The LCC

Localization Coordination Council (LCC) Charter

November 27, 2023

The war that erupted in Khartoum on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marks an unprecedented turning point in Sudan’s political conflict since its modern founding. This conflict not only signals a potentially devastating escalation into a full-scale civil war across all regions of Sudan, but it also began to threaten a division along political-geographic lines between the two sides. On the surface, it appears to be a power struggle between two generals backed by networks of regional and international interests. This conflict has begun to unveil trends that could lead to the fragmentation of the state and its eventual division into smaller entities. Over time, these entities could become susceptible to internal divisions among their diverse social components.

Six months after the war outbreak, civilians continue to bear a heavy toll. Initial estimates suggest thousands of civilian deaths and millions displaced, with numbers steadily rising. Grave violations of basic rights include murder, rape, arbitrary arrest, kidnapping, torture, theft, looting, forced disappearance, and the occupation of homes, terrorizing civilians. The sight of corpses on streets has become tragically common in the capital’s three cities, Darfur, North and West Kordofan, and parts of South Kordofan, with peace, security, and tranquility nearly lost. 

Infrastructure and essential services face continuous destruction, severely impacting daily life in conflict zones. Ethnic cleansing campaigns in West Darfur worsen, while tribal strife, hate speech, and racism escalate. The number of missing persons rises, humanitarian aid access remains restricted, hospitals are incapacitated, life-saving medicines are scarce, and water, electricity, and communications are disrupted. Famine looms, threatening everyone in the areas, directly and indirectly, affected by the war.

This bitter reality has prompted a group of activists in grassroots bodies, Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), and local and international humanitarian organizations to think about the necessity of finding alternatives to anti-war action, and then engage effectively and sustainably in preventing its direct and indirect effects. These extensive reflections and discussions resulted in the establishment of the Localization Coordination Council (LCC) — a council concerned with strategically and sustainably linking grassroots action, emergency interventions and local governance.

Grassroots action here refers to collaborative efforts initiated by diverse groups of citizens, acting freely and independently in their localities and administrative units. These efforts are not tied to any political or ideological agenda or influenced by personal or collective biases. Whether directly or indirectly affected by the war, these grassroots actors demonstrate solidarity and engage in participatory activities aimed at addressing humanitarian needs, protecting civilians from rights violations, improving basic services, and advancing development agendas.

In later stages, these collaborative efforts involve activating local government structures and mechanisms. They draw inspiration from the experiences of LCC as a model for learning, development, and future reconstruction.

1. Provisions and Interpretations:
   1. The Council: is the Localization Coordination Council. 
   2. Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs): Grassroots action group consisting of citizens who voluntarily stand in solidarity in their places of residence to meet urgent humanitarian needs.
   3. Member: Someone who obtains LCC membership in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the LCCs Bylaws Charter.
   4. Representative: The member who represents an entity within the LCC’s membership. This may include representing an ERR in one of Khartoum’s localities or state ERRs, or representing a local or international organization, or any of the LCC’s operational committees or temporary specialized committees.
   5. The facilitator: a person elected and assigned by the LCC membership to facilitate meetings and oversee the resulting actions and tasks that must be implemented within a specific and defined period of time.
   6. The vice facilitator: elected by the LCC’s membership to act on behalf of the Rapporteur in the event of force majeure circumstances preventing the Rapporteur from attending. The Deputy Rapporteur assumes responsibility for all duties assigned to the Rapporteur.
   7. Grassroots Projects Support Fund: Fund designated to carry out specific roles and tasks directly aimed at enhancing and expediting the process of meeting urgent humanitarian needs, aligned with the specific focus areas of each fund underlying the LCC’s operations.
   8. Form F1: A planning tool used as a proposal format for submitting foundational projects. It remains valid for a period of three months from the date of submission to the project approval mechanism within the LCC.
   9. Form F2: A tool utilized by specialized committees or working groups within the LCC to evaluate, review, amend, and approve basic projects submitted by an ERR. It serves as a documented record of decisions made regarding specific project proposals.
   10. Form F3: A contractual tool used for agreements to be signed by the respective ERR that has previously submitted a proposal for a grassroots project aimed at addressing an urgent humanitarian need.
   11. Form F4: A reporting tool used to track the implementation progress of activities, detail inputs, monitor outputs, and document challenges and lessons learned. These reports encompass the entire lifecycle of activities within grassroots projects, from inception to completion.
   12. Form F5: A financial reporting tool used to oversee the expenditures and disbursements of grants, ensuring compliance with financial auditing standards, and emphasizing transparency and accountability.
   13. Attachment A: A purchase booklet permanently appended to the base project grant contract.
   14. Ad hoc Committee: A committee established by the Council on a temporary basis to undertake specific tasks within a defined time frame. Its function ceases upon completion of the tasks for which it was created.
   15. Permanent Projects: Projects with budgets and costs planned on a fixed basis, accounting for variables such as price fluctuations and population size in any residential area targeted by an ERR for a grassroots project.

