represented BiH companies, non-government organizations, public institutions, international organizations and organizers of the meeting.
Meetings with following companies held: BH Telecom, Bosnalijek, Intesa San Paolo bank, Bobar insurance, Nektar Brewery and MTEL Company (telecommunications)
Second meeting of GCN held in November 17, 2011 in Sarajevo at ASA Group premises. Three working groups (WG) established: a) Creation of strategy for socially responsible business, b) Philanthropy c) Protection of environment d) Children protection
Assembly of GNC held in March, 2012.
Assembly adopted basic documents of GCN: Statute of GCN, Policy on usage of logotype and Policy on reporting about progress.
Governing Board was selected.
Plan of WG adopted by Governing Board
CSR network for the first time presented itself, as well best practices, at the "Rio +20" conference, that was held in Rio de Janerio from the 20th - 22 June 2012.
Results 2.4. Directory of CSR best practices published and promoted
A public call for the submission of examples of good corporate social responsibility practices in BiH delivered to all companies in BiH in May 2012.
Best practices collection of Corporate Social Responsibility in BiH promoted in Sarajevo at BH Lottery. 100 copies of Best practices collection distributed to GCN members, embassies and donor agencies in BiH.
European directory publishers accepted two of good practices which were promoted in Rio: Holding ASA and Prevent BH. Holding ASA presented their practice in the field of education, and support youth employment program in BiH, while Prevent BH presented their program of support the development of local communities. CCSP designed and implemented two practices: Humanitarian action and Heart XXL
Results 2.5. Transparent mechanism for NGOs public financing in place.
Survey ‘Halfway - structure and allocations from budget from government to non-government sector in BiH’ published and distributed
19 of planned 15 municipalities officially ratified Compact at local level/ Code on good practice of transparent mechanism for NGO public financing that is put in place.
In new 35 municipalities Code of Conduct put in place
3.3. Results Component Three: Increasing Pulic support for Civil Society
3.3.1 Results 3.1. Quality insurance workshops held
8 workshops of Quality Standards for 20 organizations held
20 internal auditors of System Quality certificated
5 workshops of external auditors of System Quality held
10 external auditor of System of Quality certificated (CCSP - Resource Center and Regional resource centers)
Presentations of System of Quality held in have Sarajevo, Prijedor, Bihać, Doboj, Tuzla, Mostar, Livno and Travnik in December 2010 and January 2011.
CCSP participated at TASCO conference held in Sarajevo in December 2010, where more than 200 NGOs from all of BiH was presented Quality System. It is important to underline that moderators of this conference was CCSP personnel together with four Regional Resource Centers as the only certified external auditors in this field in BiH.
Public call for NGOs announced for apply in order to check adjustment of its system of work with standards of System of Quality
72 applications received from organizations who expressed their interest for introduction of System of Quality in their organizations
31 of them were selected who met already set criteria (Criteria was that NGOs had at least one employee).
Certified trainers by April 15, 2011 visited all organizations and made interviews with them.
Assessment reports drafted for each of 31 NGOs
Memorandum of Understanding between CCSP and individual organization signed
Five workshops on System of Quality was held for 21 NGOs internal manager of system quality certification.
21 NGOs changed their internal procedures in accordance with ISO principles
Results 3.2. Manual on Quality Standards in CSOs published and promoted
Manual on Quality Standards for NGOs in cooperation with NGOs that attended workshops of quality insurance, CCSP, Institute for Standardization and Consultation Company developed
3.4. Results Component Four: Development of CCSP as intermediary organizations/ Resource Center
3.4.1. Results 4.1. Set up needs-driven training programs
Analysis of NGOs needs done
More than 300 organizations from all over BiH took participation in needs assessment. Results of the analysis were a guideline for design and delivering of training programmes.
Trainings based on assessment need treated following topics: - Media capacity (how to attract media) - Strategic planning - Compact on cooperation between government and civil society' - five-day training for trainers (ToT) ‐ Creation of media and promotional campaigns ‐ Writing project proposals (for NGOs and government officials especially municipalities; basic and advanced level) ‐ Techniques of mentorship ‐ Public advocacy and lobbying ‐ Introduction to public relations ‐ Service contract ‐ Planning and realization of special events ‐ Business communication and public relations ‐ Fundraising at OCD's ‐ Organizational management in NGOs ‐ Skills of facilitation' 'Strategic planning
Database of trainers and experts established 70 trainers from BiH and the region (Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia) are in database
Catalogue of RC services (detailed description of trainings) published and distributed to 300 addresses of municipalities in BiH, donors and businesses and has been uploaded on the website www.civilnodrustvo.ba as well forwarded via e-mail to organizations of civil society.
