Role of Civil Society in Promoting Human Rights 324. The civil society in Mozambique has been very dynamic in engaging several development processes and shaping government policies. The operation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is governed by legislation regarding their registration and operations. Because of the value they add to the development process, more government ministries are resorting to partnering with NGOs in the execution of mandates in service delivery. The participation of CSOs in monitoring electoral processes has increased public oversight in elections, and the President of the CNE is from civil society. The inclusion of CSOs as members of the CNE is an indicator of growth and confidence in civil society vigilance. CSOs also monitor elections as observers, together with faith-based organisations, academic institutions and other human rights institutions. 325. Most CSOs receive their funding from donors, but still face human and financial resource constraints that limit their capacity to participate in the development process. Few CSOs are involved in political activism or governance, as those who do so risk being perceived as members of the opposition. In addition, donors (who form a significant source of resources) focus more on projects dealing with socioeconomic development. CSOs also observed that due to the low level of socioeconomic development, communities respond more to activities that lead to the production of tangible, visible items, such as water pumps at schools, or health centres, than to human or political rights issues. 326. CSOs not only review government policies, but are also involved in service delivery, such as healthcare, budget analysis and oversight, and policy analysis. Their efforts are collaborative and complementary to the government’s work. Nonetheless, in some areas, collaborations between CSOs and the state are shaky. CSOs informed the CRM that the further they are from Maputo, the less their activities are tolerated. In some rural areas, the process is not inclusive. For instance, if a CSO operative questions plans or programmes, he or she is branded as belonging to the opposition, which then undermines his or her efforts. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Social Rights 327. Mozambique is not a party to the ICESCR. Despite this, the Constitution recognises the right of ownership and inheritance; the right to work; the right to retribution and to safety at work; freedom of professional associations and unions; the right to strike and the prohibition of lockouts; the right to education and health; the right to a balanced environment; housing and urbanisation; rights of consumers; physical culture and sport; freedom of cultural creativity; and the right to assistance of the disabled and the aged. Several important rights 123

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents