Bismillahir Rahmaneer Raheem.
Through the Lens of the CSO Summit: Embracing Grassroot Cooperation
In the different discourses of community development and societal problem alleviation, Civil Society Organizations are the ones that actively offer solutions and advocate for seamless programs. Essentially, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are non-state actors whose goals are neither to produce self-absorbing profits nor to acquire governing power. CSOs interweaved communities to advance shared goals and interests.
They penetrate the grassroots levels and assess the issues being encountered by their fellow constituents. They become the helping hand of the government in catering to the concerns and needs of the people in various localities and provinces that are seemingly out of reach in the government’s eye. CSOs are deeply etched in our communal system as they foster camaraderie among different sectors in promoting rights and values for the betterment of their lives.
Furthermore, in the context of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), these ever-present and engaging CSOs are the ones that aid in giving and procuring reports and monitoring records regarding human rights violations. In addition, they are also quick to address and be on the site of a series of conflicts to generate favorable outcomes for the affected civilians. They assist in the execution of peace talks and coordinate well with the government to maximize and expedite the process of peacekeeping for the people.
Similarly, these CSOs are also helpful in the aspect that they echo the continuous pursuit of government institutions like BHRC for human rights, justice, and socio-political accountability. They also make sure that the programs implemented and accomplishments achieved are felt by the people for them to feel a sense of assurance and security.
True to their nature as supporting the pillars of society and development, they make a ripple of changes in the micro sectors that would eventually create a huge societal impact for the people. Civil Society Organizations have the crucial task of mending the wounds of the victims and the most vulnerable communities. Subsequently, as stakeholders in coordination with development partners and the government, they formulate activities that would attend to the multi-dimensional facets of social services for the people. They are the strong manifestations of what the Surah Al Imran aya projects, which is to compel and enjoin Muslims to work together for great solidarity and success.
BHRC with its extensive appreciation and support of all the CSOs out there takes cognizance of how important the summit is for sustainable peace and development. Every matter to be discussed is just as important as the adage that “Everyone matters.”
For the Bangsamoro Human Rights, I am Atty. Abdul Rashid P. Kalim of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission.
Assalamu’Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.