Given the political, security and health crisis in Haiti, the role of Civil Society is more important than ever. Faced with this difficult situation, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the launch of the Civil Society Strengthening Program (CSSP) whose objective is to strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Haitians, including religious organizations, grassroots groups, and those working with the diaspora that are registered and operate in Haiti. As a result, participating CSOs will be better equipped to develop, implement and evaluate their advocacy and service delivery activities to the highest quality standards.

Civil society organizations in Haiti play an essential role in social and economic development by providing essential services and promoting citizen participation. There is a critical need for increased collaboration between Haitian civil society organizations for the amplification of their impact and the sustainability of services as well as their influence on public policies and decision-making. The CSSP will help support the establishment of a networking mechanism to promote collaboration among civil society organizations. This networking will include groups working in the same geographic area or on common interests such as access to education, health care, water and sanitation, job creation, human rights or the fight against corruption.

CSSP Objectives :

• Strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations in advocacy and administrative matters, whether in support of citizens or in the provision of services.

• Build comprehensive, efficient and effective CSO networks at national and local levels;

• Support productive working relationships between civil society organizations and development actors, including but not limited to local/central government, private sector and major donors.

With greater institutional capacity and active collaboration, Civil Society Organizations will act as even more powerful catalysts to drive development and mobilize resources that provide vital services and foster citizen participation in democratic, social and political change.

Acting US Chargé d'Affaires Eric Stromayer commented, "Civil society organizations represent the interests of the Haitian people. U.S. Government support for USAID's Civil Society Strengthening Program will strengthen Haitian organizations and networks to advocate for people's needs and rights and provide needed services such as health care and education."

The CSSP, implemented by "Papyrus" one of USAID's main local partners, will work to create critical networks of CSOs at the national and local levels in order to facilitate productive working relationships between organizations and other development actors. By strengthening collaboration among CSOs, USAID aims to help these organizations develop a stronger, more unified voice to promote the human rights of Haitian citizens as well as equitable access to basic services. CSSP leader Jean Succar remarked, "I look forward to continuing with Papyrus' tradition of working with civil society partners at this critical time in Haiti's history. We thank USAID for this opportunity to build the organizational capacity of civil society organizations so they can better advocate for much-needed change in their communities and we are ready to go !"

Furthermore, as CSOs are essential providers of services and community leadership, the CSSP will also work to strengthen their institutional and leadership capacities. With more developed capacities in management, finance and administration, CSOs will have a greater impact on improving living conditions and will become a national voice defending the interests of the population. USAID will ensure that participating organizations are able to develop, implement, and evaluate their advocacy and service delivery activities to the highest quality standards.

HL/ HaitiLibre