Budget Information Disclosure and Citizen Engagement

Phnom Penh | Pursat | Kampong Chhnang

| 22-November-2017

Donors: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and European Union (EU)
Location: Phnom Penh, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang
Duration: March-October 2017

Introduction

This short-term Project has been API’s contribution part to a larger Programme (“Collective Action for Transparency and Integrity”) managed by Transparency International Cambodia. The Project fell into Goal 2 of the TIC Programme (“Strengthening coalition between and among civil society organisations to fight corruption and promote integrity”) and focused on raising the awareness and increase the direct contribution of young citizens and communities regarding local budgets planning, through an information campaign, trainings, coaching of youth and CBOs, and public forums.

Results

The Project carried out several activities in the field:

A survey in the 8 target communes was conducted to assess the citizens’ understanding of the planning and budget formulation procedures of their communes. Roughly 46% had never received information about their rights in the process. After API’s information campaign, 100% declared they were now aware and would use their new knowledge.

9 budget forums in the target communes and districts were conducted with 1,279 (629 female) citizens and CBO participants, and 266 (152 female) students. Local authorities participated in the forums and responded to questions and issues raised by the citizens.

Banners and leaflets, explaining the budget allocation and planning process, were produced and distributed, delivering direct, clear information to the communities.

The Project contributed to a National Budget Forum held in Phnom Penh. The event was attended by 227 youths (102 female) and jointly organized by the CSOs’ Budget Working Group. There were guest speakers from MOEF and MOI. The forum focused on national and sub-national budget information on income, expenditure, budget formulation process, citizen engagement in the budget plan, access to budget information, and sharing best practices from other Countries.