For civil society to work unchallenged, the international community must demand that governments and companies adhere to the effective development cooperation principles of democratic ownership of development priorities, and transparency and accountability.
Under pressure
Around the world, representatives of civil society have less and less room for manoeuvre. They are subjected to legal proceedings, surveillance, and defamation, or funds are withheld. These attacks by state or state-approved forces on independent development actors, human rights, and democracy, aim to limit the social and political participation of civil society and suppress criticism of systems that favour a few but neglect the majority.
For civil society to work unchallenged, the international community must demand that governments and companies adhere to the effective development cooperation principles of democratic ownership of development priorities, and transparency and accountability.
Civil society must be involved in the design and implementation of development policies and projects. It is the task of civil society to stand united against restrictions – through awareness raising, legal action, and mobilising the general public.
Our platform monitors whether governments are fulfilling their obligation to create an enabling environment for civil society. We also raise awareness, call on national authorities to address gaps in the implementation of the above development principles, and advocate for an end to attacks on human rights defenders through the Belgrade Call to Action.#
