EU roadmap for Myanmar civil society engagement launched

The roadmap consists of an extensive overview of the role of Civil Society and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Myanmar. The four priorities of the roadmap are:

- To increase the space for CSOs to operate

- To enhance the relationship between CSOs and public institutions

- To increase CSOs’ capacities for research, advocacy and policy dialogue with government

- To enhance the organisational structures and internal management of CSOs and CSO networks

The roadmap is the result of four consultations between civil society and the EU in Mandalay, Mawlamyaing and twice in Yangon in late 2014.

"The aim of the roadmap is to strengthen Europe’s engagement with civil society organisations in Myanmar. An empowered civil society is a crucial component of any democratic system and is an asset in itself. It represents and fosters pluralism and can contribute to more effective policies, equitable and sustainable development and inclusive growth," said Isabel Faria de Almeida, head of Co-operation at the European Union Delegation to Myanmar.