WK 324 Maintaining and making the most of vibrant coalitions

Coalitions often arise with a specific issue or campaign – and then disappear when it disappears. Lessons can be gained from coalitions that have survived far beyond single issues to remain ongoing, vibrant forces, maintaining or expanding their membership and adapting to constantly changing political environments.

Panelists

Featured Tactic: Erika Bocanegra, Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos, Peru Complementary Presentations:

• Noel Twagiramungu, La Ligue des Droits de la Personne dans la Region des Grands Lacs (LDGL), Rwanda
• Somchai Homlaor, Forum Asia, Thailand

Featured Tactic

Building a coalition of human rights organizations in a country to speak with one voice against abuses Erika Bocanegra, National Coordinator for Human Rights, Peru

• View Erica Bocanegra’s PowerPoint presentation 7409 KB (Spanish)

The National Coordinator for Human Rights is a coalition of 63 of Peru’s leading human rights groups. Founded in 1985, it has survived because of its ability to unite member organizations and adapt to a constantly changing political environment. Its mix of both urban and rural members has enhanced the group’s legitimacy throughout the country and internationally, while constructive engagement of government officials has contributed to its power as a political player. The success and strength of the coalition is due to a number of factors:

• Clear principles of internal functioning: Those organizations that do not adhere to these principles are not allowed to be part of the coalition.
• Decision-making by consensus: This creates a sense of common agreement and solidarity.
• Representing the collective: The internal process of selection and agreement on a representative for the organization gives legitimacy to this person and to the organization.
• Agreement on priorities: Every two years, members come together in a national assembly to decide which topics they will address as a coalition.

By coordinating the efforts of many organizations, the Coordinator efficiently and effectively mobilizes people on a national scale, having a much greater impact than individual organizations or a temporary coalition.

Complementary Presentation

Noel Twagiramungu, La Ligue des Droits de la Personne dans la Region des Grands Lacs (LDGL), Rwanda

• View Noel Twagiramungu’s PowerPoint presentation 1731 KB (French)

The LDGL (Human Rights League of the Great Lakes Region) is working across international borders and entrenched lines of suspicion among human rights organizations to cooperatively monitor the situation in the region and quickly disseminate information. The League is an umbrella group that uses the principle of ubuntu (human-ness) to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. The League has built a strong network of diverse organizations throughout the region and gained their trust.

Complementary Presentation

Somchai Homlaor, Forum Asia, Thailand

• View Somchai Homlaor’s PowerPoint presentation 36 KB

Forum Asia uses its influence as a coalition, along with local partners, to promote the ratification of the International Criminal Court (ICC) among government representatives in Asia. In those countries that have ratified the ICC, Forum Asia assists and trains the member organizations of the coalition in understanding and utilizing it. If the country has not ratified, Forum Asia sets up a working group within the country to provide support and training to mobilize the process.