CIVIL SOCIETY

CIVIL SOCIETY

The Bahamas is a stable democracy where political rights and civil liberties are generally respected in law and practice. There are few restrictions on the freedoms of association, assembly, and expression. This enables a vibrant Civil Society sector.

Civil Society organisations, a term interchangeable in The Bahamas with non-governmental organisations, and which includes community-based organisations, have been and are engaged in a wide range of matters in The Bahamas, such as the environment, health, providing human rights support, natural disaster relief and governance. The Civil Society sector regulatory framework includes the following instruments: Non-Profit Association (Validation of Licences) Act 17/1992/; Non-governmental Organizations Act, 2005, Freedom of Information Act, 2017; and Non-profit Organisation Act, 2019.

The Government of The Bahamas recognises the increasing role the Civil Society sector plays in supporting and delivering adapted, innovative and flexible solutions to overcome today’s pressing environmental, economic, political and social challenges, among others. It believes that a strong Civil Society is an important end in itself and a crucial means of delivering specific objectives, such as national development goals.

Attached below are quick links that offer information regarding Civil Society participation in multilateral bodies and international activities. These offer details on grant funding, training and partnership opportunities, access to funds to support participation in the work of multilateral organisations, resource centres and forums, and invitations to submit inputs, among others.

QUICK LINKS