Threats against Macedonian CSOs have intensified over the past two months ahead of the elections that took place on 11 December, 2016, peaking on 17 December, 2016. During a protest of the ruling party that took place while the State Election Committee was deciding on the opposition party complaints related to electoral fraud, VMRO-DPMNE chief Gruevski read a proclamation which, among other claims, includes a direct threat to “disobedient” CSO’s representatives and activists, namely that it will fight for de-Sorosization of Macedonia, strengthening of an independent civil sector which is not controlled by anyone, and regulation of financing of “foundations…
Author: anja
For his final report to the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Maina Kiai plans to comprehensively codify the achievements and successes of civil society over the last decade. The report is intended to serve as a reminder of just how important civil society is for peace, security, prosperity, social progress and human rights. In addition to the expert consultation convened by the Special Rapporteur November 2016 in Bangkok, he is particularly interested in specific, real-world examples of civil society achievements and successes over the last decade,…
The European Commission is currently undertaking a Supra-National Risk Assessment (SNRA) of money laundering and terrorist financing risks affecting the internal market. Initial findings presented by the EC in a consultation meeting organized by DG Justice last October indicate 16 sectors and activities to be at risk for terrorism financing. Among those are the collection and transfer of funds by not for profit organizations (NPOs). As regards the collection of funds, risk scenarios are related to the establishment of NPOs to fund raise for terrorist purposes domestically and across borders. More information is available here. Source: Civil Society Europe
The President the Council on Foundations, has written a blog on the five trends in philanthropy as a conclusion to the Council’s 2017 Trendspotting Series. Highlights include how 2017 will be a year of change as orthodoxies in the field get tested and philanthropy steps into a more prominent role. The trends to look after in the US and around the world are related to: fewer resources for nonprofits, spike in unrestricted funding, foundations focusing on their role as knowledge hubs, tax reform and philanthropy stepping up and in. Nonprofits should consider preparing for the possibility of less financial support…
This publication provides an insight in the international donors’ relation towards civil society in the Western Balkans, rationales and motivations for their presence, the mechanisms they employ in supporting CSOs, as well as the perception of civil society in the countries in this region and its value. More specifically, this research offers an overview of the country specific assistance available to civil society, together with modalities of its planning and ways of programming. Finally, the report not only presents a set of conclusions based on the data gathered, but also offers a series of recommendations in light of the broader…
The European Commission is currently undertaking a Supra-National Risk Assessment (SNRA) of money laundering and terrorist financing risks affecting the internal market. In its presentation of the initial findings in a consultation meeting organized by DG Justice on October 4th, 2016, the EC pointed to 16 sectors and activities that might be at risk for terrorism financing, collection and transfer of funds through not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) being among them. Regarding the former, risk scenarios are related to the establishment of NPOs with the aim to fundraise for terrorist purposes domestically and across borders. Regarding the latter, risk scenarios are related…
The Weiser Center for Europe & Eurasia and the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan partnered together to sponsor a workshop in Bratislava, Slovakia, on leadership for civil society organizations. The event took place from 6th to 9th December, and the program welcomed participants from 25 CSOs from developing countries. Both of these centers missions have strengthening democracy and civil society at their core, and with the host of the workshop – Pontis Foundation from Slovakia, they provided instructors to train participants with the goal of improving the managerial capacity of the organizations. Activities and workshops targeted four…
Recent Freedom House indicators show alarming signs concerning the state of democracy in all Western Balkans countries: Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Media freedoms show a marked decline in countries like Macedonia and Serbia, and a daunting absence of progress in countries like Montenegro, Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Albania. Other indicators, which relate to electoral process and the rule of law, are also either in decline or do not seem to improve over a significant period of time. For example, the electoral process worsened in Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia in 2015-2016, and remained unchanged in Bosnia and Albania. According…
European Movement in Montenegro has recently published a policy brief titled: “Enhancing Local CSOs for Advocating Better Cooperation with Local Authorities”. This policy paper intends to address the need for better cooperation of the civil society organizations on local level, and in line with the priority referred to – activities enabling CSOs outside capital cities to get engaged in Open Government issues. The policy paper has been produced under the auspices of the EU-funded project Advocacy for Open Government, which aims to foster inclusive, accountable and transparent governance and policymaking through enhanced civil society expertise and strengthened dialogue, and structures…