A multi-sectoral international development professional with over 25 years of experience. Expertise in urban and regional planning, institutional development, public-private partnerships, civil society operations, land governance, water sanitation and hygiene, Supervisors: Advisor Address: Cambodia
Civil Society Organisations Enabling Environment and Inclusive Partnerships in Cambodia,, 2019
The paper explores changes in the enabling environment for civil society organisation in Cambodia... more The paper explores changes in the enabling environment for civil society organisation in Cambodia, during a very challenges period, since previous research in 2013. It adapted, evolved and localised the Enabling Environment (for CSOs) National Assessment (EENA) methodologies and tools, previously developed by CIVICUS, the global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. The study focuses on registered civil society organisations (CSOs) and does not cover the far broader network of informal community based organisations, (CBOs). According to the Government of Cambodia "there were (December 2018) a total of 5,523 associations and non-governmental organisations reported, (NGOs, 3,226) and associations (2,297) who have provided files and registered with the Ministry of Interior". It initially explores the evolving country context using PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) framework, and then applies the adapted EENA dimensional framework for the review including looking at issues related to (a) Formation and operations of CSO; (b) Freedom of expression; (c) Peaceful assembly, and association; (d) Taxation; (e) Access to resources; (f) Access to information; (g) (Recent) relations between authorities and CSOs; to which was also added (h) Inclusive partnership, and the changes in these between 2013 and 2019. It concluded that while Cambodia's country’ context has changed significantly since 2015 from legislative, social, economic, as well as political aspects, these are considered to have impacted the CSOs’ enabling environment. From the perceptions and observations of numerous international and national stakeholders, the operating environment for the CSO sector has deteriorated, specifically within this period under review from 2015-2019. In closing it suggestion specific recommendations for each dimension for consideration.
The study is initially contextualised in the evolving social, economic and political situation, t... more The study is initially contextualised in the evolving social, economic and political situation, trends and developments at global and national (Cambodian) levels impacting and influencing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and their networks in Cambodia; It goes on to assess the performance and functioning of CSO Networks, and Technical Working Groups toward the development of the country; and later explores and make recommendations on the working mechanisms, strategies and functional roles for CSOs/networks in the evolving development context in Cambodia.
A review of the adaptive (local ) Social Land Concession process undertaken as part of a European... more A review of the adaptive (local ) Social Land Concession process undertaken as part of a European Union funded, NGO consortium implemented project " Securing Rights to Land and Sustainable Livelihoods in Battambang Project" as well as changes in tenure provision occurring due to the implementation the Royal Government's 2012 Order 01 colloquially called “New Action on Old Policies for Land Management"
A comprehensive assessment of the current situation of children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2015), ... more A comprehensive assessment of the current situation of children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2015), viewed through the lens of the innovative Cities for Children (CfC) Framework developed by World Vision International's Centre of Expertise for Urban Programming. The framework is based on four components (Healthy, Safer, Prosperous, and Resilient Cities). The assessment analyses available sources of information on vulnerable and at risk children.
One of a series of reports that were the results of a global study commissioned by WaterAid, aime... more One of a series of reports that were the results of a global study commissioned by WaterAid, aimed at understanding plausible pathways of change to promote broad-based and equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.
Based on a political-economy analysis exploring the incentives, constraints and opportunities, with a focus on the poorest fifth of the population. We looked at three country case studies: urban sanitation in Cambodia; urban water supply in Ghana; and rural sanitation and water supply in Nepal.
