The Government recognises Civil Society Organizations (CSO) as key development actors in their own right, says the Under Secretary (US) of the Ministry of Home Affairs Irofiau Freddie Ota’au.
Mr Ota’au highlighted this when presenting his keynote address during the official launching of the CSO open day at the National Art Gallery grounds on Tuesday.
“CSOs have contributed very much in addressing different issues of concern in the communities and the nation.
“It is known that they play very important roles contributing to the deepening democracy by providing the voices for the public interest and participation in pushing forward for sustainable development at the community level,” the US highlighted.
He added that there should be more collaboration between the Ministry of Home Affairs through Development Service Exchange (DSE) and the CSOs.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs is the focal Government Ministry for DSE and the CSOs where collaborations should take place more.
“There has been some progress to date where the government engages with the CSOs and that strengthening partnerships and cooperation is a key component.
“Active engagement and participation of NGOs in numerous committees in the various sectors is ensured,” he added.
Meanwhile, the US said in the current DCCG policies, under the Ministry of Home Affairs a priority to Encourage and facilitates annual consultations between government and NGOs, Non State Actors and Civil Society Groups is underscored.
He added, special focus will be on coordinating the interest of all NGOs/CSOs to ensure accountability and transparency in relation to the 50 Constituencies of the country is made.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
