Consortium for Networking and Development(COND)has provided an awareness-creation training on the revised Civil Society Organizations Proclamation No. 294/2017 for representatives of civil society organizations.
Opening the training, the Head of the Amhara Regional Justice Bureau, Ato Birhanu Goshim, stated that civil society organizations play a crucial role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, promoting transparent and accountable governance, and fostering an organized and socially responsible community. He noted that the recognition of this vital role was a key reason for the revision and approval of the proclamation.
Ato Birhanu called on participants to actively engage with the revised proclamation and related regulations to ensure their effective implementation.
Speaking on the rationale behind the amendment, Justice Bureau Public Prosecutor Alelign Agumasese explained that the proclamation was revised to align it with the federal Civil Society Organizations Proclamation currently in force. He added that the revision also takes into account the country’s current social, economic, political, and practical realities, with the aim of strengthening charitable and development activities.
Presenting international experiences, Dr. Gemachis Teshome of PDN highlighted the significant contributions of civil society actors worldwide, particularly in addressing good governance challenges. He emphasized that independent, lawful, and well-regulated civil society organizations can bring about meaningful and lasting change.
Similarly, COND Executive Director Ato Negatu Desta stressed that civil society organizations are essential to democracy, stating that no country can fully realize democratic governance without a strong and active civil society. He also underscored the irreplaceable role of such organizations in promoting peace and positive social interaction.
Participants in the forum commended the Amhara Regional Justice Bureau for its commitment, noting that beyond revising the proclamation, the provision of awareness-creation training demonstrates the Bureau’s determination to ensure effective implementation of the law.