Better Safe Than Sorry: Early-warning and action to defend civic space

Democracy and civic space are under threat in many parts of the world. How can we recognise these trends early and respond effectively? Which actions, proposals, or statements should raise our concern, and how can civil society – and others – defend fundamental rights and freedoms?

Join us for the launch of a new report that compiles academic evidence on early democratic recession and the vital, yet fragile, role of civil counterpower. The report provides a practical framework and key indicators for analysis and action.

We will also hear from democracy defenders from Poland, the Netherlands and Italy, who will share what strategies are (and are not) effective. Together, we will explore how we can strengthen each other’s efforts to safeguard democracy.

Host:

Barbara van Paassen, co-author of the report “Against democratic recession: Recognizing suppression of civil counterpower” and independent consultant and facilitator

Experts:

• Margit van Wessel, co-author of the report and Associate Professor at Wageningen University (Netherlands)
• Małgorzata Szuleka, Helsinki Foundation For Human Rights (Poland)
• Federica Vinci, D-Hub (Italy)
• Jasmijn Haak Wegman, De Goede Zaak (Netherlands)