Brussels, 27 February 2024 – On the occasion of World NGO Day, the European External Action Service (EEAS), led by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, reaffirmed its unwavering support for NGOs. civil society (CSO) around the world. Amid an alarming global trend of shrinking civic spaces and growing hostility towards NGO workers, human rights defenders and journalists, the EU has taken a stand to protect and strengthen these crucial pillars of democracy.
Civil society, which is often the spokesperson for the most vulnerable, is facing unprecedented challenges. From being labeled as “foreign agents” to excessive force during peaceful protests, the environment for NGOs and civil society actors is becoming increasingly restrictive. Faced with these challenges, the EU’s condemnation of attacks on freedom of association and peaceful assembly has never been more relevant.
To combat these worrying trends, the EU is leveraging all tools at its disposal, including substantial financial support. A notable initiative is the European Enabling Environment System (EU SEE), launched in 2023 with a budget of €50 million. This revolutionary system aims to monitor and promote civic space in 86 partner countries, integrating an EU SEE monitoring index, an early warning mechanism and a rapid and flexible support mechanism (FSM). These tools are designed to strengthen the resilience of civil society and respond quickly to any deterioration or positive developments in civil liberties.
The EU’s engagement extends beyond South-Eastern Europe. The Global Europe Civil Society Organizations (CSO) programme, with a budget of €1.5 billion for 2021-2027, supports civil society organizations outside the EU. This support is complemented by other programs and sources, including nine partnerships totaling €27 million focused on fundamental freedoms and independent media, as well as the “Team Europe Democracy” initiative, which brings together €19 million from of 14 Member States to strengthen democracy and civic space.
Additionally, the Protect Defenders.eu mechanism, with a budget of €30 million until 2027, continues to offer vital support to human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk, having helped more than 70,000 people since its creation in 2015. Additionally, under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), the EU has committed €219 million to civil society and the media in the Western Balkans and Turkey for the period 2021-2023.
As the world prepares for the Future Summit, the EU highlights the importance of a strong role for civil society, including young people, in shaping the UN Future Compact. This commitment is crucial to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and upholding human rights.
On World NGO Day, the EU pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of civil society to promoting resilient and inclusive societies. The EU’s overall support framework underlines its commitment to preserving a safe and open civic space around the world, ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard and protected.
The crucial role of NGOs in protecting freedom of religion or belief
On World NGO Day, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the vital work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world, particularly those dedicated to protecting the fundamental human right of freedom of religion or belief (ForRB). This day serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting these organizations, as their efforts to safeguard the FoRB are not only essential in themselves, but also facilitate a wide range of other humanitarian assistance initiatives.
Freedom of religion or belief is a cornerstone of human rights, enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It ensures that individuals and communities can freely practice their religion or beliefs, without fear of discrimination or persecution. However, in many parts of the world this right is under threat, with individuals facing violence, legal sanctions and social ostracism for their beliefs. In this context, NGOs working to protect the FoRB play an essential role in defending the rights of these vulnerable populations, monitoring abuse and providing support to victims.
FoRB protection is intrinsically linked to the broader spectrum of humanitarian assistance. When individuals and communities are free to practice their beliefs, it fosters an environment of tolerance and peace, essential for the effective delivery of aid. Additionally, FoRB-focused NGOs often work in collaboration with other humanitarian organizations to address complex crises involving elements of religious persecution. By ensuring the protection of the FoRB, these NGOs help create stable societies where other forms of humanitarian assistance, such as education, healthcare and disaster relief, can be implemented more effectively .
Furthermore, the work of these NGOs in protecting FoRB can lead to long-term societal benefits, including the promotion of pluralism, democracy and human rights. By defending the right of all individuals to freely practice their religion or beliefs, these organizations help combat extremism and build resilient communities capable of resisting and recovering from conflict.
On World NGO Day, it is crucial to recognize the interdependence of human rights and humanitarian assistance. Supporting NGOs that focus on protecting freedom of religion or belief is not only a commitment to defending a fundamental human right, but also a strategic investment in the broader humanitarian mission. As we honor the invaluable contributions of these organizations, let us also commit to further supporting their efforts, knowing that in doing so we help facilitate all other types of humanitarian assistance and contribute to the creation of a more just world and more peaceful.
Originally published in The European Times.
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