AIDWATCH reports

AidWatch is an initiative by the Association CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs working in the field of international development. AidWatch monitors the quantity and quality of official development assistance (ODA) of EU Member States and of the European Commission.

As a member of the Working Group to measure the effectiveness of development assistance in SLOGA, which is coordinated by Aleš Kranjc Kušlan, Ekvilib Institute actively contributes to policy and advocacy related to AidWatch initiatives in Slovenia and on the European level.

Report 2009: Lighten the Load

In the 2009 report AidWatch notes that EU countries will still have difficulties reaching their commitments in relation to development assistance, and also that the quality and effectiveness of development aid are still problematic. The report also notes that despite a slightly higher level of assistance shown in 2008 compared to previous years, a significant part of aid still does not meet the criteria for genuine development assistance. The report also notes that many EU countries, given the current trends, will not reach their political commitments by 2015.

Report 2008: No Time to Waste

The report highlighted significant differences between the commitments of the EU countries and the actual numbers of ODA. The report also pointed out that governments, including Slovenian, are artificially increasing the expenditure on official development assistance when they include expenses not covered by official development assistance (including debt relief for developing countries, and costs related to measures to control migration).

Report 2007: Hold the Applause

The report for 2007 notes that governments show a higher level of development aid than it is in reality. In line with trends and estimated progress in 2007, European governments will not achieve their agreed policy commitments and objectives. Many European countries include in ODA expenses related to eliminating debt, especially debt to Iraq and Nigeria, as well as costs, related to refugees and foreign students educated in Europe, which does not meet the criteria for ODA.

In the spotlight

APPLICATIONS: NEW INTENSIVE COURSES

We are collecting applications for intensive training courses

In April 2012 we will start organizing intensive educational programs from the fields of Theatre of the Oppressed, Documentary photography and Documentary film. All programs are free of charge.

We invite everyone to take part in the courses who would like to gain or upgrade their existing knowledge in the selected fields and would at the same time like to – through the use of art – expose social issues which are important to them. The courses are open for everyone, however priority in selection will be given to members of different ethnic minority groups, national minorities and migrants. Everyone who speaks English or Slovene can apply for the training. The language of the training will be decided afterwards taking into account the prevailing language knowledge of the participants. If necessary, simultaneous interpretation will be organized.

The participants will be offered different types of support, among other things they will be able to borrow equipment, they will have access to the digital dark room, some will be awarded grants for future development of their projects, participating in festivals and meetings, and accommodation.