The Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, and the Director of the Representative Office of Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation SRB, Branislav Milić, signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations through the creation of a platform for dialogue and cooperation that would enable a systematic inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes.

Civil society organizations are of great importance for the development of a democratic society and the improvement of the position of citizens from sensitive social groups, which is why it is necessary to support them and create a stimulating environment for their activities, so that citizens can exercise their rights more effectively by cooperating with them, especially at the local level, said Commissioner Janković. The Commissioner added that they are also very important in fieldwork because they are in direct contact with social groups at risk of discrimination, which is of great importance for us as an institution. Janković stated that the Commissioner, in recommending measures addressed to all local self-government units, called for the creation of conditions for a greater degree of involvement of civil society organizations in decision-making processes through direct participation in their work, a consultative process, as well as the creation of conditions for participation by means of modern technologies.

Branislav Milić from the Representative Office of Helvetas pointed out that civil society organizations proposed that the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality be a partner in the project, as an institution that for years has fostered good cooperation with citizens’ associations and local self-government bodies in the field of promoting equality and protecting human rights. He said that the voice of citizens is best heard at the regional level, where public policies are created according to the specifics of the community, and that the extent to which civil society organizations are involved and what needs to be done to improve their position is best seen at the regional level.

Cooperation will include the provision of expert support and knowledge through training and advisory assistance for 30 civil society organizations in the areas of social inclusion and gender equality, citizen participation in decision-making, as well as environmental protection, in accordance with developed models and best practices.