News and updates from BCSDN and the region
How do you have to plan and prepare to monitor an assembly? What do you need to observe when you are there? What do you do with the information you gather through first-hand observation? How do you deal with the media? This Briefer on Monitoring Public Assemblies gives a quick rundown of principles and practices human rights
Read more →As previously covered in the CIVICUS Monitor, concerns have been rising over a perceived increase in state affiliated civil society in Serbia. Most worryingly, these groups have been shown to play a role in smearing and harassing independent civil society groups that are critical of the government. On the other hand, other civil society groups close to the security
Read more →Updated on 6 May 2019: On July 18, 2018, the Turkish government lifted the nationwide state of emergency that was imposed after a failed coup attempt on July 20, 2016. The state of relations between civil society and the government deteriorated throughout 2016-2018. In the new system of government, which replaced a parliamentary system, the
Read more →In recent years, combined with existing threats, the rise of right-wing and nationalist populism across the world has led to an increasing number of governments implementing repressive measures against the space for civil society (civic space), particularly affecting women human rights defenders (WHRDs). This policy brief responds to this context and highlights how the participation
Read more →Financial sustainability is crucial for local CSOs if they are to become resilient, effective organizations. An over-reliance on international funding makes local CSOs vulnerable to changing aid priorities and donor withdrawal. Without this security, local organizations cannot plan for the long-term and have less ownership of the development process. Peace Direct, was involved in a
Read more →A Handbook on Transparency and Citizen Participation in Albania was jointly developed by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and Partners Albania for Change and Development. The handbook serves as a practical guidance on transparency and citizen participation, aiming to support local authorities in their efforts to improve the quality of
Read more →The Global Civil Society Summit in Belgrade, which BCSDN co-hosted together with the Civil Society Partnership for Effective Development (CPDE), CIVICUS and Action for Sustainable Development on April 8th, resulted with launching of an urgent Call to Action for Member States of the United Nations to address these issues on closing civic space in the
Read more →According to the latest CIVICUS Monitor update on Serbia, one of the 5 countries currently on the Monitor Watchlist, April 2019 was marked by attacks on journalists working for independent and investigative networks. Often these threats and smears have revolved around journalists being portrayed as foreign mercenaries or anti-Serb traitors. In regards to freedom of assembly and the wave
Read more →NGOs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have shown resilience under pressure by inventing new ways to generate funds, including hybrid for-profit and non-profit models, and creative partnerships. The pressure on non-governmental organizations and independent media in Eastern Europe and Central Asia has been devastating for many groups. Yet it has also proven the resilience
Read more →When space closes for labour rights defenders, the situation is far worse for those at the margins. Labour rights are human rights and must be protected. Labour Day, otherwise known as International Workers Day, is rooted in the activism of labour rights movements and is a product of organising by labour rights defenders. This activism
Read more →The “Envelope Affair” in Montenegro has triggered weeks of anti-Djukanovic protests, demanding the resignation of one of Europe’s longest-lasting leaders after his almost 30 years in power. The anti-government demonstrations came as similar protests were taking place in neighbouring Serbia and Albania where demonstrators are also seeking the ouster of leaders they accuse of autocratic
Read more →Active participation by CSOs is key to offering a comprehensive response to disinformation, says the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in its opinion Action Plan against Disinformation, adopted at its latest plenary session. Propping up the action plan to counter disinformation, presented by the Commission and the EU High Representative, EESC highlighted the fact
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