Defending their rights, risking their lives - what can Sweden do to support those who dare?

Civil society organizations’ space to act, react and operate is rapidly shrinking. The threats, attacks and murders on human rights activists are escalating and new laws are implemented to restrict the operational power of civil society.

This trend of “shrinking civic space” is an accelerating and expanding global clampdown on civil society affecting both organizations and individuals, and in particular those who challenge political or economic elites. Despite this, activists, organisations and completely ordinary people still choose to stand up for their rights, risking their lives, to achieve change and respect for human rights. This phenomenon is highly present in the Eastern partnership region, where independent journalists, LGBTQI communities and anti-corruption activists are fighting for fundamental freedoms while being highly exposed to political violence. The increased pressure on civil society actors and human rights defenders requires drastic measures - because there is no democracy without civil society. What can Sweden do to support those who dare to defend their rights in an oppressed regime?

Medverkande:

• Peter Eriksson, Minister for International Development Cooperation, (MP) The Swedish Government
• Ognjen Radonjic, Head of Eastern Europe, Forum Syd
• Karina Shyrokykh, Associate Research Fellow, Utrikespolitiska Insitutet
• Anders L. Pettersson, Executive Director, Civil Rights Defenders
• Anna-Lena Laurén, Moderator, Dagens Nyheter

Kontaktperson 1:

Maurits Otterloo, Forum Syd

Webb:

http://www.forumsyd.org

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/ForumSydOfficial

Twitter:

@ForumSyd

Tillgänglighet

Teckenspråkstolkning

Teleslinga

Entré och lokal tillgänglig för rullstol

Toalett tillgänglig för rullstol

Allergihänsyn

Miljödiplomerat

Förtäring

Nej

#hashtagg:

#Demokrati, #Östeuropa, #ÖstligaPartnerskapet