At the International Round Table of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, UNSR Clément Voule spoke of the alarming trend of increasing restrictions to civil society organization’s access to funding and the impact it has on the existence of the NGOs concerned, the societies they serve, and ultimately on society as a whole.

He spoke of the need for States to regard CSOs as a vital partner, and to be included in all democratic processes, especially in the face of the multiple crises and emergencies around the world.

“We need to be aware that we are in the midst of a global struggle for the future of equality, social justice and for defending our democratic values.”

Related resources here:

Council of Europe Press Release: Civil Society in the spotlight at Venice Commission round table: [ Ссылка ]

📖 The Right of Civil Society to Access Resources: [ Ссылка ]


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The Special Rapporteur was invited to give an opening address at the International Round table at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 13 September, which looks at the role and diversity of civil society in European member states.

It focused on various forms of participation of the civil society organisations in public life, and in particular in the law-making procedures and in the work of independent institutions, with speakers reflecting on the distinction between political activities, lobbying, and civic activism.

The second part of the roundtable focused on the regulations concerning foreign-funded NGOs, related to reporting obligations, labelling requirement, and their effect on freedom of association.

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