These studies show varying degrees of progress in WASH coverage for the poorest quintile relative to their progress in terms of poverty and inequality reduction. In the synthesis report, we look at the implications of the findings across the three case studies for governments and their partners in working towards achieving water and sanitation for all by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 6), and reduced inequalities (Sustainable Development Goal 10)
The first part of the presentation is an analytical discussion on the international definition/cr... more The first part of the presentation is an analytical discussion on the international definition/criteria framework for Slums and its application to Cambodian context. The second part looks at available data and sources that can be applied to the framework and comes up with two scenarios for consideration in terms of quantifying slums in Cambodia and make recommendations for consideration
Global to local examination of the climate vulnerabilities of Cambodia's 27 urban centres. With ~... more Global to local examination of the climate vulnerabilities of Cambodia's 27 urban centres. With ~20 of the 27 municipalities located on low lying flood plains. With the risks compounded by deficient infrastructure; lagging investment; fragmented urban planning; centralised decision making. Investments in urban infrastructure, will need at least US$30.5 billion by 2040 to contribute to increase urban resilience
Civil Society Organisations Enabling Environment and Inclusive Partnerships in Cambodia,, 2019
The paper explores changes in the enabling environment for civil society organisation in Cambodia... more The paper explores changes in the enabling environment for civil society organisation in Cambodia, during a very challenges period, since previous research in 2013. It adapted, evolved and localised the Enabling Environment (for CSOs) National Assessment (EENA) methodologies and tools, previously developed by CIVICUS, the global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. The study focuses on registered civil society organisations (CSOs) and does not cover the far broader network of informal community based organisations, (CBOs). According to the Government of Cambodia "there were (December 2018) a total of 5,523 associations and non-governmental organisations reported, (NGOs, 3,226) and associations (2,297) who have provided files and registered with the Ministry of Interior". It initially explores the evolving country context using PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) framework, and then applies the adapted EENA dimensional framework for the review including looking at issues related to (a) Formation and operations of CSO; (b) Freedom of expression; (c) Peaceful assembly, and association; (d) Taxation; (e) Access to resources; (f) Access to information; (g) (Recent) relations between authorities and CSOs; to which was also added (h) Inclusive partnership, and the changes in these between 2013 and 2019. It concluded that while Cambodia's country’ context has changed significantly since 2015 from legislative, social, economic, as well as political aspects, these are considered to have impacted the CSOs’ enabling environment. From the perceptions and observations of numerous international and national stakeholders, the operating environment for the CSO sector has deteriorated, specifically within this period under review from 2015-2019. In closing it suggestion specific recommendations for each dimension for consideration.
The study is initially contextualised in the evolving social, economic and political situation, t... more The study is initially contextualised in the evolving social, economic and political situation, trends and developments at global and national (Cambodian) levels impacting and influencing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and their networks in Cambodia; It goes on to assess the performance and functioning of CSO Networks, and Technical Working Groups toward the development of the country; and later explores and make recommendations on the working mechanisms, strategies and functional roles for CSOs/networks in the evolving development context in Cambodia.
A review of the adaptive (local ) Social Land Concession process undertaken as part of a European... more A review of the adaptive (local ) Social Land Concession process undertaken as part of a European Union funded, NGO consortium implemented project " Securing Rights to Land and Sustainable Livelihoods in Battambang Project" as well as changes in tenure provision occurring due to the implementation the Royal Government's 2012 Order 01 colloquially called “New Action on Old Policies for Land Management"
A comprehensive assessment of the current situation of children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2015), ... more A comprehensive assessment of the current situation of children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2015), viewed through the lens of the innovative Cities for Children (CfC) Framework developed by World Vision International's Centre of Expertise for Urban Programming. The framework is based on four components (Healthy, Safer, Prosperous, and Resilient Cities). The assessment analyses available sources of information on vulnerable and at risk children.
One of a series of reports that were the results of a global study commissioned by WaterAid, aime... more One of a series of reports that were the results of a global study commissioned by WaterAid, aimed at understanding plausible pathways of change to promote broad-based and equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.
Based on a political-economy analysis exploring the incentives, constraints and opportunities, with a focus on the poorest fifth of the population. We looked at three country case studies: urban sanitation in Cambodia; urban water supply in Ghana; and rural sanitation and water supply in Nepal.
