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Democratization in support of integrated, sustainable development

A young woman places a folded ballot paper in the ballot box.
The objectives of the SDC include supporting fair and transparent elections, for example in Tunisia. © SDC

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.

Current projects

Object 241 – 252 of 252

Renforcement de la gouvernance locale de l’eau et de l’assainissement (REGLEAU)

01.10.2016 - 31.10.2023

Le programme REGLEAU vise l’amélioration des conditions de vie des populations grâce à l’augmentation de la disponibilité et l’amélioration de la qualité des services d’eau potable et d’assainissement. L’expérience et l’expertise reconnue de la Suisse en matière de gouvernance locale de l’eau permettront d’accompagner les acteurs du secteur de l’eau dans six communes du département du Sud-Est pour permettre une gouvernance locale de ces services, tout en contribuant à l’amélioration des conditions-cadres au niveau régional et national. 

Support to the DPCG (Development Partners’ Coordination Group) Secretariat in Rwanda

15.09.2016 - 15.09.2019

Switzerland and the UK, in an effort to facilitate a broad and fruitful development policy dialogue in Rwanda, will dedicate financial resources towards a UNDP support to the line ministry in charge of aid coordination. It entails, on the one hand, carrying out analytical research leading to evidence-based policy decision, and, on the other hand, the efficient management of the Development Partners’ Coordination Group (DPCG) Secretariat.

Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project (DRILP) – Phase III

01.01.2016 - 31.07.2024

DRILP Phase 3 will support the Government of Nepal to accelerate recovery and reconstruction following the devastating earthquake of 25 April 2015 and the major aftershock of 12 May 2015. The project will provide the Technical Assistance (TA) to implement the Asian Development Bank (ADB) financed Earthquake Emergency Assistance Project in rebuilding 450 kms of damaged roads in 12 districts[1] of Nepal and rehabilitate 200 kms of trails in two[2] districts.

[1] The 12 earthquake affected project districts are Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Kavre, Sindhuli, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Lamjung, Gorkha and Chitwan

[2] Dolakha and Gorkha

Zimbabwe Reconstruction Fund (ZimRef)

01.12.2015 - 31.12.2023

The Zimbabwe Reconstruction Fund is a multi-donor trust fund that supports the Government of Zimbabwe in its reconstruction and development efforts in particular by strengthening the Zimbabwean public finance management and accountability system for improved service delivery, including in the health sector. The fund, with its management mechanism, is currently a key instrument of dialogue and experience sharing between the donors and the Government of Zimbabwe.

Anti-Corruption Support

01.05.2015 - 31.03.2023

This intervention aims at fostering an institutional and social environment that is increasingly adverse to corruption. Support to reform-oriented “duty bearers” – by strengthening the technical and procedural capacities of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) - will be combined with activities enhancing collective action by supporting the private sector for a more transparent business environment and a multi-media campaign inspiring behaviour change of citizens (“right holders”) to strengthen integrity.

Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE)(Main Credit)

01.08.2014 - 15.07.2023

In Nepal, 450,000 youths enter the labour market yearly but remain un- or underemployed. Through ENSSURE, 21’000 youths will increase their employability by attending company-based trainings such as apprenticeships and further training of workers, combined with off-the-job systematic courses[1].The strong collaboration between the Ministry of Education and industry associations will increase the skill level of workers; thus labor productivity and will lead  to more decent employment.

 

 

 

[1] Systematic courses could be: Pre-employment basics, day or block release for related trade theory, pre-assessment course, etc.

 

 

 

Institutional Strengthening of IGAD

31.05.2014 - 31.03.2022

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a sub-regional organization in the Horn of Africa. In line with Switzerland’s decision to increase its engagement with IGAD, the proposed contribution aims at strengthening the organization institutionally based on its political legitimacy, thematic relevance and capacity to contribute to peace and development in one of the world’s most fragile regions.

Regional and Municipal Infrastructure Development in Georgia

10.04.2014 - 30.06.2023

The project will increase human and institutional capacities of all municipalities in Georgia (except the capital city Tbilisi). lt will enable them to perform independently the core three functions for decentralised delivery of basic infrastructure services, i. e. Project Cycle Management, Financial Management and Asset Management. Such a decentralized System will enable the Government to better respond to population needs at local level.

Institutional Support to Network of Associations of Local Authorities in South East Europe (NALAS)

01.07.2013 - 31.12.2027

With an institutional support to the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South – East Europe (NALAS), SDC supports the decentralization and democratization processes as well as stability in South East Europe (SEE). NALAS strengthens national associations of local governments and fosters communication and cooperation among them. Through its advocacy activities, NALAS will support local governments in SEE to become more visible and taken into account, both by national governments and European institutions.

Police Capacity Development on Election Security through the UNDP Election Support Program

01.04.2013 - 30.09.2013

On 11th May 2013, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will, for the first time in history, administer a transition from one full term democratic elected government to another. The probability of electoral violence threatens this opportunity. The police are the most important player in smooth conduct of election security. Yet, the majority of the police force has limited knowledge of electoral security protocol. With a contribution to the UNDP Election Support Program the capacity of police in election security will be enhanced.

Object 241 – 252 of 252

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Last update 08.02.2022