Category: Novedades

We are sharing the latest news about the state of civic freedoms in five countries that have raised deep concerns from the CIVICUS Monitor. This organization, dedicated to protecting and promoting civil society rights worldwide, has issued a new watchlist highlighting the severe and rapid deterioration of civic space in Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, the United Arab Emirates, and Senegal.

The CIVICUS Monitor’s watchlist is an important tool that identifies countries where worrisome setbacks in the exercise of civic freedoms have been observed. These findings are based on assessments conducted by the CIVICUS Monitor in collaboration with human rights defenders and activists committed to safeguarding fundamental rights.

The civic space ratings in these countries are as follows:

Senegal: Civic space rated as “obstructed.” Bangladesh: Civic space rated as “repressive.” Bosnia and Herzegovina: Civic space rated as “narrowed.” United Arab Emirates: Civic space rated as “closed.” Ecuador: Civic space rated as “obstructed.”

In the coming weeks and months, the CIVICUS Monitor will continue to closely monitor the situation in these countries and work to increase pressure on the respective governments. CIVICUS urgently calls on these governments to take immediate measures to end ongoing repressive actions and ensure accountability for those responsible.

At RACI, we recognize the importance of supporting organizations like the CIVICUS Monitor that seek to preserve and strengthen civic space worldwide.

We will closely follow this situation and encourage our members to stay informed about these concerns and join efforts to protect civic freedoms worldwide.

Our Executive Committee has approved the establishment of the “Ex-Presidents Committee.”

This new committee represents a dedicated space for safeguarding our mission and institutional principles. At RACI, we firmly believe in the importance of evolving and growing to promote transparency, cooperation, and strength within our community. The creation of the Ex-Presidents Committee is a testament to our ongoing commitment to a more solid and collaborative future.

The founding members of this committee, who have served as presidents of RACI at different times, are:

• Daniel Pomerantz – AMIA
• Kurt Frieder – Huésped Foundation
• Patricia Kahane – Tzedaká Foundation

Each of them brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of RACI’s values and mission. Their previous leadership and dedication to the civil society cause will be instrumental in guiding this new space.

The Ex-Presidents Committee will play an essential role in preserving and strengthening the essence of RACI, ensuring that we continue moving in the right direction and keeping our core values at the heart of everything we do.

We have recently obtained the status of a Consultative Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

ECOSOC plays a vital role in promoting mutual understanding among people and issues, with the aim of fostering collective action to achieve a sustainable world. Obtaining consultative status with this body provides us with a valuable opportunity to engage in its work in various ways.

This new status allows us to:

1. Actively engage with ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies.
2. Designate official representatives to the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the United Nations Offices in Geneva and Vienna.
3. Register and participate in sessions, events, conferences, and activities of the United Nations.
4. Submit written statements relevant to the Council’s work on matters in which we have special expertise.

Furthermore, as an organization with general and special consultative status, we also have the option to designate authorized representatives to attend as observers in public meetings of ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies, the Human Rights Council, and, under certain conditions, the General Assembly and other intergovernmental UN bodies.

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us to contribute even more to global dialogue.

We extend our gratitude to all our members for their unwavering support and commitment to our mission. We will continue to work diligently to make the most of this new consultative status and to further promote positive change on the international stage.

During the week of September 15th to 25th, RACI joined the “Week of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” and extended an invitation to our members to take advantage of the opportunity to share their projects and activities.

It was an opportunity to highlight how their daily efforts are contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and to inspire other organizations to join this transformative cause.

We thank the CSOs that participated:

• Fundación Gracias
• Tablero de Oportunidades 
• Olimpiadas Especiales Argentina
• Mundo Sano
• Fundación San Genaro 
• Enseñá por Argentina
• Fundación Espacios Verdes
• Azul Solidario
• Inmigrantes Digitales
• Adeei
• Equidad
• Sumando
• León
• AMIA
• Comunicación para la igualdad 
• Cultura del Trabajo 
• América Solidaria 
• Fundación magis
• Fundacion Vicentina 
• Eco House Global
• La base 
• Kunayán
• FUNDAPAZ

We will continue to support and promote the work of CSOs, and we appreciate all the organizations that participated in this Week of Action for the SDGs. Your contributions are a testament to how civil society is leading the way towards a more sustainable and just world.

