Standard 3.2.3. CSOs’ Representation in Cross-Sector Bodies

Legislation

In 2019 no changes have been made to the legislation on participation of civil society in decision making and/or advisory bodies created by public institutions. The legislation at government level allows, but does not oblige the government to invite CSO representatives in these bodies. As an exception, sectorial consultative committees on municipal level should be established and comprised from citizens and civil society, but there are only few municipalities that have fulfilled this obligation. A number of independent or advisory bodies have specific rules of procedure which envisage participation of civil society representatives, including selection procedures. Besides these bodies, there are no other guidelines and standards selection mechanisms that would ensure appropriate participation of civil society.

0 – 20 Fully disabling environment20 – 40 Disabling environment
40 – 60 Partially enabling environment60 – 80 Enabling environment
80 – 100 Fully enabling environment

Practice

Survey results show that vast majority of CSOs in Kosovo are not part of consultative bodies. In the central level of governance around 70% of respondents did not participate in a consultative body. While in the municipality level, around 20% of CSOs did participate. In central level of governance 9% of CSOs were selected through an open call, whereas 8% of CSOs were invited directly by public institutions to participate. In the municipality level 16% of CSOs have applied through an open call also same percentage applies to CSOs that have been invited to participate by a public institution. In the Assembly level 90% of CSOs were not part of advisory bodies. Those who participated reported to have applied through an open call (4%) whereas 19% have been invited directly to participate. CSOs have not reported to have faced difficulties in expressing their opinions or participating in policy making because of their participation in cross – sector bodies.