prop · H103131en · 2014-03-18 00:00:00 — New donors do not always start out from democratic values or respect for human rights. This presents states and the international community as well as other actors with new challenges and makes it even more important to emphasise human rights and democracy in international aid. The enjoyment of civil and political rights is important in itself, and also improves the chances of people living in poverty to claim their economic, social and cultural rights. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is also of particular relevance. The right to decide and exercise control over ones own body, sexuality and reproduction is fundamental for all people. view of poverty is multidimensional and includes a lack of freedom, power and enjoyment of human rights. woman and man must therefore have the opportunity, the power and the security to change their situation in life and influence how their country develops. Democratisation is built from within and from below. But it can, and should, be supported from outside. 5.1.1 Greater opportunities to assert civil and political rights, exercise democratic influence and organise Respect for civil and political rights together with the principles of the rule of law are crucial to the task of efficient democracies and 2013/14:131 reducing poverty in all its dimensions. These rights and the institutions that guarantee them must therefore be given a prominent role in Swedish aid. Special initiatives in support of human rights and democratisation are to comprise a large part of Swedish democracy support, not least in the least free countries of the world. The Government finds that respect for the different freedoms of opinion (freedom of speech, freedom of information, freedom of assembly, freedom to demonstrate, freedom of association and freedom of religion) form a framework for work to promote democracy. is to help ensure that women as well as men have an opportunity and the freedom to affect their living conditions by exercising an influence in political processes and decision-making, and that they are also able to prepare for this through association with civil society organisations and political parties. Homosexual, bisexual and transsexual people (LGBT persons), for example, are particularly subjected to discrimination. This is also true of minorities. Swedish aid must additionally promote young peoples organisation and meaningful participation in decision-making and demanding accountability. 5.1.2More robust democratic processes and institutions and greater respect for the principles of the rule of law Democratic development demands functioning and independent institutions and procedures. is to promote solutions that are based on citizens interests and existing local conditions, and on systems with the potential to gain credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of those living in poverty or under oppression. is to help strengthen private citizens influence on politics. To this end, democratic structures will be required that facilitate accountability. Swedish must work for the development of strong, legitimate and pluralist election and party systems and via parliamentary support help to strengthen the political process as a whole, i.e. the aim must be clearer accountability, broader representation and greater openness and transparency. A strong and wellfunctioning public administration and functioning audit and control systems are crucial to individuals being able to assert the majority of their rights. is to give priority to the development of open, effective and efficient administration at national, regional and local level. All this must have a democratic, legal and constitutional basis. The rule of law and access to before the law for all people is vital to greater respect for human rights and strengthened democratic development. must therefore promote the principles of the rule of law and seek for coherent reforms in the sector and other administrative processes. Important issues in designing aid are legality, the principle of equality before the law, the right to a fair trial, the prohibition of torture, the protection of citizens against arbitrary deprivation of , and freedom from corruption. How the state based on the rule of law is to be constructed is set out in the international and regional instruments to which has assented. A vibrant and pluralistic civil society and strengthened democratisation actors The concept of civil society is an arena, distinct from the state, the market and the individual household, in which individuals, groups and organisations act together to promote common interests. Civil society actors have a key role in reducing poverty and a particular importance and special potential to contribute to democratic development and increased respect for human rights. For this reason, a substantial part of Swedish aid is implemented in cooperation with civil society organisations. -asserts the role of civil society as a development actor and its importance in aid that seeks to make a difference to peoples lives. -attaches a moral weight to supporting the defenders of democracy and freedom, and -seeks to utilise solid experience of partnership between civil society actors in and in the countries in which aid must particularly recognise the potential of civil society in the countries in which it operates, facilitate organisation and create channels, including meeting places for collaboration, through which people and groups living in poverty and who face discrimination can make their voices heard, assert their human rights and influence the development of society. When women are able to meet and organise in civil society organisations and political parties they are better able to defend their rights. The potential of civil society in combatting discrimination and providing non-formal adult education must be used to strengthen the capacity of people and groups living in poverty and