For several years, ECF has been running the Civic Pride campaign – turning our attention away from policymaking and institutional developments to those who keep our democracies running: civic activists.
This year, we decided to launch the first-ever Civic Pride Month – a weeks-long celebration of civic actors and of our fundamental freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Back in May, we published our annual Civic Space Report, documenting the state of civic space in Europe. From this research, three broad movements emerged as some of the largest, but also the most heavily restricted, in Europe: Climate Justice, Palestine Solidarity, and Migrants’ Rights.
We want to put these movements in the spotlight and celebrate their work. Moreover, with activists, human rights defenders and protestors regularly facing smear campaigns and demonisation, we want to challenge this narrative and give civic actors the chance to tell their own stories. To this end, we’ve collected video testimonies from activists working in these three movements, sharing their stories of mobilisation, repression, and hope!
Civic activists are the lifeblood of our democracies. They work tirelessly to ensure everyone can enjoy their fundamental rights. This Civic Pride Month, let’s celebrate their strength, determination and courage!