In FY1999, Japan initiated its ODA Citizen-Monitor Framework as one of several steps to promote improved ODA transparency and broader disclosure of ODA implementation. The framework recruits and sends selected citizens to ODA project sites overseas, where they have opportunities to observe the facilities and conduct interviews with local project personnel.

In many respects, Japanese citizens find it difficult to perceive the hardships faced by ODA personnel or the actual state and the benefits of aid, because practically all ODA projects are implemented overseas. This reality has led many citizens to question whether Japanese ODA actually benefits recipient countries or whether the citizens in those countries are actually thankful for such aid. As one step toward alleviating such concerns, the ODA Citizen- Monitor Framework was inaugurated specifically to allow ordinary citizens to visit ODA project sites and have their observations serve the goals of improved ODA and project efficiency.

In FY1999, Japan has plans to recruit 47 monitors (one from each prefecture) and assemble them into six monitor teams for separate missions to the Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, Viet Nam, and China. Monitors will be briefed in advance on ODA in general and the projects they are going to see, and they will be expected to submit reports and deliver presentations on their findings after the visits. They will also be expected to participate, where possible, in the International Cooperation Festival and other ODA-related events nationwide.

During the first monitor recruitment period from May 31 to June 30, 1999, the government received as many as 3,683 applications from candidates nationwide. During recruitment periods, recruitment guidelines and application forms can be obtained from the ODA Citizen- Monitor Secretariat (APIC), JICA offices and JICA International Centers nationwide. They are also available electronically on the web sites maintained by MoFA, APIC, JICA, and the JBIC.

For more information, contact
International Cooperation Festival "ODA Citizen- Monitors" Secretariat
Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC)
Kowa Bldg. No. 32, 2F
5-2-32 Minami-azabu, Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0047 Japan
Phone: 03-5423-0565
Fax: 03-5423-0564
Web site: http://www.apic.or.jp/plaza/
e-mail address: monitor@apicplaza.ne.jp