facing discrimination to change their life situation. The potential of civil society to organise itself and perform services beneficial to society must be recognised. If democracy is to develop and be consolidated, it is not enough for a country simply to have democratic public institutions. The country also needs to develop a democratic culture. When supporting democratisation processes, therefore, it is vital to begin by identifying potential drivers of change in the form of organised or separate forces of democracy or defenders of human rights. and Swedish aid must constantly work to identify, promote, protect and strengthen democratic drivers of change and defenders of human rights, such as youth organisations, cultural actors, religious associations and labour market partners. This can be achieved through direct support to drivers of change and through support for collaboration between these actors and actors in the world around them. Democratic reform efforts initiated by civil society actors are to be encouraged. Potentially reform-minded actors in the state and private sectors are also to be afforded special attention. 5.1.4Greater gender equality, rights and empowerment for women and girls Swedish aid must contribute towards an equal society. society, women and men, and girls and boys, have equal rights, life 2013/14:131 and opportunities, and the power to shape their own lives and influence society. The absence of violence against women and girls is one requirement for attaining this. Greater gender equality is therefore an objective in its own right. However, the Government also recognises that development in the vast majority of countries is entirely dependent on taking advantage of the potential of women and the younger part of the population. Changing attitudes and values, and increasing awareness of how women and girls are discriminated against is a long-term effort that takes time. Nevertheless, it is a fundamental prerequisite for greater gender equality. Swedish aid must work to strengthen womens political participation and influence, education, womens economic empowerment and working conditions, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and womens security, including combatting all forms of gender-based violence and human trafficking Effective work to promote equality needs to be focused on women and men as well as boys and girls with the aim of changing institutions and social structures. Gender-oppressive behaviours must be made visible, and the practical needs and long-term strategic interests of women and girls are to be highlighted and promoted. Men and boys need greater knowledge and respect for, womens and girls exercising of human rights. Responsibility for achieving gender equality is shared. The greater opportunities of girls and boys to make life choices that transcend restrictive gender norms must be encouraged. 5.1.5Greater access to free and independent media, both new and traditional Freedom of expression and the development of free, independent media that demands accountability must be promoted in Swedish aid. Support for the scrutinising role of the media can help vitalise democracy. In this context, the central importance of journalists and other media actors for democratisation must be taken into account. In seeking to boost freedom of expression, is to push for legislation that encourages the development of free and independent media (radio, TV, the press and the Internet). Swedish aid must also work for a strong and diverse communication environment, and laws and policies that facilitate press freedom, free media, cultural diversity and the right to cultural expression, and the use of free, open and secure information and communication technology. The access of women and girls to media and access to and exercising of culture are to be particularly strengthened. 5.2Sub-objective 2: Better opportunities for people living in poverty to contribute to and benefit from economic growth and obtain a good education The Governments assessment: The following results are particularly important for achieving the sub-objective Better opportunities for people living in poverty to contribute to and benefit from economic growth and obtain a good education: -Improved access to good quality education -and better jobs -inclusive and efficient markets -Increased food security -High-quality research relevant to the fight against poverty -Improved access to social protection -Improved access to open and secure information and communication technology -Greater capacity to tackle the opportunities and challenges brought about by migration and mobility Economically, socially and environmentally sustainable growth is essential to create preconditions for better living conditions for people living in poverty and under oppression. Sustainable growth strengthens opportunities to finance social protection and education for all, while improving opportunities for self-sufficiency. When women and men who live in poverty contribute to the economy, their opportunities to also benefit from economic growth are increased. Aid therefore has an important role in promoting the opportunity of the individual to participate in the economy. The right to education is a human right. Access to good quality education is crucial to the individual and for the development of society. Good quality education for all is also a necessary tool enabling individuals to participate in the economy and contribute to and benefit from economic growth. Investments in good quality education, especially in the education of girls, are of fundamental importance for poverty reduction and long-term sustainable development. Education is also the key to a democratic society and promoting equity and gender equality. The children of educated women are better equipped to make life choices and create a good future for themselves. The Government is driven by the conviction that all development derives from the individual. In other words, change and development largely come about as a result of peoples own drive, whether this concerns education, work or enterprise. Sustainable growth that leads to increased incomes for women and men living in poverty enables them to take charge of, and change, the conditions under which they live. People being able to work to support themselves and gain access to education is not only a prerequisite for growth but also crucial to individual empowerment. 