Declaration on the threat of the dissolution of Memorial Press release Memorial is one of the best-known and most internationally renowned Russian non-government organisations and it has won the Sakharov Prize, the Right Livelihood Award and many other accolades. We object in the strongest possible terms to the politically motivated, manifestly unfounded proceedings against Memorial. The threat of the liquidation of Memorial deals a further, possibly final blow to independent civil society in Russia. By Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
COP26 diary #3: The most inclusive COP ever? - Thoughts on representation at COP from a first-time attendee COP26 diary COP26 was supposed to be the “most inclusive COP ever”. Lisa Tostado reports on why the promised cannot be considered fulfilled and where inclusion and representation remain an issue to be addressed urgently. By Lisa Tostado
Climate Action Network: “We know our duty and responsibility” Interview A conversation on civil socirety participation at UN climate negotiations, between Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network-International and Barbara Unmüßig, President of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. By Barbara Unmüßig and Tasneem Essop
Access to justice and reparation for victims of human rights violations by business in Latin America Event recording Online discussion that took place on 13 October 2021 on the EU Due Diligence legislation, organised by Espacio de Redes and the EU-LAC Working Group, to identify recommendations for the European Union on access to justice and reparation in the framework of the new EU law on mandatory due diligence for companies in the field of human rights and the environment.
Seen but not heard: the UK cracks down on protest Commentary Ros Taylor presents a critique of the new law that allows the English police to crack down on protest and seize the vehicles of Roma, Gypsies and Travellers who stop on private ground. The public do not seem to be particularly bothered – though that may change as the scope of the legislation becomes apparent. By Ros Taylor
Three reasons why the Polish government’s war on human freedoms is also your problem Commentary Modern-day authoritarians will boil you like a frog, whilst slowly turning up the heat. As a citizen of a democratic state, governed by the rule of law, you won’t suddenly wake up one day to find yourself in an authoritarian regime. It will creep up on you. Hiding behind empty slogans such as “regaining national sovereignty” and “national pride”. By Eliza Rutynowska
The State We’re in – the European Union: Still Alive but under Continuing Pressure Dossier 2018 will be another challenging year for the European Union facing migration, elections, populism and Euroscepticism. Europe needs courageous leaders as well as supporting and elucidating contributions.
Squeezed – Space for Civil Society Dossier The civil society is globally under pressure. In many countries governments are restricting the activities of civil society organisations with targeted measures. In this dossier we deliver analysis and background knowledge, whilst exploring new scopes for action for civil societies.
Civil society in Russia – Where external support is vital Russian NGOs are under pressure: They are hindered in their work with laws and checks by the authorities, paralyzed and driven to close down. External support is not only helpful, but vital. By Johannes Voswinkel
Authoritarian repression under the pretext of sovereignty The repression of civil societies activites in countries like Egypt and Russia are justified with the "protection of the states sovereignity" and the "principle of non-intervention". When unwelcomed critique is silenced, activists need all our solidarity and support. By Wolfgang Kaleck and Simon Rau