Description
The project „Participatory Democracy. Piloting a citizen’s initiative for interethnic communities in Romania” comes in the context of a weak participation of citizens in the governance process. The objectives of the project are: Provision of training for staff from 3 NGOs in capacity building relevant fields; Community development in 30 communities in order to solve at least one of the common problems identified in a participatory way; Stimulation and piloting of a citizens’ initiative which will reflect the development priorities identified and gathering min 15000 signatures. The expected results are: an increase of the advocacy capacity of NGOs; solving at least one problem identified in interethnic communities and an increase of the level of involvement of citizens in the local governance; starting a citizens’ initiative meant to introduce on public agendas measures for the development of poor interethnic communities. The beneficiaries of the project are 300 citizens from initiative groups in 30 interethnic communities and 3 NGOs active in Roma inclusion. Min. 15000 citizens will be informed and sensitized regarding the citizens’ initiative.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the “Participatory Democracy. Piloting a Citizens' Initiative for interethnic communities from Romania” project was to stimulate participatory democracy by solving a stringent issue for disadvantaged communities in Romania. Thus, following a consultation process, the theme of the initiative was established: universal access to drinking water in Romania. 1,3% of urban and respectively 28,3% of rural localities did not have a public water distribution network in 2013, and 79,8% of Romanian localities did not have a sewage system. 30 initiative groups have been involved in collecting signatures, in order to make visible the problem of access to water in Romania. Access to drinking water is a problem that affects Roma and non-Roma equally, and identifying this common problem also stimulated interethnic cooperation. Campaign initiative has been extended nationally. The largest activity was collecting signatures, and additionally, public figures sent messages of support and movies of the communities where access to water is limited, were made and promoted. At the end of the campaign, an estimated number of 20,000 signatures was achieved and will be submitted to the Romanian Parliament with the following requests: to make a mapping of the current situation regarding access to drinkable water in Romania, to introduce on the public agenda as a priority assuring universal access to drinkable quality water, to identify the most efficient solutions and methods so that all Romanian citizens can be guaranteed the right to water. In Romania, democratic and participatory attitudes are not well developed due to multiple factors, especially historical ones. 25 years after the revolution, the citizens of Romania are still not prepared to fight for their rights. The project represents a step in helping people become real citizens. Throughout project activities, communities involved learned how to claim their rights.
Summary of bilateral results