- Cape Verde became independent on 5 July 1975
and, based on reforms of 1990, the population witnessed its first free and democratic
general elections in 1991. Subsequently economic reforms were launched in order to
diversify the economy by developing the private sector and attracting foreign investments
to Cape Verde.
The political climate is stable and the direct participation of municipalities in the process of democratization is encouraged. The Constitution of 1992 consecrates the principle of democratic decentralization and no legislative measures or practices limit the participation of women or minorities in this process. Nevertheless, some obstacles remain to be solved. Due to the fact that all political powers were central until 1991, there is a lack of experience and therefore a need to learn about decentralization in practice. In other words, there is a need to develop human resources in order to effectively implement the policy of decentralization in Cape Verde.
Summary
This project seeks to raise awareness about and defend local interests by engaging municipalities directly in the process of democratization and development. It seeks to strengthen local governance and decentralization through training of representatives from 16 municipalities and members of Parliament in issues on human rights and democracy.
Partners
- The National
Association of Municipalities of Cape Verde acts as a partner in training and dissemination of information and materials.
The Government of Cape Verde supports the project, by providing teaching facilities as
well as political support. UNESCO
provides technical and intellectual assistance and the project is funded by DANIDA.
Activities
- This project consists of training courses for
Members of Parliament, civil servants and representatives from NGOs. These activities
include courses on
- public administration, democracy and human rights, as well as management of social affairs;
- senior municipal staff are trained in administration and management with a view to pass on these skills to junior staff;
- dissemination of information, municipal policy, the relationship between the national and local administration;
- popular participation in decentralized policy-and decision-making and management for solidarity aimed at vulnerable groups. These groups include persons exposed to extreme poverty and social exclusion as well as women.
- A training course for Parliamentarians on Human Rights in a plural society, respecting differences and the concept of social protection.
Expected Impacts
- It is expected that this project support the decentralization process by strengthening public management and improving knowledge on human rights and democracy at a local level. In turn, this should result in more efficient and transparent public management of social, economic and environmental issues and greater popular participation in the decision making process.
Municipalities and Parliamentarian
Training Programme
for the Improvement of Human Rights and Democracy in Cape Verde
(1997-1999)
Background
Cape Verde has been designated a priority target group for action in 1996-2001 by UNESCO. This archipelago, situated of the coast of West Africa, is one of the least developed countries in Africa. Agriculture is an important source of employment and approximately 70 percent of the population live in rural districts. However, limited arable land and serious water shortage coupled with cycles of drought means that natural resources are poor.
Experience
Concluded in 1999, app 170 persons particpated in the projects courses, among others representatives from women's associations and app. 60 'grass roots jurists'.
The beneficiaries were active and they proposed how to effectively implement the decentralization policy. It was proposed that framework legislation be formulated in order to define the objectives of each local institution from a geographical, demographic, social, cultural and economical point of view.
As a result of this project, The National Assembly of Cape Verde decided to train administrative staff and to support the creation of parliamentary technical commissions. So far 50 persons have benefitted from this training.
It seems that power is being transferred to the local authorities in the fields of social affairs, regional administration, tourism, local finance, and primary and secondary education. It may be concluded that training is necessary to improve dialogue and the participants acknowledge a need for the municipalities to strengthen their competence in exercising decentralized power. In this regard issues on social integration, national solidarity and prevention of abuse of power should not be forgotten as well as the fact that the municipalities should be given further financial autonomy. Ideally personnel at all levels of national public administration should learn how to effectively implement the policy of decentralization and public participation in Cape Verde.
This page was modified on 22/03/00