Civil Society

Dossiers

A fisherman is workin on a small boat, in the background is the skyline Phnom Penh

Civic agency despite shrinking spaces in Cambodia

Published: 25 October 2021

This dossier provides insight into the civil society sector in Cambodia. It illustrates the work and achievements of NGOs, CSOs, and individuals working under ever-shrinking spaces for civic action in the country.

AfriqUPrising! Protest Movements in Africa

Published: 11 August 2017

Africa is uprising! In this dossier African activists picture the political protest in their countries, they share their visions for a better future and give an outlook on how they are expanding their movements.

Articles

Photo: Protest in Belgrade. A large crowd holds signs with Serbian text. Security forces stand on a staircase in front of a building.

Will Serbia’s Protest Movement Lead to a Democratic Beginning?

Published: 13 March 2025

Interview

The student protests have sparked a wave of democratic mass mobilization throughout Serbia. However, it remains to be seen whether the students’ demands can be translated into political and parliamentary action to enable a peaceful democratic new beginning.

By Katja Giebel

Illustration: A globe held by hands surrounded by plants and flames. The globe is wrapped in a banner reading "urgent solution."

Beyond the Cuts: How the Defunding Affects Feminist and Civil Society Organizations

Published: 13 March 2025

Analysis

The rise of the far-right movement and recent shifts in global politics have led to significant cuts in foreign development assistance. What are the impacts on feminist and civil society organizations?

By Merima Šišić and Derya Binışık

Foto: Eine Reihe von Polizist*innen mit Helmen und Schilden steht nachts eng beieinander, mit grellem Licht im Hintergrund.

German-Georgian Migration agreement: Germany must take a close look

Published: 20 December 2024

Commentary

The migration agreement between Germany and Georgia has been in place since December 2023, and Georgia has been considered a safe country of origin for just as long. However, the increasingly repressive policies in Tbilisi make it necessary to rethink the German view of the country.

By Dr. Sonja Katharina Schiffers and Kirsten Krampe

Junge Menschen beim Klimaprotest, eine Person hält ein Schild mit der Aufschrift "There is no planet b" hoch.

Marginalization of the marginalized

Published: 18 November 2024

Commentary

The climate crisis affects marginalized communities disproportionately more than others even though they are the least responsible. Reason enough to give them space in the UNFCCC climate negotiations - but the current tendency seems the exact opposite.

By Liliane Pollmann, Srijani Datta and Global Young Greens (GYG)

A Mirror of Political Control: The Struggle for Environmental Participation in Azerbaijan

Published: 6 November 2024

This article examines the critical issue of public participation in environmental governance in Azerbaijan, focusing on the intricate relationship between environmental procedural rights and political repression, particularly in the context of the country hosting COP29.

By Anonymous Author

Illustration: "G20 in Brazil" in large letters, surrounded by flags and symbols of G20 countries on a colorful background.

G20 in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities for the Civil Society

Published: 29 October 2024

Dossier

The G20 has become an essential forum for discussing the biggest global economic challenges. How can civil society contribute to putting crucial issues on the table of the G20 heads of State?

Civil Society Demands Attention to Human Rights and Climate Justice Ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan

Published: 11 September 2024

Statement

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, movements, groups and individuals, highlight the urgent need to address serious human rights concerns in Azerbaijan in the lead-up to its hosting this year’s United Nations Climate Conference (COP29).

Hinter einer schwarzen Silhouette einer Erdölanlage geht an einem gelbem Himmel die Sonner unter

COP29: Azerbaijan’s Quest for International Legitimacy and Funding

Published: 11 March 2024

Analysis

As the host country of the COP29 climate conference, authoritarian Azerbaijan wants to improve its international reputation. How should democratic states and international civil society approach the next COP?

By Dr. Sonja Katharina Schiffers

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Publications

People’s Perceptions on the Peace Process Afghanistan

Published: 10 September 2020

Survey findings

The Salah Consortium, a consortium of 6 Afghan civil society organisations, conducted a survey in order to give ordinary Afghans a voice in the peace process and to learn about their expectations. Responses of the survey show, that the people perceive a more prominent role for civil society, tribal elders and other members of society, while the current process is largely driven by foreigners and the Afghan political elite.

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Civil Society Innovation and Populism in a Digital Era - Cover

Innovation Report: "Civil Society Innovation and Populism in a Digital Era"

Published: 30 October 2019

Across 14 case studies from international and national civil society organisations, networks and movements from populist contexts around the world, the report highlights their innovativeness, effectiveness in countering different elements of populism, and responsiveness to the potential of digital media in the specific context.

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Shrinking spaces in the Western Balkans

Published: 15 December 2016

Without civic engagement and participation, democratization cannot succeed. This publication sheds light on the complex mechanisms of shrinking spaces in the Western Balkans, provides analyses, and develops adequate countermeasures.

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