Skip to main content

Empowering civil society organisations and activists championing human rights and democratic values in the EU

About

Empowering civil society organisations and activists championing human rights and  democratic values in the EU. The project aims to safeguard civic  space in selected EU countries in Southern Europe by  empowering civil society groups to report threats and  violations of their rights. 

It addresses the tendency of “shrinking civic space” by  setting up monitoring systems, strengthening  capacities and enhancing public trust through  evidence-based and  communication strategies.

Civic space, as defined by the UN, allows for  meaningful participation in social life, requiring  freedom of expression, assembly and association both  online and offline. Despite their critical role in  democratic governance, human rights protection and  social advocacy, civil society organisations face  increasing security risks, hampering their  effectiveness. The project aims to strengthen the role of  civil society organisations in the field of civil society.  Enhance the protection of civic space in  selected EU countries in the Southern Europe by  empowering civil society actors to report threats and  violations of their fundamental rights.

Specific Objectives
  1. Reliable and consistent data collection: There is a need for a systematic and consistent data collection mechanism to monitor attacks against civil society organizations, NGOs, and human rights activists in the EU. The lack of such data impedes efforts to understand and address factors that hinder the activities of civil society in the EU.
  2. An alert mechanism: The creation of an alert mechanism that allows civil society organizations to report attacks, register alerts, and map trends is necessary. Such a mechanism can help increase reporting levels of attacks and threats on CSOs at national level.
  3. Strengthening of civic space: There is a need to strengthen the civic space and to counter the main challenges that civil society faces. This requires targeted actions such as filling evidence gaps, creating impactful communication products, and enhancing the capacity of civil society actors to uphold the core EU values of rule of law, equality, human rights and democracy.
  4. Protection against attacks: There is a need to protect civil society actors from attacks, harassment, intimidation, and violence from state and non-state actors, both offline and online.
  5. Positive narrative-based awareness campaigns: The creation of positive narrative-based awareness campaigns is necessary to bring the topic of shrinking civic space to the forefront of public attention and spark public discourse. Such campaigns can enhance the public trust in CSOs and NGOs by raising awareness about the pressure and issues experienced by civil actors and providing a closed look.

Partners

CSD- Center for the Study of Democracy, Bulgaria

www.csd.eu

CESIE ETS, Italy

www.cesie.org

KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre, Greece

www.kmop.gr

CARDET, Cyprus

www.cardet.org

Results

  • Reports on the State of Civil Society in Southern Europe:  In-depth analyses of the current legal and political  landscapes, documenting the main threats CSOs in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Cyprus face.
  • Early Warning Mechanism for threats to
    civic space: An online information and awareness  platform to identify and address challenges CSOs,  NGOs and activists face when mitigating.
  • Documentary: A video exploration and debunking of  myths and negative narratives about CSOs.
  • Capacity Building Programme for CSOs: A  comprehensive training programme to empower civil  society practitioners on policy, advocacy and  community engagement.
  • Events and Conferences: National forums  dedicated to examining the realities and challenges  within civic space, facilitating discussions that lead to  actionable strategies for empowering CSOs and  enhancing citizen engagement.