Participation, Decentralization and Human Rights : A Review of Approaches for Strengthening Voice and Accountability in Local Governance

Friis-Hansen, Esbern ; Kyed, Helene Maria

World Bank, Washington, DC

关键词: ACCESS TO INFORMATION;    ACCOUNTABILITY;    ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS;    ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIP;    ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIPS;   

RP-ID  :  63036

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

This report examines the theoretical andpractical synergies between three intervention models thatare currently being employed to improve local governance indeveloping countries: 1) democratic decentralization ordevolution; 2) community participatory approaches, and; 3)rights-based approaches. The aim is to identify thepossibilities and challenges of an 'integrativeapproach' to local governance that combines thestrengths of each of the three intervention models. It isassumed that an integrative approach can help enhanceefforts to improve the downward accountability of localgovernments, enhance equity in the distribution of servicesand in various citizens' access to influence, andincrease citizen participation in local governanceprocesses. This is supported by a number of empirical casesfrom Africa, Latin America, Asia and Bosnia-Herzegovina,which are presented in the report. Each case also highlightsa number of context-specific challenges to using anintegrative approach, such as available financial resources,national policy environments and local conflicts. The reportfills this gap by both identifying theoretical synergies andby drawing on the few empirical cases that exist.