Alarming trends: the crisis facing civil society and human rights defenders in Europe – Commissioner O’Flaherty
“Last week, I met with human rights defenders and civil society activists in Strasbourg and in Brussels. Some are in exile, some are on the brink of leaving their country, others are defending their peers who are in detention. They all spoke of the formidable challenges they face. I am profoundly concerned by the rapidly deteriorating working conditions for civil society organisations in Council of Europe member states, driven by three alarming trends.
1. Restrictive Legislation
The first is the spread of restrictive legislation, both in-force or proposed. Ostensibly aimed at increasing transparency or strengthening national sovereignty, these laws stigmatise civil society activists and non-profits for receiving foreign funding. They introduce burdensome administrative rules, intrusive oversight, and excessive sanctions. These laws make it increasingly difficult, and even dangerous, for human rights defenders to continue their vital work.
2. Crackdown and Harassment
Second, I have observed a growing crackdown on activists. This includes in some cases the excessive use of force by police against those who exercise their right to peaceful protest to show discontent with government policies. Human rights defenders and civil society activists also face growing risks of physical violence and harassment. Too many are being prosecuted and even imprisoned for their legitimate work or for expressing dissenting or critical opinions.
3. Severe Funding Crisis
Finally, the situation is exacerbated by a severe funding crisis facing civil society organisations across Europe. This follows the termination of almost all US government aid and looming or already decided funding cuts by state and non-state funders. Organisations throughout Europe have been forced to reduce their activities, dismiss employees, and some have even closed. The funding crisis is particularly damaging to human rights defenders and civil society organisations who have criticised government policies, exposed corruption or who defend the human rights of vulnerable groups. It is crucial that budget plans at regional and national levels maintain adequate funding for human rights organisations.
Europe needs a vibrant civil society to meet the many challenges we face today – from conflict to the triple planetary crisis, to growing inequality and lack of trust in institutions. I reiterate my urgent call on member states to live up to their obligations and stand up for human rights defenders and civil society. I also call on non-state funders to deepen their investment in European civil society. Never forget that human rights defenders are the lifeblood of our human rights protection systems and a pillar of democratic society.”