Statement on the occasion of the World NGO Day 2017

On the 27th February 2017, the European Union celebrated the World NGO Day. Meanwhile, it celebrated the key civil society's contribution to public space and their unique ability to give voice to those who would have went otherwise unheard.

For this event, the European Union made a statement. In this one, it reminded that a functioning democracy depends on the right of citizens to exercise freely these rights that are safeguards against conflict and instability as they foster open dialogue and debate in society. NGOs are key drivers of development, conflict prevention and sustainable peace in a world so hard hit by conflict and inequality.

The European Union would continue to support civil society, NGOs and human rights defenders, both in terms of diplomatic action and funding. One of the key EU's priorities under the Global Strategy is to engage with and empower civil society, supporting an enabling environment for its action. In that purpose, it adopted a Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and an Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019 in which Freedom of Association and Peaceful assembly is one of the key priorities on human rights for the EU.

ESO: Background information: EU proposes new Joint Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-proposes-new-joint-action-plan-on-human-rights-and-democracy/

ESO: Background information: New cooperation agreement between the Commission and Council of Europe on human rights, democracy and rule of law http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-new-cooperation-agreement-between-the-commission-and-council-of-europe-on-human-rights-democracy-and-rule-of-law/

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