Catalogue of services offers following topics: ‐ Definition, significance and role of civil society ‐ Legal acts and procedures for establishment and registration of non- government organization ‐ Fundraising ‐ Strategic planning for non-government organizations ‐ Advocacy ‐ Policy cycles ‐ Networking and establishment of coalition ‐ Training for trainers ‐ Account and financial management for NGOs/ Management for grants/ Basic financial management ‐ Strategies for assurance of sustainability for NGOs ‐ Creation of logical frame for project ‐ Public relations/ Relations between NGOs and the media ‐ System of quality management for NGOs ‐ Monitoring and evaluation of project ‐ Preparation and writing projects for EU programs and funds ‐ Mentorship ‐ Different roles of councilors ‐ Agreement on cooperation ‐ Program budgeting ‐ Participation of citizens in creation of public policies
Following form developed and standardized: ‐ Training needs and analysis; Training proposal; ‐ Training program explanation; ‐ Plan of work sheet; Form for evaluation of trainings and trainers ; Report from training; ‐ Application form for trainers ‐ Application form for participants of training ‐ Plan of internal education of employees ‐ Competency of trainers of Resource Center and standards ‐ Policy and procedures of work of Resource Center ‐ Catalogue of services of Resource Center
Results 4.2. Further develop the website www.civilnodrustvo.ba.
Number of education programs on commercial and semi-commercial basis: 63 Number of participants: 1222 Number of users web site: 297 725 Number of information placed on the web site: 43 718 Number of advertisements placed on web site: 37 324 Number of brochures, analysis, researches vital for NGOs placed on web site: 723 Number of laws placed on web site: 231 Number of NGO database: 3242 Number of members/ clients: 22 Number of information for RC clients: 3878 Number of given legal advice and financial management: 111 Number of RRC: 4 Results 4.3. Develop RC membership fees
New levels of membership developed
There are 22 membership of RC
Results 4.4. Set up an RC library
Number of available books and publications: 1051
Results 4.5. Establish network of regional resource centers (RRC)
Four Regional Resource Centers established (network of regional resource centers): Association 'Don' Prijedor, Center for education of youth Travnik, Citizen's Association 'Topeer' Doboj, and Center for Civic Cooperation Livno.
Strategic directions of RRC defined
20 training delivered by RRC
Results 4.6. Manual for financial, accounting and tax management of associations and foundations in BiH published and distributed
Draft of the Manual presented in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Bihac, Tuzla in March 2012. 150 NGOs participated in presentations.
Manual published and distributed through RC and RRC data base
4. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED AND RESOLVED
4.1. Staffing
CCSP was required under the terms of the Cooperative Agreement to hire the staff for the project. For the most part, this was an ideal situation because the staff was experienced with the BiH NGO sector and understood the working environment of the international community and USAID partners. Project experienced some difficulties with several changes of staff members – Project Officer, Resource Center Manager and PR Manager. CCSP is managed these staff changes with flexibility and with minimum of negative impact on project implementation.
In addition, overall workload of project staff was very intense, since project involved 4 comprehensive components requiring special expertise in certain activities (such as ISO quality standards, corporate social responsibility). CCSP involved additional human resources into this project, especially in certain implementation phases. In addition, several volunteers was engaged in project activities. 4.2. Inter-agency cooperation and collaboration
CCSP enjoyed fruitful cooperation with several international organizations during this project. Collaborative efforts enhanced the overall success of the program and served as models for the local and international NGO community. CCSP worked with the UNDP to transfer ownership over UN Global Compact Network. CCSP coordinated with UNICEF in establishing NGO network related to protection of children from violence. NEVAC network is established as sub-network in frame of “Agreement Plus”. Very good cooperation is established between Resource Center and PEP International, funded by SIDA, where CCSP supported beneficiaries of their project PERA in submitting project proposals. Additionally, CCSP has very close cooperation with Chemonics in implementation of GAP II (Government Accountability Project, funded by USAID, SIDA and RNE); and with SIPU International in implementation of TACSO project (Technical Assistance to NGOs in Western Balkans and Turkey, funded by EC).
