The theme for the Fourth African School on Decentralisation (ASD) is ‘Decentralisation and Human Rights’. The 2024 ASD will examine whether, and if so how, decentralization can create favorable conditions for the protection and realization of human rights on the African continent, and how local governance can be informed by human rights.
Human rights are not just a national government issue. Local and regional governments are critical actors in respecting, protecting, realizing and promoting human rights. They govern and regulate local spaces, and impact the rights of individuals and groups. They deliver services that are essential for human dignity and development, and impact the environment.
Flowing from the international, regional and domestic frameworks for human rights, the 2024 ASD will cover themes such as –
- how civil and political rights (democracy, accountability, transparency) underpin good local governance
- how group rights (language, culture) and the protection of marginalized groups (children, persons with disability, LGBTQ) underpin local government policies
- how local governments pursue gender equality
- how socio-economic rights (water, sanitation, housing, shelter and food) shape municipal service delivery
- how the right to a healthy environment for current and future generations informs how municipalities regulate and manage land, service and mobility
- local governance and implementation for human rights: right-based planning, budgeting, delivery and reporting
The course will be offered in Cape Town, South Africa. It will be presented by leading experts in the field from a regional and international perspective. The course includes lectures, interactive discussions, case studies and study visits. It offers a platform in which African practitioners, academics and activists can be educated and encouraged to innovate and experiment, and to learn from one another in order to address the challenges in the implementation of decentralization. Participation also offers entry into a Pan-African Network of decentralization practitioners. The ultimate goal is to advance good governance in local government in Africa.
Costs for the 2024 Course
Costs covered by the organizers:
- participation in the course
- accommodation and meals
- accommodation will be shared (2 persons per room)
- depending on availability, upgrades to a single room may be available at your own cost
Costs not covered by the organizers:
- travel expenses to and from Cape Town
- visa fees
- health and travel insurance
- personal travel expenses within Cape Town
- personal expenses during your stay in Cape Town
- any upgrades to a single room
- any local travel within your country of residence
Bursaries
A limited number of bursaries will be awarded, based on need, to cover an economy class return ticket to Cape Town.
Location
This year’s African School on Decentralisation will take place in Cape Town, South Africa.
Language
The working language will be English.
Assessment & Certification
The ASD concludes with the issuance of a postgraduate certificate awarded, jointly by the University of the Western Cape and Addis Ababa University, to successful applicants who meet the academic assessment criteria.
Admission
Admission is open to practitioners and scholars who:
- work in or with local or regional governments in Africa;
- demonstrate how the course will amplify their impact on good local governance in Africa; and
- are proficient in English.
Key Dates
- Informational Session – 15 May 2024 from 3-4pm (SAST) – Click here to register for the webinar.
- Submit online application – 31 May 2024
- Notification of acceptance – 18 June 2024
- Registration and confirmation of participation (with secured ticket) – 31 July 2024
- Course to be convened – 13-26 October 2024
