Strengthening local governance and civic space in Uzbekistan


The programme will strengthen inclusive local governance, gender-based violence prevention and the civic space in Uzbekistan. It promotes an active civil society and civic engagement of youth and vulnerable groups at local level (locally-led development). Switzerland brings high credibility in local governance and human  rights and acts as convenor and bridge builder. The multi-stakeholder set up with UN, non-governmental organizations and local authorities offers a variety of entry points, allowing agile steering in the complex political environment.  

Paese/Regione Tema Periodo Budget
Uzbekistan
Gender
Governance
nothemedefined
Organisazione per l’uguaglianza di genere
Decentralizzazione
Partecipazione democratica e società civile
Violenza sessuale e di genere
Sviluppo legale e giudiziario
Media e libertà di informazione
Gestione delle finanze pubbliche
01.05.2024 - 31.12.2028
CHF  4’200’000
Contesto

The new constitution and the Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, adopted in 2023, confirm Uzbekistan's reform path initiated in 2016 and renew the country's commitments towards a citizen-centered and right-based state. Emphasis is on stronger local governance and services at decentralized levels (with a focus on Mahallas), human rights, civil society and advancement of gender equatlity. The recent domestic violence legislation shows significant progress in gender equality and the space for media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has increased. However, there are also setbacks and substantive challenges remain in the daily lives of people. The centralized power system leads to mismatches in decision-making and functional responsibilities in local governance. There is lack of transparency, accountability and genuine citizen's engagement, with young people and vulnerable groups having the weakest voice. Women continue to experience violence and discrimination in the conservative environment of local communities. CSO work, despite the recent positive developments, remains restricted by heavy regulative requirements, strongly controlling all CSO activities.

The volatility between political opening and closing provides a strong momentum for supporting the effective implementation of reforms and help ensure that the opening process will continue while political stability can be maintained. Responding to this complex context, SDC's governance programme builds on three pillars strengthening inclusive local governance (youth focus), gender equality and gender-base violence (GBV) prevention, and civic space. This shall ensure that reform implementation will be inclusive and result in actual changes also for the people at local level.

Obiettivi Women and men in Uzbekistan have access to more responsive public services and experience a more inclusive governance context at the local level where they can raise their voices effectively at both local and national levels, enhancing democratic participation and accountability. 
Gruppi target

Main target groups on the duty bearer side are local  authorities  and  government  bodies (khokhimiyats, kengashes, mahallas) benefitting from capacity building in the three focus regions. 

Beneficiaries on the right holder's side are (1) young women and men, women survivors and at risk  of  violence  and  excluded  groups  as identified  by  local community  assessments,  as well (2) civil society and civic space actors and human rights defenders.  

Effetti a medio termine

Outcome  1:  Local  governance  bodies  are strengthened  and  accountable  to  develop inclusive policies  that  improve access to public and  social  services  for everyone,  and promote civic engagement of children and young people 

Outcome  2:  Community  members,  particularly vulnerable  women,  benefit  from  increased effectiveness  of GBV prevention and response mechanisms,  are  empowered  and  better-capacitated to generate resilient income 

Outcome 3: Civic space actors are empowered and  develop  their  own  agendas  to  protect fundamental  freedoms,  civil  liberties,  and women and human rights 

Risultati

Risultati principali attesi:  

  • Policy,  legal  and  institutional  frameworks  institutionalize Result-based  Management  (RBM)  and  Result-based Budgeting (RBB) at local level. 
  • Platforms for meaningful youth engagement at local level are strengthened. 
  • Frontline  service  providers  have  improved  skills  for  GBV services, monitor the GBV  legislation and raise awareness on negative societal norms 
  • Policy-level  initiatives  advocate  for  improved  legal framework and enabling environment for CS actors. 
  • Local  CSOs  partners  actively  participate  in  and  influence decision-making processes at local and national levels. 


Risultati fasi precedenti:   Previous projects (with UNICEF, ACTED) showed that space at local level exists to effectively work with local authorities, strengthen citizen and youth engagement, despite the centralized political structure. The local and nationwide gender  advocacy networks built were key in influencing the new Gender-based Violence (GBV) policies. Engaging with a variety of CSO's proofed that civic space in the country is vibrant, but fragile. Funding of independent CSO requires an adaptive and agile approach (incl. on financial management).   


Direzione/Ufficio responsabile DSC
Credito Cooperazione allo sviluppo
Partner del progetto Partner contrattuale
ONG internazionale o straniera
Organizzazione delle Nazioni Unite (ONU)
  • Agenzia per la cooperazione tecnica e lo sviluppo
  • SDC Field Office
  • Fondo delle Nazioni Unite per l’infanzia

Partner attuatore
Pillar 1: UNICEF  
Pillar 2: ACTED  
Pillar 3: CS actors selected through call for proposals 

Coordinamento con altri progetti e attori other  projects  in  SDC portfolio  (UNESCO,  OHCHR,  UNFPA/UN Women)  and  other  programmes:  UNDP  on governance  and  anti-corruption;  GIZ  on administrative  reform;  USAID  on  local governance;  FCDO  on  regional economic governance; USAID media and CS support. 
Budget Fase in corso Budget Svizzera CHF    4’200’000 Budget svizzero attualmente già speso CHF    735’000 Progetto totale dalla prima fase Budget Svizzera CHF   0 Budget inclusi partner del progetto CHF   8’600’000