Very important part of cooperation with other organizations in relation to implementation of this project is cooperation of CCSP with BCSDN (Balkan Civil Society Development Network), especially in the area of cooperation between government and NGO sector in Balkan region.
Internally, CCSP horizontally connected several own projects, such as projects related to implementation of the agreement between government and NGO sector in Sarajevo Canton (funded by OSF), Small Grants Program (funded by SIDA), Parliamentary Strengthening Program with SUNY (funded by USAID).
However, CCSP has experienced very serious challenges related to duplication of EC’s IPA (Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance) in BiH with some of components of this project. This started with visit of the EC Delegation representative to CCSP, where CCSP presented project plans, which were used later on for programming of IPA 2007, 2008 etc. IPA 2007 distributed 3 millions of EUR in two contracts - for purpose of implementation of the Agreement at state level and for implementation of local agreements at municipal level. CCSP initiated several meeting and discussions with implementers of these two contracts (Kronauer Consulting and UNDP) and representative of EC Delegation, but without concrete results. Consequence of this duplication is confusion among government officials in Council of Ministers, responsible for establishing of Office for Cooperation with NGOs. Therefore, despite all previous agreements and documents ready-to-be-adopted prepared by CCSP and ECNL, and combined with difficulties related to government (see next chapter), BiH still doesn’t have a Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs and National Committee for Civil Society. Inadequate substitute for the Office is Sector for Cooperation with Civil Society in Ministry of Justice of BiH.
Government officials (especially at state level) don’t have sufficient level of awareness and knowledge on cooperation with civil society organizations. In addition, Council of Ministers of BiH has several staff changes in section related to cooperation with NGOs, which has additionally slowed process of implementation of the Agreement. As a response to this, CCSP develop additional activities related to raising awareness of government officials, and signed two MoUs with Civil Service Agencies of BiH and of Federation BiH (related to additional education for civil servants on civil society issues).
Pre-election campaign for general elections in BiH (2010) and difficulties in constitution of Council of Ministers in post-election period put on hold all processes at the national level and annulled activities conducted by the Case study: National Strategy for the Team for implementation of the Agreement, in which Creation of an Enabling Environment Council of Ministers participated from the beginning. for Civil Society Development
State institution did not adopt a program of work and even Council of Ministers of BiH decided to budget for 2011. According to CCI report for 2011 year, it develop a Strategy, and gave this task was the worst year in term of implemented measures by to Sector for Civil Society, as a Council of Ministers. Aside the lacks of political will at the coordinator of working group (WG) national level, it is much expressed awareness of avoiding consisting of government officials and the establishment of new joint institutions at the state level. NGO networks representatives. Sector In support of this attitude is usually used argument of showed s it non‐competence by financial crisis. persistently imposed incorrect CCSP redefine its approach to government in a sense that methodology in drafting a Strategy, by the biggest efforts are directed not toward Parliament of lack of cooperation with other BiH, where idea of institutionalized cooperation is better ministries and sectors within BiH accepted than in executive government structure. Council of Ministers, ignorance of In addition, one of the main challenges is incompetency of attitudes of members of working Sector for Civil Society at Ministry of Justice BiH, as the group. These are some of the reasons only institution that is primarily concerned with issues of why WG’s members were not able to civil society in BiH. successfully complete the process of On the other hand all activities of establishing institutional drafting a Strategy. mechanisms of cooperation at local level (process of draft, adoption and/or implementation of the Agreement at local Although the process of drafting level) had remarkable success. Strategy is not finished yet, 5 networks representatives (one of them is CCSP
The greatest threat and aggravating circumstance for campaign for legal in and tax reform is economy crisis. Given the fact that synergy is achieved among big number of NGOs in BiH, as well among CSO networks, Team for campaign will continue to work on advocacy and lobbing for tax changes in future period. Although not always successful, the increased number of advocacy initiatives demonstrated CSOs’ growing willingness to mobilize and unify on issues of key interest.
Financial crisis is also one of the difficulties related to work of Resource Center, where many institutions and persons willing to participate in education programs organized by CCSP cannot afford it, despite of pressing needs for certain type of knowledge and skills. In addition, financial reasons are very influential in subscribing to RC as members.