2013/14:131 There are a number of obstacles to the opportunities of people living in poverty to participate in the economy. Many children around the world, particularly girls, do not have access to good-quality, basic education, or leave school early. A lack of access to natural resources and nutritious food keeps people in poverty. In many low income countries, the increase in agricultural productivity has tailed off in recent decades. In poor countries, a large proportion of people work long days for low pay in difficult conditions. People who live in poverty also work to a larger extent in the informal economy, where working conditions are insecure and productivity is low. Local, national and international markets need to be more inclusive for people who live in poverty. There must be greater opportunities for people living in poverty to participate in the formal economy and benefit from growth. The majority of poor countries also have insufficient resources to meet the need for self-produced research, to tackle the problems and challenges that the country and its inhabitants face. up a domestic analysis and research capacity is part of a long-term sustainable path away from aid dependency. Research must therefore be seen as an integrated part of work to achieve results within all sub-objectives. Macroeconomic stability, including the absence of high inflation and debt crises, is essential for economic growth, sound public finances and public investment, for example in infrastructure and in more productive jobs in the formal economy. Macroeconomic instability and weak government institutions make it for many poor countries to build up well-functioning tax systems. It is clear that without sustainable economic growth, wider and longterm sustainable development is impossible. To contribute towards the overarching objective of aid, economic growth alone is not sufficient. It is also necessary that economic growth benefits the poorest. However, aid can only affect how economic resources are distributed in partner countries to a limited extent. The focus of Swedish aid must therefore be to improve the opportunities of people living in poverty to contribute to the economy and benefit from economic growth themselves. 5.2.1Improved access to good quality education aid must be focused on ensuring that children living in poverty and in other vulnerable situations, particularly girls, are able to complete good-quality education without discrimination. Children and young people with disabilities often lack sufficient education, which contributes towards marginalisation and can lead to exclusion from the job market and to poverty. aid must derive from a holistic approach to education systems, including the importance of good quality teacher training and further training, and promote access to good quality education at all levels of education and throughout peoples lives. Education must be seen as an important part of the work to achieve all sub-objectives, not least sub-objective 1, and strengthen human rights. The importance of education for countries and people that find themselves in conflict and post-conflict situations must be particularly The low level of education of women in general in low and middle- Comm. 2013/14:131 income countries can often be attributed to social norms and values which dictate that women and girls must take responsibility for unpaid labour in the home, including the care of children, the sick and the elderly. Swedish aid must therefore highlight and help to change such attitudes and also support opportunities for non-traditional education and career choices for girls and boys alike. Higher education and vocational education are of great importance for a growing formal labour market and for increased productivity. There is currently a lack of relevant vocational training to match the demand in the job market and access to such education is not equitable, particularly for women. Today higher education is more important than ever in order to meet the new demands of the knowledge society. aid must therefore encourage higher education and vocational training. It is particularly important to strengthen womens rights to education throughout their lifetime, such that they are able to obtain jobs or run companies. 5.2.2More and better jobs Increased supply of more productive jobs is the key to improved living conditions for people who live in poverty and for poor countries. For this reason, Swedish aid must contribute to improving the prerequisites for the private sector to create more and better jobs and to increase the level of employment and level of income among the groups often discriminated against or excluded from the labour market, for example women, young people and people with disabilities. Fundamental requirements in terms of health and safety and the work environment must be encouraged, as must the growth of functioning, democratic and independent employee and employer organisations. Segregated job markets and gender discrimination have a negative effect on productivity and thereby also on a countrys economic growth. Excluding large proportions of the population from the job market is not only problematic from a rights perspective; it is also inefficient in economic terms. Swedish aid must therefore counter gender-discriminatory and gendersegregated job markets and promote equal access for women and men to employment under decent working conditions, including the possibility of combining family and paid employment