Dimension: 6.3.1 Engaging civil society organizations

This dimension focuses on the engagement of CSOs in the work of parliament.

Having CSOs participate in parliamentary processes brings additional opinions and expertise into the discussion. CSO participation can contribute to more informed policymaking and has the potential to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable in society. It should therefore be encouraged in a thriving democracy. 

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Aspiring goal

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “engaging civil society organizations” is as follows:

  • The procedures by which CSOs can participate in the work of parliament are set out in the legal framework and/or in rules of procedure.
  • Parliament regularly invites a wide range of CSOs to contribute to the law-making process, oversight activities, parliamentary consultations and committee inquiries.
  • Parliament makes particular efforts to engage with CSOs that help it to connect with hard-to-reach and historically marginalized groups. 

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Assessment criteria

No 1: Legal framework

The legal framework sets out the procedures by which CSOs can participate in the work of parliament. 

No 2: Consultation

Parliament systematically consults with CSOs in its law-making and oversight activities. CSO representatives can access parliamentary premises and attend relevant meetings. Parliament creates tools for engaging CSOs in consultation processes both in person and online. 

No 3: Diversity

Parliament facilitates participation from a broad range of CSOs representing diverse points of view, including those that work with hard-to-reach and historically marginalized groups. Parliament ensures a level playing field for all CSOs that engage with parliament.

How to complete this assessment

This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based. 

The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:

  • Laws or rules of procedure that support consultation with CSOs
  • Clauses specifically focused on remedies for redress where participation obligations are not met
  • Evidence of published information on parliamentary processes

Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.

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Get help with this assessment

The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators. 

Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.

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