STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS FOR CIVIC SPACE WORLDWIDE – G7 ROLE AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

G7 in their special statement on resilient democracies recognised the threats posed to the operating environment for civil society organisations and activists and committed to “speaking out against threats to civic space, and respecting freedom of association and peaceful assembly.”

 

Indeed, the civic space has been restricted by many countries. Climate activists, human rights defenders, investigative journalists, grassroot organisations campaigning for more transparent and inclusive political processes are affected. Those who stand up for their convictions and advocate for more participation and representation of civil society are increasingly faced with challenges or even threats to their lives and livelihoods.

 

But how can the G7 take this commitment forward? The workshop aims to increase understanding around the concept of restricted civic space and how civil society working in different fields are impacted from the trend. It will also discuss what C7 groups have been asking from the G7 to do. It will provide the opportunity for an informal discussion on what else can be done to further the civic space agenda in light of the upcoming G7 foreign ministers meeting and the G7 Japan presidency.

 

 

PROGRAMME

 

10.00 am	Welcome
	How does shrinking civil space cut across various topics and issues: examples from practice Introduction & Discussion: Eszter Hartay (ECNL)   Frank Mischo (Kindernothilfe) Nishanie Jayamaha (ICVA Network)
10:45 am	Civic space within the G7 agenda
	Why G7 should address civic space issues and what it has done so far: Reflection on G7 role and G7 outcomes An interactive Q&A discussion led by Anna–Maija Mertens (Transparency International Germany) Jessica Woodroffe (Women7) Kira Fischer (Action against Hunger) Rowan Popplewell (Bond)
11:15 am	Looking ahead
	How do we build on C7 UK and Germany civic space work and what opportunities are there for G7 Japan? Informal discussion led by Katerina Hadzi–Miceva Evans (ECNL)   Aoi Horiuchi (Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation), C7 2023 Jürgen Maier (German NGO Forum on Environment and Development), C7 2022 Sandra Martinsone (Bond), C7 2021