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
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.
Programme d’Appui à la décentralisation et à la Participation Citoyenne (DEPAC)
01.03.2018
- 28.02.2022
La DDC, à travers DEPAC, permet à 30 collectivités territoriales (CT) de développer des services dans les domaines de l’eau potable, l’éducation, les pistes rurales, répondant aux droits fondamentaux de 6,2 millions de Burkinabè. Le programme renforce aussi la contribution des associations et médias à l’efficacité des mécanismes de redevabilité locale. Face à la forte demande citoyenne, en particulier des jeunes, la phase 2 mettra l’accent sur la construction de la démocratie locale et la promotion économique.
Programme d’Appui pour une Gouvernance Décentralisée en Haïti (PAGODE)
01.02.2018
- 31.12.2029
En Haïti l’absence de rapports de proximité entre les autorités locales des 146 communes et leurs concitoyens sont un obstacle à l’ancrage et la durabilité des interventions en développement. La DDC prétend contribuer au développement d’une gouvernance locale dynamique entre des élus légitimes et une société civile organisée par le renforcement des pratiques de responsabilité citoyenne et de reddition de comptes autour de choix concertés et d’actions durables.
PIAL – “Proyecto para fortalecer un Sistema de Innovación Agropecuaria para el Desarrollo Local”
01.02.2018
- 31.07.2022
PIAL fomenta capacidades locales para gestionar los problemas de las cadenas agro-alimentarias en 75 municipios, contribuyendo al incremento de la disponibilidad de alimentos. Así, se institucionaliza y extiende en el país un Sistema de Innovación Agropecuaria Local (SIAL), con espacios y mecanismos para la participación de agricultores, autoridades y otros actores locales en la solución de estos problemas.
Capacity building for Serbian municipalities
01.01.2018
- 30.06.2022
Switzerland is supporting the Serbian government’s public administration reform, which aims to make it more effective and accessible to both citizens and the private sector. SwissPRO project is being run in 99 municipalities (two-thirds of Serbia) to improve good governance, social inclusion and gender equality.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Serbia |
Governance Human rights Gender
Decentralisation
Human rights (incl. Women's rights)
Women’s equality organisations and institutions
|
01.01.2018 - 30.06.2022 |
CHF 7'990'000 |
Strengthening Associations of Municipalities and Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
01.01.2018
- 31.03.2022
In the complex institutional and legal system and incomplete policy context for decentralisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the two entity Associations of Municipalities and Cities (AMCs) are formally recognized as actors of decentralization, advocating for local governments (LGs). The project aims at enhancing AMCs’ capacities to actively support local governments in the provision of efficient services to their citizens, and to improve LGs role, status and position towards higher levels of government in BiH.
Decentralization and Municipal Support in Kosovo (DEMOS)
01.01.2018
- 31.12.2021
Since the declaration of independence in 2008, Kosovo has been engaged in the reform and decentralisation of its public authorities with the aim of strengthening autonomy and local democracy in its 38 municipalities. The SDC's “Decentralisation and Municipal Support” project (DEMOS) aims to help municipalities enhance democratic governance and municipal management and provide better public services, thereby supporting Kosovo in its transition to a democratic and decentralised state.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kosovo |
Governance
Decentralisation
Democratic participation and civil society
|
01.01.2018 - 31.12.2021 |
CHF 12'800'000 |
Support to strengthening Social Inclusion in Serbia
01.01.2018
- 31.12.2021
The programme is a contribution to improve the design, coordination and implementation of social inclusion policies of the Government of Serbia within the mandate of the Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction Unit (SIPRU), which is affiliated to the Prime Minister’s Office. The quality and the capacities for implementation of the required social reforms, in the Europan integration process, will be improved and state institutions at national and local level will be able to better respond to the needs of vulnerable citizens.
Contribution to the country office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Honduras (OHCHR)
01.01.2018
- 31.12.2021
The OHCHR has established itself as the principal point of reference for critically positioning human rights in the public and political agenda of Honduras. It will continue to strive to provide protection of individuals and communities whose rights are at risk or denied, while also working to further develop institutions, laws and policies that effectively protect human rights. This will contribute to rule of law and providing the necessary framework for equitable and sustainable development.
Institutional Support to Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South East Europe (NALAS) - Exit Phase
01.01.2018
- 31.12.2022
The final phase of SDC's support to the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South East Europe — NALAS, will focus on the institution's sustainability and on consolidating NALAS' expertise on decentralization. Engaging in strategic partnerships with regional and international networks and institution, NALAS will continue to provide knowledge, policy advice and smart services to local authorities in 12 countries in South East Europe to promote sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities across the region.
Advancing Land Use Rights
01.01.2018
- 31.12.2021
Competition for land in Mozambique is sharply increasing. Despite favourable land legislation for the protection of interests and rights of the local communities the concretization of these rights is still precarious. SDC’s program supports the realization of these community rights to land and its benefits through institutional development, strengthening dialogue and practical collaboration between local government, civil society and private sector in order to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable development.
Program contribution to OHCHR for promotion and protection of human rights in the oPt
01.01.2018
- 31.12.2029
Switzerland supports the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) to contribute to the effective realization of adherence to human rights and international humanitarian law in the oPt and to influence the behaviour of the relevant duty bearers. OHCHR has an exceptional role both in the humanitarian and development spheres in the oPt’s complex context of multiple duty bearers and harsh political and humanitarian realities.