5. Work Ethics Regulations:

LCC Member shall commit to:

1. Refrain from practicing any discriminatory or racist actions within the Council or during the exercise of their duties, or form political, party, or regional blocs aimed at advancing agendas or goals contrary to those of the LCC.
2. Ensure that the LCC and its activities provide a safe space for women, refraining from any form of harassment or discrimination towards LCC members or beneficiaries of its activities. They shall also demonstrate sensitivity to women’s issues and needs.
3. Not to exploit the LCC and its activities for personal, familial, partisan, regional, tribal, religious, or collective interests.
4. Respect human rights in general, including the rights of women and persons with disabilities. They shall work to create a supportive work environment for these groups and prioritize their needs in the LCC’s activities.
5. Refrain from using alcohol and drugs while performing any work related to LCC, and shall not be under their influence during such activities.
6. Work with complete transparency and integrity, especially in financial and administrative matters, and to combat and expose financial and administrative corruption within the LCC and its various activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
7. Not to disclose the LCC’s confidential information and details related to the beneficiaries of the LCC’s activities.
8. Safeguard and responsibly use LCC property within the scope of permitted activities.
9. Abide by the LCC’s Bylaws and Regulations within LCC’s projects.
10. Respect the spirit of fellowship and teamwork, and to follow the regulations in case of any accusations against LCC membership.
11. Carry out assigned tasks with a high degree of responsibility and to attend all meetings.
12. Work diligently to develop the LCC and its activities, and to contribute effectively by generating innovative and creative solutions.
13. Refrain from categorizing fellow members, committing treason, or making arbitrary accusations against LCC membership without evidence to substantiate them.
14. Not to speak on behalf of the LCC to the public without authorization, and not to misrepresent the LCC’s work without evidence or without following internal procedures to address any shortcomings.

6. Accountability Regulations:

1. Investigation Committee and Accountability Committee:
   1. Formation of the Investigation and Accountability Committees: Each Investigation and Accountability Committee shall consist of three to five members from the LCC membership, ensuring they meet integrity criteria and do not have direct connections with parties involved in the complaint or violation.
2. The Investigation Committee shall have the following exclusive duties and powers:

1. Receive complaints regarding violations.
2. Investigate complaints of violations with all parties.
3. The Committee has the right to request testimony from witnesses regarding any submitted complaint.
4. Write investigation reports and maintain confidentiality unless there is a request to publish the investigation.
5. The Accountability Committee shall exclusively have the following duties and powers:

1. Conduct accountability based on the evidence provided by the investigation committee.
2. The committee has the right to retain any evidence submitted by the investigation committee, particularly pertaining to violations committed by members.
3. Issue penalties against the violating member.
4. Write letters of sanction, deliver copies to the violating member and to the LCC, and keep a copy for the Accountability Committee.
5. The appropriate penalty shall be determined after the Accountability Committee reaches consensus on the severity of the violation, following the established gradation of penalties.

7 Accountability Mechanisms and Procedures:

1. Accountability Mechanisms:
   1. Reprimand.
   2. Formal warning.
   3. Suspension for a specific period of time.
   4. Termination of membership.

• In all such cases, the entity represented by the member shall be informed of the committee’s findings. The entity may be asked to appoint an alternative representative in cases 7.1.3 and 7.1.4.

2. Accountability Procedures:
   1. Reports and complaints submitted by members are considered based on evidence.
   2. The membership of the violating member shall be suspended, and they will be prohibited from engaging in work until the Accountability Committee reaches a decision.
   3. The Investigation and Accountability Committees shall commit to submitting a transparent report of their work to the Council.
   4. Upon receipt of a complaint submitted by a representative of the LCC, it shall be expeditiously reviewed upon receipt of accompanying evidence. Subsequently, both the complainant and the respondent shall be summoned for investigation, during which inquiries shall be directed to both parties concerning the alleged transgression or violation. This process may occur through an online or on-site meeting, as deemed necessary.
   5. The Committee ensures the defendant’s full right to defend themselves and to present any witnesses or evidence they deem necessary to refute the alleged violation.
   6. The duration of the summons and investigation process shall not exceed five days from the notification and summoning of the complainant and the defendant. The fifth day shall serve as the deadline for submitting the report to the Accountability Committee, which must render a decision on the complaint within a similar timeframe.
   7. If the defendant fails to respond to the summons within 24 hours, they shall be contacted again and summoned via phone call and correspondence using WhatsApp and Telegram applications. Should there be no response upon the second attempt, an additional 12-hour period shall be granted. If no response is received thereafter, the complaint shall be adjudicated in absentia in accordance with established regulations.
   8. The parties to the complaint have the right to submit an appeal to the Council within three days following the issuance of the ruling.
3. Admissible evidences in the investigation: Any evidence approved by the Accountability Committee, in addition to the following:
   1. A phone screenshot depicting the violation.
   2. An audio recording detailing the violation, including the mention of the person’s name during the recording.
   3. Witnesses.
4. Accountability Cases:

1. Violation of any provisions outlined in Clause 4 of the Terms and Conditions for membership and affiliation with the Council.
2. Violation of any provision outlined in Clause 5 of the Work Ethics Regulations.

