APRM Resources for Civil Society

The South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) has worked to mobilise and inform civil society so they can actively participate and drive the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process in their countries. The following are downloadable resources on the APRM for civil society from SAIIA.

The APRM cites some 81 African and global standards that are the basis of its governance reviews. “APRM Governance Standards: An Indexed Collection” is an indexed collection, at 604 pages it is the most complete collection of African governance standards available anywhere. The downloadable files are available at http://www.saiia.org.za/images/upload/7601AfricanPeerReviewStandards.pdf.

“Planning an Effective Peer Review: A Guidebook for National Focal Points” is concise guide to the APRM which is available in French, Portuguese and English. Based on SAIIA’s extensive work on APRM and originally produced for a training seminar run jointly with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, this guidebook takes the reader through the institutions and processes of peer review, and gives advice on how best to approach and run the process. The guidebook is available for download in English at http://saiia.org.za/images/upload/apr_focal_point_guide_20070803_en.pdf. But can also be found in Portuguese and French at http://www.saiia.org.za/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=858

“Influencing APRM: A Checklist for Civil Society” is a guidebook that provides practical strategies and advice to help civil society organisations to enhance their participation in the African Peer Review Mechanism. Based on lessons from the early countries, civil society should seek to influence each stage of the process, using networking, persuasion, participation as well as the media and public pressure, and develop plans to target the many players involved at both national and continental levels. The guidebook is available for download in English at http://saiia.org.za/images/upload/aprm_cso_guidebook_20070620_en.pdf or in French and Portuguese by visiting http://www.saiia.org.za/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=858.

SAIIA can assist organisations and governments to understand the APRM processes, how to prepare submissions and how best to influence the process. SAIIA have worked with parliamentarians, governments, civil society and journalists across the continent, including Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania. If you need help understanding the APRM process, assistance in making a submission or would like SAIIA assistance in planning a workshop in your country, contact project deputy head Steven Gruzd at Steven.Gruzd at wits.ac.za or call us SAIIA at: +27-11-339-2021.

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