We share the latest update on the progress we have made as part of our collaboration in Sociedad Civil en Red (SCR).

We met with authorities from the European Economic and Social Committee, where we discussed fundamental issues related to gender equality, human rights, and democratic governance. We also visited the Argentine Ambassador to the European Union, Atilio Berardi, to strengthen ties and discuss matters of mutual interest.

One of the most enriching aspects of this experience was the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the social economy promoted by the European Union (EU), which opens up new perspectives for strengthening our CSOs. Additionally, we shared agendas and perspectives with entities such as Oxfam, SOLIDAR & SOLIDAR Foundation, CNCD-11.11.11, Concord, and Wetlands International, allowing us to establish valuable collaborative connections.

Sociedad Civil en Red (SCR) is a multi-actor space of federations and networks of Argentine Civil Society, and RACI is an integral part of this group. Our collaboration is part of the project “Civil Society in Network to Consolidate Democracy,” funded by the European Union (EU), with the aim of strengthening civil society and improving its participation and influence in the processes of defining and implementing public policies. We aspire to be a promoter of collaborative spaces committed to integrating different levels of collective work, promoting the consolidation of a powerful civil society with a local, regional, and global perspective.

This experience in Brussels represents a significant step towards achieving these goals and expanding our international collaborations.

We traveled to Morocco with I4C!

In the company of our allies from Innovation for Change (I4C), we had the opportunity to explore Morocco. During our stay, we participated in a series of activities aimed at promoting social innovation and positive change.

The trip allowed us to firsthand experience the unique perspectives of the region regarding innovation and social development. We collaborated with various local actors and shared our experiences in the field of civil society in Argentina.

Our visit to Morocco was not only an opportunity to learn and share knowledge but also to strengthen our international connections and broaden our vision of how to address social challenges in a global context.

Enseñá por Argentina is an organization committed to educational transformation in the most vulnerable communities in our country.

We were received by some of their team members, who shared their experiences, innovative ideas, and their vision for the future, demonstrating their commitment to redefining education and ensuring that all children and young people have access to high-quality comprehensive education.

Their mission is to build a diverse movement of individuals committed to education in socioeconomically vulnerable communities. Through collective leadership, they strive to reimagine education and ensure that each individual has access to education that not only enhances their abilities but also empowers them as agents of change in their communities.

They are currently present in seven regions across the country: Buenos Aires, CABA (Autonomous City of Buenos Aires), Salta, Neuquén, Río Negro, Mendoza, and Córdoba. This strategic expansion allows them to effectively address the educational needs of diverse communities.

One of the highlights they shared with us was their focus on “Alumni,” those professionals who have graduated from the Social and Educational Leadership Program. Enseñá por Argentina aims for these graduates to continue making an impact in the education system from various areas of action, thus contributing to sustainable and lasting transformation.

The organization critically analyzes the educational situation in our country, especially in the most vulnerable populations. They focus on addressing the educational gap and challenging a system that often perpetuates social inequalities.

Thank you very much for welcoming us!

During the week of August 14th to 18th, RACI was present in Guatemala for the meeting of the Regional Executive Committee and the Innovation for Change Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) team.

The main purpose of this meeting was to assess the impact and progress of the work carried out by the group in promoting an enabling space and fostering innovation throughout the region. During these days, future plans and strategies were evaluated with the aim of providing Civil Society Organizations with strong tools for their strengthening and for the creation of a civic environment conducive to their development.

Some of the key points addressed during this gathering included:

2024 Roadmap: Time and effort were dedicated to developing a roadmap that will guide actions and goals in the coming year, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and the advancement of civil society in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Membership Strategy: The membership strategy was discussed in order to strengthen the community of committed actors. The inclusion of new members is essential to expand the reach and impact of initiatives.

