News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The rights to assemble, demonstrate, protest and gather together in public space, are central elements of a democratic society and a means of citizens to collectively express their views, contribute to social, cultural and political discourse, and hold the authorities to account. In recent years there have been numerous high profile cycles of assemblies across
Read more →The space for civil society in the EU integration process is not sufficient and has to be broadened, especially with regard to issues crucial for democratic and European future of the Western Balkans. This change towards meaningful inclusion of civil society requires genuine efforts from both sides, the government and the civil society sector. The
Read more →On 3 September 2019, ARTICLE 19 sent a joint letter to the UN Human Rights Council raising concerns for Turkey’s on-going crackdown on journalists and media outlets. The letter urges states to intervene during the 42nd regular session of the HRC in September 2019, in the forum of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Read more →Conditions for journalists in Serbia remain a serious concern for both domestic and international civil society. Over the past few months, there have been a litany of attacks and smears against journalists reporting on political issues, leading many to fear that spaces for dissent are rapidly decreasing in Serbia. The current trend of public officials
Read more →Freedom of association, as recognized in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and numerous regional treaties, provides a legal basis for the protection of CSOs, including philanthropy organizations. Unfortunately, there are myriad ways in which local legal frameworks fail to protect this right and do not provide an enabling legal environment for CSOs.
Read more →The collection of impact case studies illustrates how Philanthropy Support Organizations (PSOs) have implemented successful strategies to promote an enabling environment for civil society and philanthropy to thrive. Through eight cases from different countries, WINGS is bringing to the spotlight experiences that often remain behind the scenes. The publication also features specialized articles from the
Read more →Social enterprises contribute to a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. They play an important role in tackling social challenges by filling the gap in services of the public and private sector. ECNL has been promoting a more enabling environment for social entrepreneurship through research and technical assistance for several years. The concept is still relatively
Read more →More than two years since the attempted coup in 2016 and one year after its state of emergency measures were lifted, the government of Turkey continues its relentless and pervasive crackdown on civic space, media freedom and dissenting voices. Turkey’s human rights record will come under review by the UN through the Universal Period Review
Read more →Over 190 jurisdictions worldwide abide by 40 Recommendation on anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism set and assessed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Compliance with the recommendations is periodically evaluated by FATF or one of its-style regional bodies. The mutual evaluation processes produce ratings that have real consequences, affecting country’s bond ratings,
Read more →The European Center for Not-for-profit Law (ECNL), an innovative project on freedom of assembly, assessed seven OGP countries in Central and Eastern Europe for relevant law and practices between 2017 and 2019. Many of these OGP countries have strong legal frameworks, but face implementation challenges around policing of events and lack standardized processes among authorities,
Read more →As a response to political and funding pressures, CSOs in many parts of the world are seeking to diversify their funding and strengthen their local support base. A growing number of international organisations and funders are supporting CSOs in this goal. ‘Domestic resource mobilisation’ is a key strategy. This report offers findings from a scoping
Read more →The right of citizens to form associations and receive funding to pursue their missions is enshrined in international human rights law. Yet over 160 laws in nearly 70 countries have been passed to restrict this right since 2012 (ICNL). These laws severely constrain the ability of CSOs to implement programs that serve their communities and
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