UNDP Libya Country Director delivering opeining remarks (Photo: UNDP)
The UNDP and UNICEF have jointly launched a mapping of civil society organisations (CSOs) currently active in several key Libya towns and cities to create a database to be used as a reference for key stakeholders providing support to Libyan CSOs.
The Libyan Civil Society Organizations’ mapping report allows UNICEF, the UNDP, local governance institutions and others to see what humanitarian and developmental projects are being implemented in Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Zawia and Zuwara, as well as providing information about the CSOs’ capacities and needs.
“This assessment will undoubtedly lead to a better strategy to support the civil society organisations and in encouraging CSOs to become specialized, especially in the area of child rights,” stated UNICEF Special Representative Ghassan Khalil.
The report reveals that Libyan CSOs have increased activities since the revolution. These CSOs cooperate with municipal councils to provide services in towns across Libya.
Women’s CSOs make up 12-percent of all Libyan CSOs, another critical increase.
The report also identified that many CSOs have been forced to rely on contributions from their own members as outside sources of funding have dried up and the economy has slowed down.
UNICEF and the UNDP called on stakeholders to assist through “capacity building interventions in planning, programme implementation and fostering dialogue and cooperation” between CSOs and local governments.
By Libya Herald staff.