8. Funds to Support Grassroots Projects:

1. Development of coordination and volunteers: Providing communication support, facilitating relay, capacity building, and motivating volunteers.
2. Media and Statistics: Providing support for audiovisual production and data collection.
3. Healthcare via hospitals and health centers: Providing medical supplies, fuel for generators, transportation for health workers, volunteers and patients, and support for hospital kitchens.
4. Water, electricity, communication, and public transportation services: Providing maintenance materials and equipment, miscellaneous items for workers, and supporting sanitation in shelters and children’s centers.
5. Food security: Procurement of locally sourced food and distribution through food bags or community kitchens.
6. Protection: shelters, evacuation and child protection.
7. Women Response Rooms (WRRs): Providing psychological and material support for survivors of sexual violence and meeting women’s specific needs.
8. Community initiatives: Supporting community solidarity initiatives.
9. State ERRs Fund: Flexible support managed by each state or locality through its representatives, committees, and offices.

10. Mechanism for approving projects:

1. Distribution of grants to funds: Available grants are allocated to project support funds based on plans approved by the representatives, ensuring each organization’s right to select its field of work and interests, within the framework of the approved plans.Permanent projects: A monthly cost is established for ongoing projects such as food, healthcare, shelters, ERRs, and women’s associations. This cost considers adjustments for price variables and population changes to prevent interruptions in services. These projects can be submitted using a single F1 Form, valid for 3 months. Aid shall be disbursed monthly upon receipt of financial and program reports. After three months, the project will undergo evaluation and may be extended for an additional three months.Requests for funding projects shall be submitted from the grassroots initiatives by completing the enclosed F1 Form.Submitted applications shall be reviewed and may be requested for amendments or rejected by a committee comprising 3 LCC members using the attached F2 Form.Upon approval of the project, the contract shall be executed using Form F3.Grassroots initiatives may not apply for a new project until they have submitted financial reports and activity updates through the designated forms, unless there are compelling humanitarian reasons necessitating otherwise. Exceptions in such cases require a decision by the Council.

Work Plans and Projects:

1. Representatives convene to discuss and approve annual work plans.
2. These plans serve as the foundational reference for constructing projects.
3. Representatives have the right to amend the plans through consensus or by a two-thirds vote.
4. Local organizations retain the right to propose projects beyond allocated funds, within the framework of approved plans. Initial approval must be obtained from state and local representatives. Final approval rests with state representatives, who must decide within 72 hours as per established procedures; lack of response signifies project approval.
5. Programs and projects are drafted by local organizations in collaboration with the ERR Program Committee.
6. Reports are authored by local organizations in conjunction with the ERR Reporting Committee.
7. Finances are overseen by local organizations and the ERR Finance Committee.
8. Organizations may directly support grassroots initiatives by involving representatives from the local Program, Finance, and Reporting Committees.

11. General Provisions:

1. The agenda and timing of the LCC meeting shall be determined and announced at least 48 hours before the scheduled date.
2. Representatives have the right to call for an emergency meeting whenever necessary by announcing the agenda and time 24 hours before the meeting.
3. A quorum for meetings shall be achieved with the presence of more than half of the representatives plus one.
4. Decisions are reached by consensus. In cases where consensus cannot be achieved, disputed issues are referred to a consensus committee comprising equal representation from representatives of localities and organizations, whose decision shall be final.
5. The GACC reserves the right to request any party to replace their representative if they are absent from three consecutive meetings without excuse.
6. Participating bodies have the right to replace any of their representatives by contacting the Council.
7. Representatives have the right to suspend or replace members of the rapporteur at any time through consensus or by referring the matter to an impartial committee.
8. The Council retains the right to lodge a complaint with participating bodies against any representative who obstructs their work. The Council also possesses the authority to suspend the representative and refer them to an investigation committee and an accountability committee for adjudication on the complaint. Each committee shall comprise three individuals appointed by the representatives, ensuring representation from different localities. This action requires agreement by a majority of the representatives.
9. The term of office for representatives is 4 months, extendable only once upon request of the participating body. A representative must await one term before assuming another representation assignment, except for representatives of local and international organizations.
10. The Council may establish temporary Ad hoc Committees with specific tasks as determined by the vision and approval of the representatives.
11. ERR representatives shall be informed and connected to developments within their states/localities, enabling them to accurately reflect the current situation without intermediaries.
12. These Regulations may only be amended by the representatives with the approval of the majority, and no deletions or additions shall be made otherwise.