4.5. Media Coverage
CCSP has achieved very good visibility in the media, especially street actions and big events. However, one important fact should be taken into account when considering media presence of CCSP and activities of this project – media outlets are generally very much inclined toward highlighting negative, scandalous stories rather than positive issues oriented toward cooperation. CCSP addressed this issue by several responses: co-financing of youth oriented TV show, engaging PR manager, investing in numerous meetings with journalist, strengthening CCSP presentation by using new media (internet), supporting of nonprofit media outlets (i.e. Open Network Radio) etc.
4.6. Training Programs
It is notable that NGOs in Bosnia are exposed to numerous training sessions, on different topics. However, it is also visible that impact of these educations is not so significant, because NGOs are not using new knowledge in their everyday work. In order to ensure higher level of using new knowledge and skills, CCSP has established improved version of education cycle for NGOs, which is successfully tested in education for ISO standards. CCSP conducted sessions with all interested NGOs, and then have a selection process, along with signature of MoU with selected NGOS participants. During education cycle, participants have constant online support by experts, and peer support by other participants.
In many respects, present program turned out to be a unique project from which the civil society sector in BiH emerged stronger, more capable, and more self-confident. The following lessons learned represent the unique experience of present civil society building program that could be adapted in similar programs in BiH and elsewhere. Building favourable institutional, legal and fiscal environment for sustainable development of civil society is a long-term proces that requires time, as well as significan investment of financial, human and other resources. Cooperative analysis and sharing information and good practice is important, but original and innovative solutions and concepts, adapted to the specific circumstances in each particular country, are the most important. Projects of institutional building of civil society, such as present project, should be fully participatory and should imply a variety of strategies and tactics. Project design, approach and management should be well structured and flexible at the same time, in order to allow adaption to ever changing environment in which it is being implemented. Process of establishing and developing institutional dialogue and cooperation between public institutions and CSOs is a long term process, for it is a new democratic practice in relationship between these two sectors which requires promotion and development of new values, new patterns of behavior and ways of thinking. This process is highly dependable on a number of external factors and conditions, such as political climate, achieved level of civil society development, political will and competencies of all stakeholders involved, Existence of appropriate infrastructure within the civil society and government sector is very much important for the successful development and outcome of the process of building cross sectoral partnership. Experience gained in implementing present program proves that CSOs can't acquire „partner status“ in relations with public institutions without related institutional mechanisms of cooperation and joint working (formal and informal networks and coalitions, umbrella organizations, CSO platforms and the like). The whole process of cross- sectoral Gov/CSOs partnership might be defined as a process of networking, coalition building, advocacy and capacity building for all stakeholders involved. Political will of government institutions for establishing cooperation with CSOs is necessary but not sufficient pre-condition. For the successful outcome of this process equally important is that key stakeholders know each other and are ready to build their capacities and skills necessary for the dialogue and cooperation. It is also very much important that partners have clear understanding of all the benefits of mutual cooperation. Building cross-sectoral cooperation is a type of process that should not be rushed, since all of its phases are interrelated with each other. There is a need for linking social transformation and policy advocacy. Need to increase awareness and knowledge of citizens and CSOs (and particularly of the biggest interest organizations of citizens) on the existing mechanisms for involvement in creation of public polices and adoption of laws and encourage them to use those mechanisms. Lack of readiness and capacity of CSOs to exchange information and cooperate among themselves beyond the individual projects. institutional channels and mechanisms for a greater level of information, consultations and other higher levels of cooperation of the governmental and CSO sector in the area of joining BiH to the Euro-Atlantic integrations. It primarily refers to commitment of the government (which is clearly defined in the appropriate documents) to regularly inform and consult citizens and CSO sector in the process of development and adoption of strategic documents and decisions falling within this area. One of the key success factor is responsibility („local ownership“) of local government and CSO stakeholders for the whole process and its outcomes.
6. RECCOMENDATIONS
The following recommendations might be useful for future civil society programming in the Bosnia and Herzegovina 1. A critical mass of professional NGOs does exist, although the domestic infrastructure to support civil society remains underdeveloped. Therefore, support to strengthening intermediary sector and sub-sector civil society support organizations (ISOs) at local and regional level is very much needed, so that CSO capacity-building services „cascade“ throughout the sector and reach out especially grass-roots, community based organization (CBOs)and initiatives in rural and remote areas. 2. Continued advocacy for the promotion and establishment of a transparent and open system of sustainable CSO public financing at all levels of government remains one of key challenges for a collective actions of CSOs across the sector ( procedures, principles and criteria) 3. Continued advocacy campaign on the legal status of CSOs at the state level is recommended in order to ensure that new laws and policies benefit the sector. Focus should be put on passing two new laws on CSOs and endowments, as well as in developing state Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development.
