UN has to work not to replace but to reinforce local NGOs with equal partnership and transparency

BDCSOProcess a forum of 700 local NGO/CSO today have their 3rd day and concluding session title “UN in 75: Interfacing Government and Civil Society for Development and Sustainable Peace”.

In the programme, they have a call reaffirming to support UN for multilateralism in international level and should give more focus on promoting human rights and sustainable peace.

But in national level they urge UN not to replace rather to reinforce local CSO/NGOs with equal partnership and transparency, so that it is the local NGO/CSO will lead the humanitarian response and development.

Especially including in Rohingya response UN should limit their role only in monitoring and technical assistance.

The concluding session was chaired by Ms. Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

Mr. Nazrul Islam, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs join the programme as a chief Guest

This session was moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, National Coordinator, and BDCSO.

Special Guest was Mr. Roberto Bissio, Social Watch, Uruguay; expert speakers were, Ms. Smruti Patel, A4EP, Switzerland; Mr. Keonraad Van Brabant GMI, Switzerland; Dr. Dipankar Dutta, Oxfam International; Mr. Kazi Feisal Bin Siraj, The Asia Foundation; Md. Rafiqul Islam, FNB; Mr. Arifur Rahman, YPSA; Mr. Mohsin Ali, WAVE Foundation; Mr. Abu Morshed Chowdhury, Coxsbazar Chamber of Commerce, PHALS & CCNF; Mr., Fayezullah Chowdhury, BUP; Ms. Momotaz Khatun, Ashroy Foundation; and Mr. Rafiqul Islam Khokan of RUPANTAR. A lot of grass root leaders have also spoken.

Ms. Shaheen Anam said that, in international level we will fight for UN to uphold multilateralism, but in national level, UN should not consider that we are in other part, local NGOs has to be treated with equality. She expressed full solidarity and respect to the human dignity to Rohigyas, but Local NGOs leadership should not be undermined. Mr. Nazrul Islam said that UN CSO and Multilateralism should have synergy, government recognize leadership role of local NGOs in grass root.

Mr. Roberto Bissio has explain in what funding dynamics UN has to work, that only 2 % fund has to go to human rights, UN has only flexibility in 20 % fund, while 80 % are earmarked by donors. Rich country down play UN and peace effort, while they pay per person $ 273 for militarization but they only pay per person only $ 7 for UN. While budget for New York police budget is $ 5.2 billion, compare to this UN core budget is around $ 3.07 billion. In past UN Resident Coordinator has to report to UNDP now it is to UN Assistant Secretary General. As UN money is tax payers’ money then UN has to ensure full transparency and accountability to the national government and local people, where they are working.

Ms. Smruti Patel said that, local NGO voice should be heard in UN top level, UN has to show accountability to local actors for aid money.

Mr. Keonraad Van Brabant said that, in respect of peace building and campaign against gender and all other violence, Rohingya leaders have to be brought in forefront.

Dr. Dipankar Dutta said that, rather than talking about UN reform, there should be discussion on what their commitment is and how much they have fulfilled that.

Mr. Kazi Feisal Bin Siraj said, Bangladeshi NGOs are in so matured that they should not be undermined, it is not 1971.

Mr. Abu Morshed Chowdhury expressed hope that UN agencies will not further day to declare and implementation of localization road map, present crisis of violence in Rohingya camps cannot be minimized without participation of local NGOs and local govt.