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Influencing APRM: a checklist for civil society
2007
South African Institute of International Affairs, University of the Witwatersrand
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) represents a valuable opportunity for civil society to get key problems and solutions on the national agenda. It can be a useful advocacy tool to stimulate a more inclusive national debate on policy and to ensure implementation of government policy. However, the APRM is a multi-dimensional process involving many organisations and individuals – government, national governing council, research institutions and many civil society constituencies. Each will have different priorities and approaches. Achieving the best outcome requires civil society to think not only about the APRM report but also how to influence these various participants and the decisions made at key stages of the process.
Three overall lessons are clear from civil society engagement with APRM:
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Once a government announces the governing council members and a timeline for the process, it will be reluctant to change these. Civil society should not miss the opportunity to put ideas and demands in the public domain before this happens.
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One statement or public overture is not enough to exploit the opportunity afforded by the APRM. Civil society must build flexible coalitions and alliances to bring pressure and persuasion from multiple directions and institutions
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The process has been reasonably robust and country review teams have been conscientious. Civil society should remember to extend influence towards the review teams as well as a country’s self-assessment and programme of action.
This document provides practical tools for understanding and engaging with the APRM such as:
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a breakdown of the key APRM structures and stages as well as information on how it is institutionalised and monitored
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advice on strategies for influence, including use of the media and influencing the country review
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