CSO Empowerment in Belarus

Lithuanian NGO Information and Support Centre in cooperation with Belarussian Centre for Social Innovations this year launch a two-year Project to facilitate the development of a sustainable social policy in Belarus, in particular on poverty reduction and social inclusion. The project is financed by the European Commission.

Due to political restrictions and the informational isolation of the country, non-governmental organisations lack knowledge, skills and capacities to effectively address poverty reduction and social exclusion issues and establish cooperation with relevant authorities. Moreover, Belarussian NGOs have fragmental communication and informational channels with other relevant organizations from the EU. Belarussian regional and even local authorities being under direct regulation of the central government, take a passive role in the execution of their functions, having little understanding of the international policies and no capacities and instruments to develop and implement social strategies. The Belarussian general public is also accustomed to the top-down approach and takes little initiative to participate in the process at local level.

The project will aim:

• To encourage Belarussian civil society to participate actively in the development and implementation of social policy and strengthen cooperation among Belarussian CSOs;
• To establish a platform for cooperation of Belarussian CSOs and local communities with local authorities and other stakeholders;
• To empower Belarussian NGOs to participate in policy dialogue;
• To establish partnerships between Belarussian and EU CSOs.

For more information about the Lithuanian NGO Information and Support Centre and the project please visit http://www.nisc.lt/ or contact info@nisc.lt.

Information provided by Olia Zuravliova, NGO Information and Support Centre