Country visits of the Conference of INGOs

The Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe visits Member States to meet local NGOs and public authorities to introduce them to the Conference of INGOs, better understand the cooperation between NGOs and decision-makers and to discuss NGO participation in the public decision-making process. Certain legal frameworks are in place in countries in order to consult NGOs and to associate them in decision-making.

The Conference hears the point of view of both NGOs and authorities to find out what use is made of these participatory tools. Each visit is followed by a report which highlights the important issues for the NGOs at that specific moment and socio-political context. Recommendations are formulated to improve the effectiveness of cooperation between NGOs and the public authorities. The findings of the visits also contribute to advancing the Council of Europe’s work in this field.

The participation of civil society in decision-making is one of the priorities of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and guidelines on civil society’s effective and meaningful participation in the political decision-making process are being developed for possible adoption by the Committee of Ministers.

VISITS and REPORTS

2022

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Report (English) Report (Bosnian)

2022

Finland

Report (English

2019

Armenia

Report (EN) Report (Armenian) Comments by the Government of Armenia

Italy

Information Report (EN)Comments by the Government of Italy

2018

2017

Serbia

Information ReportComments by the Serbian Government

Estonia

Information Report Comments by the Estonian Government

Ireland

Information Report

2016

Hungary

Information Report Comments by the Hungarian Government

Germany

Information Report

Romania

Information Report

Poland

Information Report (EN)Report (PL)Comments by the Polish Government

2015

Bulgaria

Information Report Comments by the Bulgarian Government

Moldova

Information Report Comments by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Statement by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the Council of Europe

FOCUS

Back Report published following the visit of the Conference of INGOs to Armenia

The Conference of INGOs is publishing a report on its official visit to Armenia held on 27-29 November 2019.

During the visit, the hosting organisation, the Federation of Youth Clubs of Armenia (FYCA), organised two meetings with more than 50 NGOs: human and civil rights organisations, lawyers and women organisations, LGBTI groups, youth organisations, anti-corruption NGOs, volunteers’ organisations. The Permanent Representation of Armenia to the Council of Europe organised the meetings with several public authorities: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Armenian PACE delegation, Municipality of Yerevan and Human Rights Defender Institution.

The report of the visit highlights the strong need to introduce more progressive public policies and to reinforce participatory democracy in a sustainable way. This should result in the:

Adoption of a strategic roadmap to foster an enabling environment for civil society in Armenia
Acceleration of the process of ratification of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention, accompanied by awareness raising campaign to dispel false ideas about the Convention and to inform the population about all the areas and rights covered by this Council of Europe legal instrument
Implementation of the specific legal provisions and practices aiming to protect the LGBTI persons who currently do not have adequate protection from attacks, discrimination, hate speech and hate crime
Reinforcement of youth policy and stronger consideration of the needs of young people
Ratification of the Additional Protocol providing for a system of collective complaints under the European Social Charter

Regarding the financial aspect of the functioning of the civil society sector there is a strong need to improve the tax treatment for NGO economic activities, give equal treatment to NGOs and business and improve the effectiveness and transparency of state funding.

In order to increase transparency and public trust and reduce polarisation, clear rules on public participation and selection criteria should be established by the Ministries, the National Assembly, Local Government and all public agencies involved in public policies.

The Velvet Revolution, as well as post-revolution context shows a strong commitment of the Armenian civil society sector in the change making process and in the improvement of public policies. We encourage all stakeholders to reinforce the culture of dialogue, based on transparency and accountability, in order to materialise the changes already made and implement the ambitious ongoing political agenda.

The Conference of INGOs' delegation thanks all the interlocutors and contributors to this report.

Report in Armenian

Report on the Country visit of the Conference of INGOs to Armenia

Strasbourg 26 June 2020

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