Unlocking Support for Human Rights through State Budgets

States are receiving revenue from different sources including taxes paid by individuals, companies and development partners. The National Budget Statements are basically a proclamation of the priorities of the government and their commitment to policy and legislation that they have put in place. For example, 194 countries have joined the Paris agreement which among other things commits to improving climate financing, in April 2001, African Union Member states committed to allocating 15% of government budget to Health. The budget statements should be done in consultation with citizens and the way that finances are used must be accounted for. However, the budget process is complicated and in many instances the citizens do not participate, and the government does not account in any way. In July 2022, Signs of Hope Trust started the Inclusive Budget Now, Zimbabwe Project, with the realization that public spending did not cater for disability rights fully. The session seeks to share the experience the organization has had in the implementation of the project as well as share best practices for young people, children, women and other marginalized groups with the intention of increasing financing for the realization of various human rights by the state.