These studies show varying degrees of progress in WASH coverage for the poorest quintile relative to their progress in terms of poverty and inequality reduction. In the synthesis report, we look at the implications of the findings across the three case studies for governments and their partners in working towards achieving water and sanitation for all by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 6), and reduced inequalities (Sustainable Development Goal 10)
The first part of the presentation is an analytical discussion on the international definition/cr... more The first part of the presentation is an analytical discussion on the international definition/criteria framework for Slums and its application to Cambodian context. The second part looks at available data and sources that can be applied to the framework and comes up with two scenarios for consideration in terms of quantifying slums in Cambodia and make recommendations for consideration
Global to local examination of the climate vulnerabilities of Cambodia's 27 urban centres. With ~... more Global to local examination of the climate vulnerabilities of Cambodia's 27 urban centres. With ~20 of the 27 municipalities located on low lying flood plains. With the risks compounded by deficient infrastructure; lagging investment; fragmented urban planning; centralised decision making. Investments in urban infrastructure, will need at least US$30.5 billion by 2040 to contribute to increase urban resilience
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Papers by Declan O'Leary
The study focuses on registered civil society organisations (CSOs) and does not cover the far broader network of informal community based organisations, (CBOs). According to the Government of Cambodia "there were (December 2018) a total of 5,523 associations and non-governmental organisations reported, (NGOs, 3,226) and associations (2,297) who have provided files and registered with the Ministry of Interior".
It initially explores the evolving country context using PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) framework, and then applies the adapted EENA dimensional framework for the review including looking at issues related to (a) Formation and operations of CSO; (b) Freedom of expression; (c) Peaceful assembly, and association; (d) Taxation; (e) Access to resources; (f) Access to information; (g) (Recent) relations between authorities and CSOs; to which was also added (h) Inclusive partnership, and the changes in these between 2013 and 2019.
It concluded that while Cambodia's country’ context has changed significantly since 2015 from legislative, social, economic, as well as political aspects, these are considered to have impacted the CSOs’ enabling environment. From the perceptions and observations of numerous international and national stakeholders, the operating environment for the CSO sector has deteriorated, specifically within this period under review from 2015-2019. In closing it
suggestion specific recommendations for each dimension for consideration.
Based on a political-economy analysis exploring the incentives, constraints and opportunities, with a focus on the poorest fifth of the population. We looked at three country case studies: urban sanitation in Cambodia; urban water supply in Ghana; and rural sanitation and water supply in Nepal.
These studies show varying degrees of progress in WASH coverage for the poorest quintile relative to their progress in terms of poverty and inequality reduction. In the synthesis report, we look at the implications of the findings across the three case studies for governments and their partners in working towards achieving water and sanitation for all by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 6), and reduced inequalities (Sustainable Development Goal 10)
Conference Presentations by Declan O'Leary
The study focuses on registered civil society organisations (CSOs) and does not cover the far broader network of informal community based organisations, (CBOs). According to the Government of Cambodia "there were (December 2018) a total of 5,523 associations and non-governmental organisations reported, (NGOs, 3,226) and associations (2,297) who have provided files and registered with the Ministry of Interior".
It initially explores the evolving country context using PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) framework, and then applies the adapted EENA dimensional framework for the review including looking at issues related to (a) Formation and operations of CSO; (b) Freedom of expression; (c) Peaceful assembly, and association; (d) Taxation; (e) Access to resources; (f) Access to information; (g) (Recent) relations between authorities and CSOs; to which was also added (h) Inclusive partnership, and the changes in these between 2013 and 2019.
It concluded that while Cambodia's country’ context has changed significantly since 2015 from legislative, social, economic, as well as political aspects, these are considered to have impacted the CSOs’ enabling environment. From the perceptions and observations of numerous international and national stakeholders, the operating environment for the CSO sector has deteriorated, specifically within this period under review from 2015-2019. In closing it
suggestion specific recommendations for each dimension for consideration.
Based on a political-economy analysis exploring the incentives, constraints and opportunities, with a focus on the poorest fifth of the population. We looked at three country case studies: urban sanitation in Cambodia; urban water supply in Ghana; and rural sanitation and water supply in Nepal.
These studies show varying degrees of progress in WASH coverage for the poorest quintile relative to their progress in terms of poverty and inequality reduction. In the synthesis report, we look at the implications of the findings across the three case studies for governments and their partners in working towards achieving water and sanitation for all by 2030 (Sustainable Development Goal 6), and reduced inequalities (Sustainable Development Goal 10)