The Protection and Promotion of Civic Space
Strengthening Alignment with International Standards and Guidance
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The past decade has seen increasing international recognition of civic space as a cornerstone of functioning democracies, alongside efforts to promote and protect it. Countries that foster civic space are better placed to reap the many benefits of higher levels of citizen engagement, strengthened transparency and accountability, and empowered citizens and civil society. In the longer term, a vibrant civic space can help to improve government effectiveness and responsiveness, contribute to more citizen-centred policies, and boost social cohesion. This first OECD comparative report on civic space offers a baseline of data from 33 OECD Members and 19 non-Members and a nuanced overview of the different dimensions of civic space, with a focus on civic freedoms, media freedoms, civic space in the digital age, and the enabling environment for civil society. It provides an exhaustive review of legal frameworks, policies, strategies, and institutional arrangements, in addition to implementation gaps, trends and good practices. The analysis is complemented by a review of international standards and guidance, in addition to data and analysis from civil society and other stakeholders.
Fostering an enabling environment for civil society to operate, flourish and participate in public life
This chapter explores the measures countries can take to foster an enabling environment for civil society. It examines legal and regulatory frameworks governing the establishment and operations of civil society organisations (CSOs), in addition to registration requirements and appeal mechanisms. It focuses on good practice in improving the enabling environment through government strategies to protect civil society and offer support in the aftermath of COVID-19. It discusses key challenges such as Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs). It examines support for civic space as part of development co-operation. It also assesses key regional challenges and opportunities within Africa, the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean, providing proposals for consideration.
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