Promoting democratic values is essential to inclusive governance. The equal participation of all population groups increases the likelihood of fair and balanced development that benefits everyone. Efforts are made to curb corruption and the abuse of power, minimising the risk of frustration and political confrontation. Promoting democracy is one of Switzerland's foreign policy priorities.
Democratisation is a key concern for the SDC, which aims to promote community involvement and responsible government action. By enabling different population groups to have an equal say in political life and determine issues that affect their daily lives, diverse interests can be represented, supporting broad-based decision-making. This lends greater legitimacy to political processes and creates a climate of shared responsibility for implementation. Other key democratic principles include power-sharing, checks on power, accountability, the rule of law and equality before the law.
Switzerland supports both democratic institutions and democratic processes, promoting interaction between the mutually reinforcing democratic forces that shape the political system. Promoting gender equality and equal participation and protecting disadvantaged communities are key priorities for Switzerland. In meeting its commitments, Switzerland works from a politically informed perspective, supports solutions that are appropriate in the context and builds on existing structures. It works on the basis of democratic values rather than any specific model.
Democratisation is crucial to inclusive, sustainable development, but it is also an end in itself, ensuring that civil and political rights are upheld and other fundamental social, economic and cultural rights are respected. Democratisation can also contribute to the de-escalation of violent conflicts.
The SDC seeks to raise public awareness of citizens' rights and duties, the legal framework that facilitates citizen participation, and the support available for a range of citizens' initiatives. It empowers organisations to mobilise support for particular issues, represent groups effectively, consolidate structures, and build alliances.
Free media ensure that the public have access to independent sources of information. Free media can scrutinise the actions of the government and provide impartial platforms for public debate. Switzerland supports training courses for media professionals, for example, and encourages fair and balanced reporting that is properly researched. It also supports efforts to create a legislative framework to protect media freedom and raise public awareness on dealing with the media. The activities of the SDC are increasingly focused on social media channels, given the enormous influence that these now exert.
The activities of the SDC include providing training and advice to members of parliament on developing laws, serving on committees, overseeing budgets and administrative actions and implementing effective public outreach. The SDC also provides assistance in establishing effective parliamentary and secretariat services, working in cooperation with Swiss Parliamentary Services and other parties.
Switzerland promotes professional and independent electoral administrations, the dissemination of impartial, objective information to the public, and peaceful public debate. It encourages women and members of disadvantaged groups to take part in elections. Switzerland also provides assistance in undertaking electoral reforms and independent election monitoring.
The SDC works to ensure compliance with and implementation of laws and regulations and the imposition of appropriate penalties in respect of wrongdoing. It promotes training programmes for judges and lawyers and supports various forms of mediation to facilitate responsible, fair and efficient dispute resolution. The SDC also supports legal services that advise individuals and groups on their rights and on taking legal action.
Switzerland supports independent bodies set up to oversee government agencies and impose sanctions where malpractice is identified. Such bodies may include state auditors, anti-corruption agencies, ombudsperson institutions overseeing a range of matters and human rights commissions. The SDC provides assistance in the form of training, advice, organisational development and, in some cases, funding. The SDC also provides expertise in defining legislation governing the remit, independence and funding of such bodies.
Links
Current projects
Anti-corruption and Accountability
01.07.2018
- 31.12.2023
Based on the relationship of trust between Switzerland and Mozambique and specific Swiss expertise and interest to tackle economic crime and recovery of assets the program will reduce corruption in Mozambique by strengthening the capacity of 1. Government institutions to effectively tackle corruption, economic crime and recover stolen assets 2. Civil society organizations to influence the public and the private sector for improved transparency and accountability.
Appui à la citoyenneté dans le cycle électoral Malien
01.07.2018
- 31.12.2023
Les élections présidentielle, législatives, régionales et locales organisées en 2018 puis en 2019 au Mali sont décisives pour la stabilité du pays et de la région. A travers le programme EMERGE de l’USAID, la Suisse contribue à la tenue d’élections crédibles, inclusives et apaisées. Elle participe à la consolidation du processus démocratique et à la prévention des conflits, avec un accent sur la participation des femmes et des jeunes aux élections. Elle contribue à la sécurité globale, dans l’intérêt direct de la Suisse.
Fostering Active Civic Engagement
01.07.2018
- 30.09.2030
Moldova’s democracy is still young and fragile. The population is hesitant to participate in decision-making and to demand their rights. Good-quality civic education is an essential element for promoting democratic values, raising awareness about the rights and responsibilities of every citizen, and for stimulating a stronger civic engagement. Switzerland supports Moldova in providing children and adolescents with opportunities to apply civic learning inside and outside the classroom.
