News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Freedom House’s annual report, “Freedom in the World,” identifies an ongoing trend of democratic backsliding worldwide, with authoritarian regimes expanding their influence and eroding political freedoms. The report details the decline in political rights and civil liberties in 68 countries, as well as the continued spread of digital repression and disinformation. It reports that the
Read more →A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights the challenges and opportunities for education in a post-COVID world. The report, titled “Education Policy Outlook 2022: Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic,” examines how the pandemic has affected education systems worldwide and identifies key policy responses to support recovery and resilience. The
Read more →In the article published by EuronewsRaffaella Bolini and Jean-Marc Roirant, the Co-Presidents of the European Civic Forum – a network of civil society organizations that seeks to promote and defend democracy, human rights, and social justice in Europe, argue that while foreign interference is a concern, the biggest threat to democracy comes from within. They
Read more →In partnership with the Dutch foundation Mama Cash and the International Development Fund, the Bulgarian Fund for Women has announced an investment of nearly 2.8 million EUR in CSOs in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Albania. The funding will support initiatives focused on feminist activism, women’s rights, and gender equality. The announcement came on International Women’s
Read more →The South East European Network for Professionalization of Media has curated a list of regional documentaries on media and journalism that provides insight into the state of journalism and media in the Balkans. The documentaries focus on issues such as media ownership, the importance of investigative journalism, and the role of media in promoting democratic
Read more →The Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities Skopje has published a preliminary research report on restoring the European Union’s credibility and the European consensus in civil society in North Macedonia. The report examines the impact of EU policies on civil society and suggests ways to improve the EU’s approach to the country. It highlights the
Read more →The European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) has published a framework that outlines guidelines for conducting human rights impact assessments (HRIAs) of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The framework emphasizes the importance of engaging with all stakeholders, including those most affected by the AI system being assessed, to ensure that the HRIA is comprehensive and effective.
Read more →CIVICUS, an international alliance dedicated to strengthening civil society, has developed a comprehensive approach to creating an accessible mission statement and theory of change. The organization recognizes the importance of clear and concise language in communicating its goals and strategies. It aims to ensure that all stakeholders, including those with disabilities and those for whom
Read more →The article discusses the importance of philanthropy and how it can address social issues and help improve people’s lives. It emphasizes that philanthropy should not be seen as a luxury or an afterthought but as a vital component of social change. Philanthropy can support various causes, including education, health, and environmental protection. The article also
Read more →The Rockefeller Brothers Fund is committed to advancing gender equity and promoting the leadership and expertise of women across the globe. In honor of International Women’s Day, the Fund is highlighting its ongoing efforts to support feminist leadership and thought. This includes funding for organizations working on women’s rights and gender justice, as well as
Read more →Target group: CSOs, media organizations, and professional associations in Albania. Aim: The aim of the Civil Society Facility and Media Programme 2022 is to strengthen civil society and media organizations in Albania, and to support their role in promoting democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law. Amount: EUR 200,000 – 500,000 Duration: 18
Read more →Target group: Conservation organizations, community groups, universities and other CSOs Aim: To provide funding for projects that protect and restore biodiversity hotspots and critical ecosystems in the Mediterranean Basin Amount: up to USD 20.000 Duration: up to 24 months Link to the original call: (CEFP)
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