The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), a coordinating body of 1270 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zimbabwe, values the need for a vibrant, strong, and free civil society, essential in advancing sustainable development through democracy and good governance. The 'Whole of Society' approach adopted by the Government of Zimbabwe affirms that, 'CSOs are independent development actors in their own right, playing a vital role in advocating respect for human rights, in shaping development policies and in overseeing their implementation.' However, the current legal, administrative, and policy pronouncements by the government are inhibitive in forwarding the interests of CSOs operating in Zimbabwe. Legislations governing CSOs in Zimbabwe have increasingly become more restrictive with the enactment of new laws or amendments that curtail civil society activities and compromise their autonomy such as the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill of 2021. These include excessive and expensive administrative procedures in the areas of advocacy, human rights, or other democracy and governance-related interventions. From NANGO's perspective, it is imperative for CSOs to collectively dialogue on how to safeguard the operating environment even in a very complex and restrictive context. Joint action by CSOs is also essential to strengthen security and protection mechanisms to safeguard the civic space. Sustainable development and democracy cannot be achieved in the absence of a robust and independent civil society or respect for human rights and human dignity. To read more, download the attachment below:
CSOs in Zimbabwe have been actively involved in monitoring the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals before and after its adoption on 25 September 2015 by the United Nations. The CSOs work is based on the realization that the 2030 Agenda is a progressive global development framework. The establishment of the Sectorial - CSOs Sustainable Development Goals Monitoring Framework by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (NANGO) and the formation of the Zimbabwe CSOs Reference Group on SDGs coordinated by Poverty Reduction Forum Trust (PRFT) is commendable. This assist in CSOs contribution towards the achievement of SDGs. These mechanisms and structures have enhanced CSOs representation and engagement with grassroots communities, government and other development actors on the Agenda 2030. CSOs in Zimbabwe have lobbied for the advancement of inclusive, just, equitable and sustainable development since the Millennium Development Goals era and continue in the times of the SDGs. This publication provides CSOs perspectives on the progress made so far in implementing programmes, policies and institutional developments key to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report represents the perceptions of CSOs on the progress made towards the SDGs. The CSOs VNR report has been produced with inputs of CSOs in Zimbabwe under the leadership of NANGO as well as the members of the CSO SDGs Reference Group. The production of his report was facilitated by the NANGO secretariat and PRFT staff who worked tirelessly to produce this report. To read more, download the attachment below