Program: Voice and Accountability

Specific Objective 3:

• Improved responsiveness and accountability of local governments and peaceful co-existence for refugees and host communities.

There is generally very low participation of youth and women in local governance. This is often due to limited awareness of their rights and a lack of advocacy skills as well as the over centralization of government affairs away from the district and lower local governments.

To address this, AFARD supports building connections between communities and local governments by enhancing the political capabilities of local leaders in participatory planning, budgeting and monitoring, and by educating citizens about their rights and advocacy skills. District-level multi-stakeholder engagement platforms are established to promote joint planning, public dialogue, and accountability, ensuring that grassroots-led issues are prioritized in development plans. We also promote peaceful communities starting with family harmony through community groups that also bring together refugees and nationals as a people who need each other to thrive.