Annual Progress Report No. 4: Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019 for Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project

The project engages stakeholders from civil society, media, citizens, policymakers, bureaucrats, and politicians to demand accountability and create an enabling environment for civil society and media. Following the 2017 elections, citizens of Nepal expected a stable government and support for strong rule of law, civic-government engagement, reduced corruption, and freedoms of expression and association. However, the government conducted minimal consultation with civil society and media in drafting laws and policies related to these freedoms. The draft laws and policies often contained restrictive provisions that failed to align with constitutional provisions or international principles. In response to this challenge, CS:MAP has engaged 1,172 stakeholders to promote government accountability and responsiveness. The project has focused on advocating for policies and laws that protect freedoms of association and expression. As a result, 10 policies and laws with restrictive provisions were put on hold in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. Policymakers have publicly committed to revising the laws in response to CS:MAP's advocacy efforts. The project has also implemented various interventions to promote gender equality and social inclusion, youth engagement, and the use of information and communication technologies. These interventions have aimed to increase the participation of marginalized groups in the decision-making process and promote their rights. CS:MAP has also worked to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations and media to engage in advocacy and monitoring. The project has provided training and technical assistance to civil society organizations and media outlets to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation. In addition, CS:MAP has established partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, and civil society organizations. These partnerships have enabled the project to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to promote its goals and objectives. The project has also conducted monitoring and evaluation activities to assess its progress and impact. The results of these activities have informed the project's strategies and interventions, enabling it to adapt and improve its approach over time. Overall, the Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project has made significant progress in promoting government accountability and responsiveness in Nepal. The project's efforts have contributed to the creation of an enabling environment for civil society and media, and have helped to promote the rights and interests of marginalized groups. The project's success has been attributed to its collaborative approach, which has brought together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and sectors. The project's focus on advocacy, capacity building, and partnerships has enabled it to achieve its goals and make a positive impact on the lives of citizens in Nepal. In the next phase of the project, CS:MAP will continue to engage stakeholders and promote government accountability and responsiveness. The project will also focus on strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations and media to engage in advocacy and monitoring, and will work to establish partnerships with various stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise. The project's priorities for the next phase include promoting gender equality and social inclusion, youth engagement, and the use of information and communication technologies. The project will also continue to advocate for policies and laws that protect freedoms of association and expression, and will work to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations and media to engage in advocacy and monitoring. Overall, the Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project has made significant progress in promoting government accountability and responsiveness in Nepal. The project's collaborative approach, focus on advocacy and capacity building, and partnerships with various stakeholders have enabled it to achieve its goals and make a positive impact on the lives of citizens in Nepal.