Budget transparency and accountable governance

In the program of national budget transparency and accountable governance, CLADHO focus on ensuring that government budgets are transparent, inclusive, and accountable to the public. This involves advocating for policies and practices that promote openness, participation, and effective use of public resources. Here are some key activities typically undertaken in this program:

1. Public Participation
   • Promote mechanisms for public participation in the planning and budgeting process, allowing citizens to have a say in budget priorities and allocations,
   • Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate communities about their rights to participate in decision-making processes related to public finances,
   • Work with the media to ensure effective coverage and reporting on budgetary issues.
2. Capacity Building
   • Build the capacity of civil society organizations, local communities, and media to understand and engage with budgetary processes.
   • Provide training on budget analysis, advocacy strategies, and the use of budget information for effective citizen engagement.
3. Budget Analysis and Advocacy
   • Conduct analysis of government budgets to assess their alignment with human rights principles, including social and economic rights,
   • Advocate for budget allocations that prioritize the fulfillment of human rights obligations, especially for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
4. Promotion of Budget Transparency:
   • Advocate for increased transparency in the budgeting process, ensuring that citizens have access to information about government revenues, expenditures, and allocations,
   • Advocate for the production and dissemination of simplified, user-friendly “citizen budgets” that break down complex budget information for the general public,
   • Ensure that these documents highlight the impact of budget decisions on different sectors and communities.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
   • Establish monitoring mechanisms to track government spending and assess the effectiveness of budget allocations,
   • Advocate for the establishment of independent bodies or agencies to conduct regular evaluations of budget implementation.
6. International Standards and Benchmarks
   • Advocate for the adoption and implementation of international standards and benchmarks related to budget transparency and accountable governance,
   • Collaborate with international organizations and bodies to share best practices and advocate for global standards.
7. Data Visualization and Technology:
   • Use data visualization tools and technology to make budget information more accessible and understandable to the general public,
   • Leverage technology for real-time tracking of budgetary expenditures.
8. Engagement with Government Agencies:
   • Collaborate with government agencies to improve their capacity for budget transparency and citizen engagement,
   • Facilitate dialogues between civil society and government officials to discuss budget priorities and address concerns.