In early 2023, the Georgian Parliament introduced two draft laws on foreign funding for civil society and media, which drew criticism for violating international standards. ECNL and ICNL conducted analyses of the two draft laws, presenting how they would violate international standards and harm the Georgian people Despite strong political support, mass protests pressure from CSOs, media, and business, as well as international criticism led to the withdrawal of the laws. Georgian civil society effectively mobilized by monitoring government actions, coordinating responses, and engaging the public through communication campaigns, successfully reframing the debate and highlighting the value civil society adds to the country. The Georgian case serves as inspiration for other countries facing similar challenges with foreign agent laws, showcasing the effectiveness of strategic arguments, mobilization, and public communication by CSOs. Read more here.
Source: ECNL