Istanbul Principles-a CFCA Case Study
January 1, 2013
Istanbul Principles illustrated through Case Studies
When the Canadian Counsel for International Cooperation (CCIC)conducted a series of workshops in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba on the Istanbul Principles, the first thing people asked for was a set of case studies to help them translate these new international norms into practice. For many, the Principles felt too abstract, and case studies would help generate ideas on what groups could be doing to enhance their practice. In response, CCIC generated a set of over twenty case studies from a range of different organizations from across the country. They profile some of the best and most innovative practice within the development and humanitarian sector as it relates to the eight principles and issues.
THE ISTANBUL PRINCIPLES FOR CSO DEVELOPMENT EFFECTIVENESS
Istanbul Principle 1
Respect and promote human rights and social justice
Istanbul Principle 2
Embody gender equality and equity while promoting women and girls’ rights
Istanbul Principle 3
Focus on people’s empowerment, democratic ownership and participation
Istanbul Principle 4
Promote Environmental Sustainability
Istanbul Principle 5
Practice transparency and accountability
Istanbul Principle 6
Pursue equitable partnerships and solidarity
Istanbul Principle 7
Create and share knowledge and commit to mutual learning
Istanbul Principle 8
Commit to realizing positive sustainable change
While Change for Children’s Nicaragua Water Project could illustrate ALL of the best practices outlined in the IPs, it was selected as the case study for Istanbul Principle #3: Focus on People’s Empowerment, Democratic Ownership and Participation.
Among the Best practices sited from this project are:
BEST PRACTICES
-Formation of gender-inclusive “Community Water Committees” to manage water and environmental resources, and facilitate regional advocacy for water as a human right;
-Creating pathways for women to be involved in decision-making — many for the rst time in their lives. One of the unexpected results of this project was the creation of Chinandega’s rst all-female baseball league. Women
beneficiaries began spending less time walking to gather water and firewood, and through their involvement in the CWCs, also wanted to develop capacity for organized recreation.
Read the entire case study here.
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Central America and the Caribbean Nicaragua Uncategorised Water