in with the ILOs Decent Work Agenda. The work that older people perform in caring for children and the sick is often of great importance in enabling other family members to work outside the home. Initiatives to increase employment are of particular importance in post-conflict situations, to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people and to prevent lapsing back into conflict. Aid must promote entrepreneurship, innovation and a favourable business climate, partly by expanding services for business development, promoting financial systems that meet the needs of the self-employed and encouraging sustainable enterprise. It is particularly important to support women who are entrepreneurs and run their own businesses. must also highlight companies responsibility for society and 2013/14:131 sustainable development, for example, in line with international standards and principles, taking responsibility for human rights, signing up to principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and combatting tax avoidance. Swedish aid must particularly focus on sectors that are of direct relevance to the employment and income of people living in poverty and that contribute to the structural changes that promote inclusive, sustainable growth, including initiatives to increase the degree of value added in production, and diversification from sectors that produce raw materials to the manufacturing and services sectors. Aid must contribute towards formalising the informal economy, where this benefits individuals opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty. Closer ties between the formal and informal economies and a formalisation of informal activities will be given priority. 5.2.3More inclusive and efficient markets For the private sector to be able to contribute to economic growth, more inclusive, open and effective markets which provide access to jobs, products, sales opportunities and financial services are required. This provides better opportunities for women and men to permanently lift themselves out of poverty. Secure ownership and rights of use to land are crucial to the opportunities of individuals and companies to invest. Infrastructure is needed to ensure that producers have access to markets and to link markets within any given country and with international markets. Deficient transport systems, complex regulations and corruption entail high costs. Developed financial markets are necessary if the private sector is to be able to gain access to capital and translate this into economic growth and more jobs. Swedish aid must contribute to creating more inclusive, efficient markets, partly by supporting and up functioning institutions, strengthening public systems for rights of ownership and by investing in infrastructure, particularly in poor and marginalised areas. Trade contributes towards more efficient production and enables increased employment and economic growth in that the private sector is able to specialise and participate in local, regional and global value chains. This creates expanding markets for companies and improves access to intermediate goods and services. must contribute towards the integration of poor countries both in international and regional markets, and being able to make use of increased opportunities for trade and more open markets. This includes support for up institutions and strengthened capacity to negotiate on and implement international trade agreements, including for those countries forging closer ties with the EU and for the Southern Neighbourhood. For example goods must meet certain standards in order to be exported, for example. Inefficient trade facilitation procedures and high tariffs constitute barriers for low-income countries being able to Comm. 2013/14:131 benefit from the advantages of trade. A sustainable increase in agricultural productivity is a prerequisite for achieving food security and thereby also sustainable economic development. Guaranteed access to nutritious and safe food is a right and a fundamental prerequisite for a decent life and the opportunity for people to contribute to the economy. Swedish aid must contribute towards agriculture in poor countries becoming more productive – partly to enable farmers themselves to earn a living and partly to create excess production for local, national, regional and international markets. Promoting more inclusive and efficient value chains for food is of great importance in enabling small producers to meet the growing demand for food. A reduction in waste of agricultural products between production and consumption also contributes towards food security. Ensuring food security is a complex challenge in which hunger, malnutrition and food shortages often have many causes. Among them are poverty and weak infrastructure; a lack of land that can be cultivated, secure rights of ownership, capital and genetic resources such as seed and breeding animals; and inefficient and outdated farming methods. For people to produce food, they need to feel secure in their rights of ownership and rights of use of agricultural land, fishing resources and land for other investments. Women rarely have rights to the land they farm or full rights of determination over what they produce. Swedish aid must therefore contribute towards women having the same access as men to credit, technology, input goods and advice, as well as equal rights to land. This strengthens the role of women in agricultural production and their opportunities of making a living from this. Local environmental degradation and global climate change pose major challenges to food security. The poorest groups are often particularly vulnerable to extreme events such as drought, flooding and outbreaks of animal diseases and plant pests. For this reason, Swedish aid must particularly prioritise strengthening the ability of smallholder farmers to withstand temporary shocks, as well as the ability to adapt to long-term change, such as global .