Local Social ContextsResilient Patterns of Social ExclusionIt is widely understood that patterns of exclusion and marginalization can be deeply ingrained in social and community structures, and tend to resist programmatic attempts to change them. The practitioners surveyed for this web portal stressed that while conceptually the links between human rights principles and MDG localization should be especially well suited to address socially entrenched patterns of exclusion, such efforts were often frustrated. Country offices note that at times the human rights framework leads naturally to this phenomenon, as in some instances participatory processes have produced plans and priorities that conflict with the results of earlier human rights assessments. No clear solution to this challenge has been reported, though several country offices noted the benefit of establishing lasting institutional and cooperative groups composed of different stakeholders, which may improve communication between ethnically or socially divided groups, and potentially lay the groundwork for further reconciliation. Elite CaptureSeveral country offices have had programmes frustrated by national or local actors. In some countries, resistance to human rights has proven to be most problematic when the tide suddenly turns and government actors evince sudden support for programming with human rights elements. Programme officers have described programming that is “hijacked” by government actors, who then hire their own consultants and oversee implementation, without implementing the normative and conceptual underpinnings of the programme. It has been suggested that this might be avoided through more careful approach and preparation, but no concrete suggestions have been offered. Political and capacity challenges at the local level often lead UNDP to use “local champions” to gather support and conduct programme activities. Some practitioners have noted, however, that relying on local CSOs or community members can lead to ‘false participation’, as these agents often represent elite interests, and participatory mechanisms may thereby end up reinforcing, rather than transcending patterns of social exclusion. Country offices have used a variety of mechanisms to meet this challenge, including focus groups, whereby project teams travel to remote locations to obtain the perspectives of marginalized groups. Other responses included ‘validation’ efforts following participatory mechanisms, and which aim to verify the degree of participation. Such efforts include targeted household surveys, as well as public hearings and roundtables that are well publicized and open to the general public (practitioners stress the importance of location and accessibility in planning such events). In some countries, public hearings have been organized by local government officials, fully or in part, and this is reported to have been positive both for the administrative benefits, and for improving the quality of cooperation with local governments. |
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