UNDAF outcome 4: To foster good governance as a core value for development
Bhutan has in its transition to become a democratic constitutional monarchy made significant strides towards further promoting a system of governance that is responsive and accountable to the people. The transition entailed national elections to the Parliament and endorsement of the Constitution in 2008, supported by a series of political reforms aimed at enhanced decentralisation and democratisation. The new structures bring about fundamental changes in the governance system and it poses numerous challenges, including the need to enhance people’s participation and establish new systems and institutions needed to support good and effective governance.
To support the process of a smooth and efficient transition, the UN governance theme group assists the Government in:
- Strengthening the capacity of key institutions in a new democracy to ensure transparency, efficiency, effectiveness, participation and accountability at all levels
- Developing national capacities to formulate, review and implement national legislation in line with ratified international conventions
- Increase public participation, especially of women, in local governance
Good Governance - Workplans 2010
- Good Governance
- Local governance
- Local Governance Support Programme
- Strengthening institutional capacity of the Parliament of Bhutan (Part 1); (Part 2)
- Civic Education for public and youth on democracy and media (Part 1) ; (Part 2)
Gender
The United Nations has been active in supporting the Government to promote gender equality and empowerment of women since the first gender pilot study, conducted in 2001. Through its
first formalized project, “Moving Forward on Gender: Empowerment and Protection,” the United Nations has supported the Government in capacity building of the National Commission for Women and Children, national gender focal points, and sensitization of partners and beneficiaries to address gender issues particularly in the areas of good governance and violence against women. A core team of trainers working with the Election Commission of Bhutan were also trained to sensitize people on the importance of involvement in the electoral process. Gender is mainstreamed into all UN supported programmes, but direct interventions targeting gender equality and women’s empowerment are also supported. The UN gender group, which is nested in the education theme group, hence supports the National Comission for Women and Children, judiciary, the police and the NGO RENEW in establishing a mechanism addressing violence against women as well as child- friendly police procedures.
In addition, the UN has provided support to ensure that the contents of the newly developed National Plan of Action on Gender has been used for preparation of the 10th Five Year Plan as well as for the MDG Needs Assessment and Costing Exercise.
Gender - Workplans 2010