Citizenship denotes the link between a person and a state or an association of states. It is normally synonymous with the term nationality although the latter term may also refer to ethnic connotations. Possession of citizenship is normally associated with the right to work and live in a country and to participate in political life. A person who does not have citizenship in any state is said to be stateless.

In accordance with contemporary political doctrines, the citizen is the principal of the public governance system, both as Tax Payer and as Citizen of the target group of public services.

Citizens need effective and transparent mechanisms to voice complaints concerning poor-quality, inefficient or inaccessible public services.

Empowering citizens to participate in inter-group negotiations and decision-making processes is one way to ensure that policies are citizen-centric, responsive and sustainable.

“People will most likely trust government when public servants effectively deliver the desired services in a timely manner, behave transparently with accountability and integrity, act in an ethical manner, are responsive to the needs of the people, and can be identified with the people they serve. Above all, in a post-conflict and crisis situation the public service must be seen to be fundamentally and positively different from the previous government in all its respects” (Capacity Development during Periods of Transition”. Practice note. Available at http://content.undp.org/go/cms-service/download/asset/?asset_id=1635026 , United Nations 2007).


Where?


The Fringes

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