A new survey reveals challenges and opportunities in providing public services across Africa, highlighting the importance of dignity and respect in building trust and effective governance.
On average across 39 countries, close to six in 10 Africans (58%) say they had contact with a public health care facility during the previous year. Almost half (45%) report having requested police assistance, encountered the police in other situations, or both. One-third of respondents say they contacted a public school (34%) and a government agency providing identity documents such as birth certificates and driver's licences (33%).
Among those who sought an identity document, about half (49%) say they found it 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to get what they needed. More than four in 10 of those who sought health care (45%) and police assistance (46%) report it was difficult to get the services they needed. Access to public school services was easier, with a quarter (26%) saying they encountered difficulties. About four in 10 citizens (39%) who sought a government identity document say they were treated with little or no respect by service providers. About one-third of those who sought medical care (36%) say they did not feel respected, as did 26% of those who contacted a public school. One-third (34%) of all respondents say their country's police 'rarely' or 'never' operate in a professional manner and respect the rights of all citizens. Youth and poor citizens are particularly likely to report difficulty in obtaining services as well as disrespectful treatment by service providers. Respondents who felt disrespected by public service providers are more likely to distrust and disapprove of their elected leaders, more likely to be dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in their country, and less likely to support a democratic form of government. The African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration recognises dignity and respect as fundamental elements of public service and administration
PUBLIC SERVICES AFRICA DIGNITY RESPECT DEMOCRACY
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