The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has published a study on recent developments in the EU regarding various aspects of the civil society space. The focus is on civil society organisations active in the field of human rights. Topics include general challenges and opportunities, the legal framework, access to funding, participation in decision-making processes, and threats and attacks against organisations and their staff.
In this regard, various studies have highlighted the important role of civil society in monitoring and shaping the authorities' responses to the Covid 19 pandemic, in promoting access to basic services for all and in responding to urgent needs. In addition, international human rights bodies and reports warned of the increasing difficulties faced by civil society organisations in carrying out their work. However, the social and economic impact of the pandemic and the constraints imposed by the containment measures have significantly exacerbated the challenges faced by CSOs. This is also evidenced by a survey conducted by FRA within the EU in 2020. There are three main areas of concern: Impairment of daily work due to limited opportunities to contact and physically access beneficiaries, reduced funding and limited participation in decision-making. FRA calls on policy makers to create a more favourable working environment for civil society and thus contribute to the realisation of human rights for all.