New Activities Generated from the Hub: New activities and projects to be driven from the Innovation for Change LAC hub were explored. These projects are designed to address key challenges in the region and promote collaboration among organizations.

Identification of Best Practices: Effective working practices that have proven successful in strengthening civil society in Latin America and the Caribbean were highlighted and shared.

Impact Measurement: Special emphasis was placed on measuring the impact of actions carried out by RACI and its members. Ongoing evaluation is essential to ensure that objectives are being met and positive change is being generated.

On August 31st, we were at the New Zealand Embassy in Argentina participating in the closing event of the latest edition of the fund. During this meeting, the representatives of each of the winning organizations of this edition of the fund shared with us the results and impact generated by their projects in the communities where they were implemented.

In this last edition of the Fund, the New Zealand Embassy supported four organizations from Argentina and Paraguay in the following projects:

León Foundation: with the aim of strengthening water security and youth participation for the sustainable local development of the Quilmes indigenous community in Tucumán.

Patagonia Natural Foundation: seeking sustainable improvement in the quality of life in school villages on the Patagonian steppe through the use of renewable energies (solar thermal).

Moisés Bertoni Foundation: with the objective of increasing access to food security and nutrition for the Mby’a indigenous community in Tacuaro, Paraguay.

Strategic Forum for National Development Foundation: with the goal of reducing the use of wood and charcoal fuel until replaced by renewable sources and educating on the efficient and rational use of energy in Entre Ríos.

On another note, we want to share that the New Zealand Embassy in Argentina has decided to work on finding a new approach to optimize resources and maximize the reach and impact of the Fund. For this reason, there will be no usual call for project proposals for the 2023-24 edition.

This decision recognizes and takes into account the continuous efforts of organizations in Argentina and Paraguay and is part of a broader process of rethinking and redesigning effective strategies to maximize our contribution to the local community in Argentina and Paraguay.

We remain committed to seeking new channels of support for civil society and establishing new partnerships that can enhance the impact of their actions.

To facilitate RACI’s management and to quantify our achievements, progress, and impact, we strategically plan our actions in five-year periods. We are currently in the midterm stage of our 2020-2025 strategic plan, with the central objective being the strengthening of Civil Society, around which the following pillars revolve: coordination, advocacy, research, and institutional development.

The concept of strengthening is based on the premise of the need to achieve a sustainable and diverse civil society, primarily independent, which, through collaborative and cooperative efforts, will create or push for an enabling and conducive environment.

After making the implementation of the strategic plan possible as a result of a dialogue exercise involving various civil society actors, member organizations, allies, and institutions, in 2022, the team that forms the network conducted two working sessions to assess internal planning.

The next step was to present the evaluation of our 2020-2025 strategic plan to our members. To do this, we gathered at the space provided by the Williams Foundation, where we reviewed achievements and analyzed results.

This meeting represented an enriching exchange to review and improve key aspects of our network. Our focus is on creating an even deeper and more relevant impact within our community.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Williams Foundation for providing the space and to all the individuals present, whose contributions and perspectives are contributing to our continuous growth.

With the purpose of showcasing our commitment on the global stage and our determination to bring the best to our members, we want to highlight how RACI is strengthening its engagement in global networks through active participation in AGNA (Affinity Group of National Associations).

AGNA is a network that brings together organizations from around the world with the aim of promoting cooperation beyond national and regional boundaries. This alliance not only creates opportunities for innovative collaborations but also enhances the impact of civil society on a global scale.

AGNA serves as a crucial platform for empowering people to organize, mobilize, and take action. Through this alliance, meaningful opportunities are generated for networks to connect, engage, and influence global government institutions and processes. This movement is an affirmation of the collective power and transformative influence that civil society can wield in the world.

By actively participating in AGNA, we are reinforcing our commitment to global networks and demonstrating our unwavering determination to bring the latest information, trends, and opportunities to our members. We are committed to deepening our network efforts, amplifying AGNA’s work worldwide, and solidifying the position of civil society as an influential actor on the international stage.