Ad
The idea that a state can legitimately interfere with civil society groups simply because it doesn't like what they are working on or what they have to say has troubling implications for the health of democracy (Photo: Andres Musta)

Creeping civil society curbs threaten rights in Europe in 2023

Civil society organisations, including groups that work to protect human rights, are under growing threat in Europe itself.

The threat these days doesn't come just from repressive governments like those in Russia or Turkey. Nor it is even confined to democratic states on the road to authoritarianism like Hungary and Poland.

It now also comes from elected governments in states whose democracies appear in better health, such as France, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

E...

To read this story, log in or subscribe

Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.

Already a member? Login

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this opinion piece are the author’s, not those of EUobserver

Author Bio

Benjamin Ward is deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

The idea that a state can legitimately interfere with civil society groups simply because it doesn't like what they are working on or what they have to say has troubling implications for the health of democracy (Photo: Andres Musta)

Tags

Author Bio

Benjamin Ward is deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Ad

Related articles

Ad
Ad