Programme de Développement des Infrastructures Économiques et Marchandes au Bénin (PDIEM)
01.07.2018
- 30.06.2022
La phase 1 du PDIEM a rénové 6 infrastructures économiques et marchandes d’importance nationale/régionale, pour dynamiser l’économie locale. Le gouvernement a demandé de répliquer ce projet à d’autres endroits. En cofinancement avec les communes et l’Etat, la phase 2 rénove 4 autres infrastructures, intégrant la gestion des déchets. Les revenus contribueront à entretenir les marchés, les taxes générées seront réinvesties pour des services publics améliorant les conditions de vie.
GEPAC- Gestión participativa local en la recuperación del Centro Histórico
01.06.2018
- 31.12.2021
GEPAC contribuye a la descentralización en Cuba creando herramientas de participación ciudadana directa en la planificación, la gestión urbana y la decisión sobre el uso de recursos financieros locales y de fortalecimiento del pequeño sector productivo no estatal con un enfoque de responsabilidad social e inclusión, priorizando oportunidades y demandas para personas de la tercera edad, mujeres, jóvenes y grupos en desventaja.
Global Land Tool Network Partnership
01.05.2018
- 31.12.2023
Land rights are powerful resources for people to achieve sustainable livelihoods. Switzerland joins others in supporting the Global Land Tool Network (3rd Strategic Cycle) for its advocacy work and efforts to provide practical land tools available for authorities to ensure that all people, including women, youth and vulnerable groups, have access to land and tenure security. Switzerland brings in the experiences from other land related partnerships at national, regional and global levels.
Ma lmplic - Project on civic engagement in local governance
01.05.2018
- 31.10.2023
Moldovan local public administrations are often unable to respond to the needs of the population in an inclusive and sustainable way. Capacity to hold local authorities accountable is poor and citizens are reluctant to engage in public affairs. Switzerland will support Moldova to enhance participation in local development and decision-making, to further improve public service provision in rural areas and ensure a better framework for decentralisation. A strong focus will be put on the inclusion of excluded groups.
Support to the Juvenile Justice Reform
01.05.2018
- 30.11.2021
Since 2010, the child justice system in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has undertaken a process of reform to which UNICEF, SDC and Sida have greatly contributed. Today the legal framework on juvenile justice is compliant with international standards, but the system for its implementation still needs to be strenghtened. This last project phase will focus on building the human capacity of justice and child protection professionals, and ensuring that adequate financial means are provided by the Government to implement this framework throughout the country. Awareness of children and their families about their rights and demanding access to justice will also be a priority.
Afghanistan Urban Peacebuilding Programme (AUPP)
01.05.2018
- 30.09.2021
Afghanistan’s cities grow rapidly, accommodating high numbers of internally displaced and returnees. Crime, insecurity and social disintegration are an increasing problem in urban areas. The government is struggling to improve the situation affecting its legitimacy and public trust. The Afghanistan Urban Peacebuilding Programme supports municipalities and community-based structures to tackle insecurity through an inclusive approach. The ambition is twofold: improve urban security and governance for city dwellers.
Political Empowerment of Women Phase III
15.04.2018
- 14.01.2023
By focusing on women’s political empowerment, the project contributes to enhancing women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making, which leads towards a more inclusive society. With a more equitable governance system at the local level, citizens can hold institutions accountable and voice their needs and interests.
Gulf of Mottama Project (GoMP)
15.04.2018
- 31.12.2021
One of the greatest challenges in the current reform process in Myanmar is the governance of natural resources. In the globally significant wetlands of the Gulf of Mottama (GoM), this project strengthens the capacities of government and communities to effectively manage, govern and value its coastal natural resources to sustainably improve livelihoods of people depending on them, while reducing the pressure on natural resource and conserving its unique environment and threatened biodiversity.
HÁBITAT - “Implementación de estrategias para la gestión local del hábitat a escala municipal en Cuba”
01.04.2018
- 31.12.2022
HÁBITAT contribuye al proceso de descentralización en el país, promoviendo la gestión local del sector vivienda. Ofrece a gobiernos municipales capacitación, herramientas y financiamiento para implementar programas y proyectos de acceso a vivienda y servicios urbanos con un enfoque que prioriza las demandas de grupos vulnerables y mujeres, así como la participación ciudadana, la resiliencia y el funcionamiento de cadenas de producción que fortalecen el tejido productivo local.