Core area “Peaceful and inclusive societies” Increasing transparency, strengthening human rights

The Development Ministry is therefore promoting, in particular, the development of public finance systems, decentralisation and dialogue around human rights. Displacement and migration is an additional focus area of the Ministry’s work. Mauritania hosts more than 100,000 refugees from neighbouring Mali (as at June 2023).

Public finance

Effective public finance systems are vital to sustainable economic development and successful poverty reduction. Germany is helping Mauritania to digitalise its financial administration, for instance. The state treasury and the municipalities, for example, are now using a joint financial management system.

Decentralisation

The BMZ is supporting reform processes that transfer responsibilities and funding from the central government to local regions and municipalities. Selected municipalities are receiving support in making their systems more needs-oriented, developing tax registers, increasing public revenue and improving the range of municipal services available.

In addition, Germany is promoting the creation of an internet platform that collects data on the municipalities’ administrative, economic and social situation and makes it available to the public. This platform shows the progress that has already been made towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda).

Transparency

Germany is also supporting the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Mauritania. The aim is to achieve diversification in the mining sector with a view to increasing value creation and creating new jobs.

Human rights

The Mauritanian government is making great efforts to enshrine human rights standards in its national legislation and political strategies. Germany is supporting government and civil society actors who are working to realise these formalised rights. The support is focused on fighting violence against women, promoting decent working conditions, strengthening the rights of refugees and displaced persons and promoting media freedom.