News and updates from BCSDN and the region
A vibrant and independent civil society, including non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and grassroots movements, is essential for holding governments accountable, promoting transparency, and safeguarding human rights. Unfortunately, many governments worldwide are cracking down on civil society and restricting its ability to operate freely. This is particularly concerning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which
Read more →The European Union’s Rule of Law Report, published annually, monitors rule of law developments in Member States. Civil society groups have released a joint statement urging the Commission to broaden the scope of the report to include democracy and human rights, as well as enhancing the specificity of the recommendations and introduce a system for
Read more →In its annual briefing, the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre highlights the vital work of human rights defenders in exposing corporate abuses and advocating for change. The briefing focuses on a range of issues, including environmental destruction, labor exploitation, and discrimination. It highlights the challenges faced by human rights defenders, including threats to their
Read more →The Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without the active participation of citizens and CSOs. In a recent article, the World Economic Forum highlights the importance of civic participation in achieving the SDGs and promoting sustainable development. The article highlights the role of civic tech and digital platforms in enabling citizens
Read more →Civil society and democracy organizations have released priorities to protect democracy in the European Union. The document, titled “Priorities for the Defence of Democracy Package,” outlines measures the EU should take to strengthen democracy and counter following threats, such as disinformation campaigns and the erosion of the rule of law. The priorities include measures to
Read more →A new report from Reality of Aid Network explores the impact of digitalization on global development, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for CSOs. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of how digital technologies are transforming the landscape of development work and highlights the risks and benefits of these changes for CSOs. The report examines
Read more →A new survey has found that young people across the European Union want a greater say in the legislative process. The survey, which was conducted by the European Youth Forum, found that young people feel that their voices are not being heard in EU decision-making, and that they lack the opportunities to participate in the
Read more →The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution promoting the social and solidarity economy (SSE) for sustainable development. The resolution, which was passed during the 66th Plenary Meeting of the UN, recognizes the role of SSE in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, reducing poverty, and fostering social cohesion. The resolution also calls on
Read more →The EU needs to invest in its democratic resilience and protect civil society to defend democracy. According to the 2023 Civic Space Report, published by the European Civic forum, civil society faces pressure in several EU member states. Restrictive laws affect the right to association and activities of NGOs and associations, and strict legislation has
Read more →Potemkin’s Candidacy 2022: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Progress on the Road to EU Membership is the focus of a recent alternative report, highlighting the country’s failure to meet the necessary political criteria for accession. The report assesses the current state of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, finding that there has been a slight
Read more →CSOs in North Macedonia have requested the government to ensure transparency and restore the dialogue regarding state funding for CSOs. The government’s financial support for CSOs has been a topic of concern, as the organizations claim that the funding has not been distributed fairly, and in some cases, it has been reduced or withheld entirely
Read more →A digest published by STGM wraps up the response to an earthquake in Turkey. The earthquake led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property. However, various organizations, including search and rescue teams, doctors, paramedics, and volunteers, worked tirelessly to help the affected people. Solidarity networks were created, and different organizations announced various
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