Parliament and Civil Society

International Best Practices

Presented By

Marvi Sirmed

National Project Manager, SDPD (UNDP)

September 24, 2008

Legislature and CivilSociety

Same working sphere:

Independent of the StateElevate the public or collective good over private /individual gainAdvocate of the changeOversight of the government’s / executive’s actionsWatching formulation and implementation of public policyLimits and controls the power of the statePlay an important role in mediating and helping to resolveconflict

So there is an immense potential and need forboth of them to work together!

Commonwealth Principles onParliament and Civil Society

The Latimer House Principles

“The parliaments and governments shouldrecognize the role that civil society plays in theimplementation of the Commonwealth’sfundamental values and should strive for aconstructive relationship with civil society toensure that there is broader opportunity formeaningful participation in the democraticprocess.”