Evaluate the Role of the Civil Society

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4.1 Evaluate the role of the civil society in the democratization process of human rights.
Introduction
A civil society is comprised of groups or organizations working in the interest of the citizens but
operating outside of the governmental and for-profit sectors. Organizations and institutions that make up
civil society include labor unions, non-profit organizations, churches, and other service agencies that
provide an important service to society but generally ask for very little in return.
Civil society is sometimes referred to as the civil sector, a term that is used to differentiate it from other
sectors that comprise a functioning society. For example, the United States is made up of three sectors:
the public sector, which is the government and its branches; the private sector, which includes
businesses and corporations; and the civil sector, which includes the organizations that act in the public's
interest but are not motivated by profit or government.
Indispensible role of civil society importantly contributes to perpetuation and promotion of human rights
in a society that no one can ignore this important role.
Rights of the citizens are one of the most important values of modern civil society, which is weaved to
inalienable civil freedoms of citizens.
Legal researchers and anthropologists believe that civil society and its significant role builds the legal
base of democratic states.
Civil society is not only promoting and strengthening human rights values but also strengthening
legitimacy of democratic states. These are two main pillars of rule of law and push the states towards
transparency and accountability. Another important issue is that civil society plays magnificent role in
strengthening political participation of citizens.
This role also contributes to the legitimacy, and more importantly is strengthening democratic structures
within the states therefore civil society streamlines democratic values in state structures.
While talking about the role of civil society in strengthening human rights the question of establishment
and acquirement of civil society is arose controversially.
Experts and professionals believe civil society has been established when a person claimed that this plot
of land is mine.
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This argument clarifies the stand of a free person to claim his/her property rights and the right of access to
his/her property. Additionally this argument indicates freedom of speech and distinguishes individual
rights of citizens as well as public property from state properties.
This argument is an individual stand and reveals the transition of human being from natural situation to a
new period which is called Social Contract.
Consequently for the sake of protection and maintaining of the rights and social contracts people sought
and need political representative, undoubtedly the government.
The experience of tyrant governments made the nations to think about mechanisms to rein uncontrollable
power of tyrant governments and force them being transparent and accountable. Establishment and
strengthening of well functioning civil society is one of these mechanisms.
Role of the Civil Society
Civil society and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have the power to influence individual
behavior and the institutions that are involved in healthy diet and physical activity promotion.
• lead grass-roots mobilization and advocate that healthy diets and physical activity for children should
be placed on the public agenda;
• support the wide dissemination of information on the prevention of noncommunicable diseases in
children through balanced, healthy diets and physical activity;
• form networks and action groups to promote the availability of healthy foods and possibilities for
physical activity in children;
• Advocate and support health-promoting programmes and health education campaigns for children;
• Monitor and work with other stakeholders such as private sector entities;
• Contribute to putting knowledge and evidence into practice.
• Watchdog: holding institutions to account, promoting transparency and accountability
• Advocate: raising awareness of societal issues and challenges and advocating for change
• Service provider: delivering services to meet societal needs such as education, health, food and
security implementing disaster management, preparedness and emergency response
• Expert: bringing unique knowledge and experience to shape policy and strategy, and identifying and
building solutions
• Capacity builder: providing education, training and other capacity building
• Incubator: developing solutions that may require a long gestation or payback period
• Representative: giving power to the voice of the marginalized or under-represented
• Citizenship champion: encouraging citizen engagement and supporting the rights of citizens
• Solidarity supporter: promoting fundamental and universal values

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Strengths and weaknesses of the Civil Society in the Democratic era
Strengths
• CSOs are generally open to networking and exchange of information. The creation of networks and
encouraging civic participation through a range of organizations offers better opportunities for active
citizens
• Civil society organizations (especially think tanks) have better capacities to influence policies and
achieve greater impact
• CSOs’ advocacy and lobbying activity is fully supported by, and well-grounded in research work and
analysis;
• There is currently an upward trend in state actors willingness to cooperate with CSOs, although often
driven by a pro-forma approach;
• CSOs human resources and capacities are often attractive to political and governmental actors. Yet,
once involved in politics, former civil society members have failed to facilitate a greater impact of
civil society;
• CSOs are generally flexible and efficient in adjusting to developing situations or sectors;
• Compared to state institutions, CSOs are better equipped with, and more aware of communication
opportunities, particularly with regard to interactions with beneficiaries and foreign/international
bodies;
• CSOs have reached a higher level of efficiency in human resources management as compared to state
agencies;
• There is a high level of sensitivity among citizens on specific situations or the needs of certain social
groups (marginalized communities, people in need etc.);
• Civil society has been quite successful in promoting certain values such as religious harmony,
interethnic relations or good neighborly relations at the national and regional level;
• Well targeted activities of CSOs do succeed in attracting citizens’ support (for instance trainings for
people in need or marginalized categories, e.g. unemployed women).
Weaknesses
• Citizens are sceptical of civil society and perceive CSOs mainly as a source of financial benefits.
Civic participation often depends on the profile and credibility of CSOs
• CSOs do not rely on consultations with citizens and interest groups during involvement in policy
making processes
• Low levels of civic participation are often the consequence of policy / decision makers
underestimating the values of civic actions and initiatives
• Civil society is widely perceived as, and identified only with nonprofit organizations;
• The painful transition period has lead to individualistic attitudes and apathy towards volunteering;