Event

Human Rights, Democracy and Civic Space in Africa & the Middle East

Monday February 26th, 2024 - 2.30pm–>Monday February 26th, 2024 - 4.45pm
Location
Predikheren
Goswin de Stassartstraat 88
2800 Mechelen
Belgium

Human Rights, Democracy and Civic Space in Africa & the Middle East

Launch event of the Civic Space Initiative
 

Register here: https://forms.gle/GvPLGYBK4kGrVyfeA

 

In response to challenges facing civil spaces, the Civic Space Initiative takes the spotlight. Spearheaded by the Minister of Development Cooperation, this initiative aims to strengthen civil society, advocate for human rights, and foster democracy in specific partner nations in Africa and the Middle East.  

 

Join the Civic Space Initiative Launch on February 26th in Mechelen and get to know the selected projects. Connect with influential voices, gain insights from esteemed speakers, and contribute to the vital dialogue on protecting human rights and advancing democracy in challenging environments. You can participate either in person or remotely via live streaming.

Understanding the Civic Space Initiative

The Civic Space Initiative provides financial support to local, Belgian, or international NGOs operating in Belgian partner countries. The focus is on protecting human rights defenders, preserving civil and political freedoms (including freedom of speech, assembly, and association), promoting fair elections, ensuring the rule of law, and combating impunity and corruption. 

With a budget of 10 million EUR, the Civic Space Initiative was launched in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Palestine.

Program of the launch event

  • 2:30 PM: Opening

  • 3:00 PM Opening speech by the Minister of Development Cooperation and Major Cities

  • 3:10 PM: Keynote address by Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for Human Rights

  • 3:30 PM: Presentation of Civic Space Initiative Projects

    • Chantal van Cutsem, Avocats sans Frontières, on the project in Uganda

    • Hilde Deman, Search for Common Ground, on the project in Mali

  • 3:50 PM: Panel discussion on bottom-up initiatives in the civil space in Africa and the Middle East (plus Q&A)

    • Koen De Feyter, University of Antwerp

    • Elena Kountouri Tapiero, Human Rights Office UN 

    • Sandrine Ekofo, Broederlijk Delen

    • Moderator: Tomas Baum, director of Kazerne Dossin

  • 4:45 PM: Closing address by Adebayo Olukoshi, Director for Africa and West Asia, IDEA [TBC] 

  • 5:00 PM: Reception and networking 

Organisation

The launch of the Civic Space Initiative is jointly organized by the Minister of Development Cooperation and Kazerne Dossin, memorial, museum, and research centre on Holocaust and human rights. Drawing on the historical narrative of Jewish persecution and the Holocaust, Kazerne Dossin leverages its historical account to delve into contemporary issues. Central to its mission are principles of citizenship, democratic resilience, and the unwavering defense of individual basic freedoms. 

Practical details

  • Date: February 26th 2024

  • Timing (in CET): 2:30 pm (opening door) - 3:00 pm (start event) - 4:45 pm (start reception)

  • Venue: Predikheren, Goswin de Stassartstraat 88, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium (venue accessibility) 

  • Target audience: Human rights professionals, activists and academics

Registration

Join us for insightful discussions, aspirational reflections, and networking opportunities at the Civic Space Initiative Launch Event. You can participate either in person or remotely via live streaming.

Register here: https://forms.gle/GvPLGYBK4kGrVyfeA