Corruption has become widespread and this phenomenon has become somewhat familiar. However, what is surprising is the lack of accountability for corruption even after it had been identified. Over the past decades, corruption has spread in the institutions of the Syrian state and in society as well, both horizontally and vertically.
As a result of the absence of democracy, the lack of anti-corruption mechanisms, as well as the increasing number of voluntary groups, individuals and organizations to meet people’s needs, we realized that there is an urgent need to promote transparency within civil society. The state of chaos that often dominates Syrian society, where the need to meet humanitarian and relief needs is increasing, leaves little room for capacity-building, information dissemination, evaluation or transparency. All these factors have led to unintended inefficiency and undemocratic work.
Furthermore, the lack of transparency impedes the ability of civil society groups to legitimately represent their communities.
Through the Transparency Program, we aim to educate and guide recently established CSOs and governing bodies so that the processes they perform in their work are more transparent, as well as to develop a culture of inclusion and accountability in decision-making.
Since the launch of the project, more than 2,000 people have participated. In addition, more than 30 local councils as well as more than 40 civil society organizations have been trained. A range of relevant research has also been produced.
Strategic Goals
CCSD’s strategy is derived from its vision of society, and is defined by the effective engagement of the community as well as the belief that the government must be responsive to the general public.
Given that CSOs play a crucial role in finding channels that connect people’s voices and desires with their entire community, we believe that it is very important that civil society should engage in participatory and transparent processes, in which they are accountable to their constituencies.
We also believe that it is time to encourage state institutions, such as local councils, to adopt transparent structures and processes.
Through this strategy we focus on achieving a set of specific objectives:
- Promote the principles of transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
- Raise awareness in society, and create and strengthen independent oversight and accountability mechanisms.
- Develop the capacity of organizations to raise the level of transparency within institutions.
- Network organizations and individuals and provide them with the skills and tools to combat corruption (Transparency Network).