R.C.S.A.R.A.T 
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| R.C.S.A.R.A.T |
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 Regional Civil Society Action for Raising Awareness and Tolerance “Regional Civil Society Action for Raising Awareness and Tolerance” is the project implemented by the Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms, NGO from Pristina, as a leading agency and regional partner. The leading partner implements the activities in cooperation with the NGO Fractal from Belgrade, Citizens Association for development of Democracy Initiative for European Perspective from Skopje and Development Education Center, European Perspective, DECEP a non-profit organization as EU partner. The action is developed within the post conflict context and the European pre accession process. The ethnic minorities are significant part of the region’s history, but relations with the dominant populations have been a factor of destabilization in the region. Although West Balkans has been a multi – ethnic region throughout the centuries, the co existence of different ethnic groups has not always been peaceful and harmonic. Following the disintegration of the Former Yugoslavia and the armed conflicts, the relations among ethnic groups have seriously deteriorated. During the last years the relations among the minority and majority groups in the region have been improved, especially taking into consideration that this has been a post conflict environment, but still there are a lot of challenges especially in the field of the awareness about the rights of the minorities, the participation in the decision making process, the overall improvement of the perception of the possibilities of cooperation among the communities and the dissemination of the principles of respect of the rule of law and the respect of equality and non discrimination. The specific objective of the action is widening and more effective participation of civil society (organisations and private persons focusing on participation of minorities) in the decision making process and in the improvement of the capacities of the local authorities to cooperate with the civil society in an effective way. By focusing on the grassroots approach, active members of each local community will be encouraged to participate in the process which will lead to the development of their capacities, the expansion of the results and the improvement of cooperation of civil society and especially minority groups with authorities. The overall objectives of the action are: • To increase participation of minorities groups in the decision making process on local, nation and regional level • To increase capacities for self – advocacy and to create opportunities for participation of minority communities in forums of communication and institutions • To create transparent channels for communication among civil society and authorities • Build the capacities of the local authorities to cooperate with civil society and increase their awareness of the existing legal framework, on best practices of other regions in West Balkans and best practises of other regions in Europe • Increase visibility of participation of minorities groups • To increase public awareness on opportunities, mechanism and legal frameworks • Promote the basic principles of European Institutions; human dignity, liberty; equality, rule of law, human rights, respect of diversity/ non discrimination • Promote the inter ethnic dialogue • Promote the participation of the social minorities (apart from the ethnic) and the equal participation of men and women • To create a network of civil society that will cooperate with the authorities for raising awareness and promoting the equality and minority rights as well as human rights The municipalities in the region which will be actively involved in the project are the following: Istok/g, Klina/e, Viti/Vitina, Ferizaj/Urosevac, Obiliq/ć, Fushe Kosove/Kosovo polje, Prizren, Mitrovica, Bujanovac, Subotica, Prijepolje, Dolneni, Chair, Gazi Baba. Target groups: - Members of ethnic minority groups in targeted municipalities (men, women, youth, community leaders) - Members of ethnic majority groups in targeted municipalities - Local civil society organisations and networks of civil society in Western Balkans - Local authorities International and EU institutions will be informed about the project activities and where applicable will be involved in the project activities. National authorities related with minorities and communities will be directly involved in the project. With this project we will: • Assist the minority groups and the civil society organizations and relevant authorities to establish a regular and organized communication channels • Increase the awareness on issues and legislation of minorities and in that way contribute to the achievement of standards for protection and equality • Build the capacities of the target group to advocate and become aware of the relevant mechanisms and institutions that can assist them • Promote the exchange of views and practices for the protection of minorities and the participation in public life though the inclusion in the process of the civil society and the interaction among civil society organizations, authorities and members of the communities in the region • The project results will have multiplying effects since the participants in the project will be the ones that will transfer the positive experience and the knowledge acquired to other members of the communities • Civil society organizations will increase their capacities and know - how • The publications that will be one of the results of the project (web page and manual) will assist the civil society organizations and the broader public to become aware of the problems and the best practices • Contribute to the establishment of efficient ways of participatory – solution oriented dialogue initially in local level and in regional level |