The report includes findings from desk research, focus groups and interviews with civil society organizations working on human rights in EU Member States and Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia. The report, which was prepared with the contributions of nearly 400 CSOs, highlights the challenges faced by civil society.
The report includes examples of strategic lawsuits and lawsuits against those involved in migrant search and rescue activities at sea or representing vulnerable groups. The report also addresses civil society financing, challenges that hinder civil society and recent changes.
The EU and member states should oppose laws and efforts to restrict civil society's ability to protect human rights
The report highlighted that restrictive laws continue to prevent civil society organizations from protecting human rights, and that they face difficulties in obtaining information or participating in policy dialogue. In addition, the report said that in some cases, legal changes have led to improvements, such as greater freedom of assembly, less bureaucracy for civil society, or efforts to reduce the use of strategic lawsuits to silence dissent. The report recommended that the EU and member states oppose laws and efforts to restrict civil society's protection of human rights.
Member states should not criminalize civil society work
Threats and attacks against civil society continue, the report said, noting that some policy areas have become more hostile and human rights defenders face worsening intimidation. The report cited threats and attacks against CSOs working on migration, LGBTIQ+ and women's rights as examples.
"Crimes against civil society should be reported and properly recorded, investigated and prosecuted," the report said, suggesting that the EU could consider establishing a centralized system to monitor and take action against attacks on civil society. The report also said that member states should not criminalize civil society work.
Long-term funding should be provided to cover all civil society work
The report noted that lack of funding remains a constraint for civil society. However, it noted that donors have started to adjust their funding to support capacity building and advocacy. While the report said that civil society funding in the EU has increased, the EU and its member states "should provide long-term funding that covers the full range of civil society work".
Funding and technical assistance will increase civil society participation in policymaking
The report highlighted that some Member States have strengthened the principle of cooperation with civil society, but that it remains patchy and ad hoc. According to the FRA, EU guidelines could better formalize cooperation. Funding and technical support would also increase civil society's participation in policy-making.
To read the full report in English: https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/civic-space-2023-update?page=1#read-online