4. Promotion and strengthening of corporate social responsibility is worthy to be supported, including corporate and individual philanthropy. Advocating for legal and financial incentives for this purpose is the best strategy for financial diversifications and potential sustainability of the NGO sector and civil society in BiH. 5. Future support program to CSOs need not be a stand-alone activity for it is a cross-cutting issue. CSOs should be integrated into all aspects/pillars of USAID programs. Continued strengthening of the CSOs that participate in sectoral development work should take place, especially in ongoing and future sectoral reforms within the EU integration process. Furthermore, better synergy is needed between different programs and projects supported by USAID, thus ensuring better effectiveness and cost-efficiency. 6. Promotion, development and introduction of CSO self-regulation mechanisms, such as Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics and Quality standards for CSOs are very much needed in order to increase public image of CSOs and build their credibility as reliable partner to government and business sector. The case study of Code of Conduct of the Network „Agreement plus“ might serve as a good practice to be replicated across the sector. As to the quality standards for CSOs next step might be developing of national/regional scheme of certification stakeholders for building and sustaining cross-sectoral partnership should be further promoted and supported. 8. Further support to CSO infrastructure organizations for ensuring governments at all levels of authority complied with and implemented the Agreements is highly recommended. (Case study of Network “Agreement plus” might serve as a good practice to be replicate across the sector). 9. Cooperation between public institutions and CSOs should not be reduced at public financing of CSO activities; there are other equally important potential fields of cooperation, such as civic participation in decision making and public policy development. Special focus should be given to the promotion, implementation and replication of the existing Rules on Consultation in drafting laws and other instruments of public policy 10. There is a need to increase the professionalism of CSOss, their technical knowledge/expertise, to enable better involvement in law and decision-making processes. 11. To date efforts in establishing and strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation has been focused on executive branch of authority; along with pursuing these efforts, new initiatives should be undertaken towards legislative bodies at all levels of government. 12. Government officials at all levels of authority need to be educated about civil society and the benefits of establishing institutional dialogue and cooperation with it. Implementation of recently concluded MoUs between the SCPC and the Civil Service Agencies of BiH and Federation of BiH might give great contribution in that regard. 13. Further efforts in implementing Agreements of cooperation at all levels of government should be focused on mainstreaming its main values and principles into the key public policies. 14. Better synergies is needed between programs and projects supported by different donors, aimed at strengthening institutional dialogue and cooperation between public institutions and CSOs 15. Further strengthening of Gov/CSOs partnership implies enhancement of coalition building across the civil society sector and more collective action initiatives. This could be achieved through building sectoral abd sub-sectoral networks and better understanding of channels and mechanisms of CSOs cooperation. 16. In order to create a strong alliance with BiH citizens, CSOs need reliable means to get their message across to the public at large. In that regard building relationships between CSOs and media, both the public and private, is an on-going need to be met. Special attention in future support to media should be given to the promotion and support to non-for-profit media. Support to such media would enable citizens and CSOs to speak out and express their needs and concerns related to key public policies that affect their day-to-day life. 17. Strongly recommended are new programs and projects that expand and support activities and issue-based groups of citizens and nascent community-based ‘grass roots’ groups and volunteers to enable problem solvers to learn how to organize themselves and others more effectively to achieve tangible results should continue to receive support through financial assistance (small grants scheme) and new learning opportunities. 18. Highly recommended is support to building capacity and skills of individual CSOs, particularly CBOs and community initiatives, networks and coalitions to conduct effective advocacy to mobilize constituencies and influence policy: special focus should be given on people –centered advocacy approach that emphasizes bottom-up public mobilization schemes. There are plenty of cause-oriented community groups and individuals working to alleviate the life conditions and learning from good or bad practices. Moreover, taking up social justice causes as advocacy campaigning targets increases the chances of the emergence of crossethnic interests that transcends narrow ethnic boundaries. 19. Despite of the progress in civil society development in BiH, there is a deficit of think tanks, which could provide socio-political analyses and public policy recommendations. There is a need for better cooperation between think tanks and advocacy oriented CSOs and civic movement in designing and conducting issue-based advocacy campaigns in order to effectively influence the decision-making process. Final Report, Cooperative Agreement No. 168‐A‐00‐08‐00106‐00 , Program Title: " Sustainable Development of the NGO Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina II”
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