News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Civic Space Report 2023 prepared by the European Civic Forum highlights the pressing challenges to democracy in the EU, and the need to safeguard democracy. With the impending Defence of Democracy package, the report emphasizes the need to address both external threats and internal challenges to strengthen democratic resilience. Examining the decline in trust
Read more →Environmental associations in the Federation of BiH have submitted a law to the parliamentary procedure aimed at protecting citizens, activists, and journalists from lawsuits intended to silence them. The proposed Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists aims to create a legal framework safeguarding individuals involved in environmental activism. A press conference
Read more →March is Women’s History Month, celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality. Accountable Now launches a social media campaign, highlighting Commitment 2: Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of the 12 Accountability Commitments. Throughout March, they share tools, resources, and stories from global organizations, inviting submissions for an online gender equality toolbox. The campaign aims
Read more →The #ShiftThePower Summit in Bogota, happened in December 2023, provided insights into trust dynamics and power shifts in global development. The event emphasized the local touch with Colombian stalls, fostering open conversations. Trust emerged as a crucial factor in various development contexts, such as rebuilding trust in war-torn areas, creating safe spaces for collective problem-solving,
Read more →On March 5-6, 2024, Movement for Community Led Development, CIVICUS, and Peace Direct will host an online consultation on ‘Better Inclusion for Development Conferences.’ The two-day event will discuss the experiences of actors from the Global South in conferences about the locally led agenda. The consultation aims to create guidance for NGOs, foundations, and donors,
Read more →The Philea Forum 2024 addresses challenges facing philanthropic organizations in an era marked by eroded public trust and heightened societal demands. Focusing on trust as foundational to legitimacy, the forum seeks solutions to counter misinformation and pitfalls that compromise philanthropy’s credibility. It delves into questions of legitimacy, accountability, and power imbalances within the sector, aiming
Read more →The AidWatch 2023 report assesses European Official Development Assistance (ODA), revealing significant ODA inflation. In 2022, 22.1% of EU reported ODA did not meet basic criteria, with in-donor refugee costs and overcounting of ODA loans being major contributors. Recommendations include increasing ODA to reach the agreed 0.7% GNI/ODA by 2030, reforming the ODA system to
Read more →Target group: Registered CSOs, informal groups, activists, and formal/informal networks operating in Serbia. Aim: To provide immediate and urgent support to individuals, groups, and organizations facing threats, challenges, or pressures due to their activist activities, with a focus on preserving civic action and protecting human rights in a constrained civic space. Amount: up to 3,000
Read more →Target group: All registered CSOs and networks of CSOs, as well as informal networks in North Macedonia Aim: To enhance citizen involvement, civil society collaboration, and media and private sector engagement in combating corruption in North Macedonia. In this call, preference is given to proposed actions and interventions related to corruption which are directed towards
Read more →Target group: Individuals from the Western Balkans, part of a legal CSO, established in one or more of the Contracting Parties of the WBF. Aim: The WBF’s Mobility Grant Scheme for Individuals aims to enhance regional cooperation in the Western Balkans by providing funding for individuals in arts, culture, academia, and media. The scheme promotes
Read more →Target group: CSOs, educational institutions and independent media organizations based and legally registered in BiH. Aim: To support NGOs, educational institutions, and media organizations. It focuses on promoting women’s equal participation in economic, civic, and political life, encouraging projects addressing themes like economic advancement, political engagement, and gender-based violence prevention. Amount: 1,000 –50,000 USD Duration:
Read more →Target group: CSOs registered in accordance with the Law on Associations and Foundations; Other non-governmental, non-profit, civic associations registered in accordance with the Law on Scientific Research. Aim: Strengthen the civil society sector in North Macedonia, boost civic engagement, and foster collaboration with authorities. The outcomes sought include an expanded civic space, transparent governance, and
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