As the war rages at the borders of the European Union and people flee their land en masse in search of peace and safety, it becomes once again obvious why we need vibrant civic space enabling active citizenship not only free from state interference but also recognized and supported to act in full independence and capacity.
Civil society in Ukraine is mobilizing to support civilians, helping them to stay safe and to leave the war zone.
Civil society across Europe, and especially in countries bordering Ukraine, has stepped up to provide direct legal, humanitarian and psycho-physical support to those crossing the borders, collecting medicines and other basic goods to be sent to civilians remaining in the country.
People have flooded squares all over Europe as well as Russia and Belarus to oppose the war, calling for peace. They are welcoming people from Ukraine in the train stations, opening their homes in name of solidarity.
Civic organisations are also carrying out direct advocacy to European and national policy-makers to stand up for Ukraine and find a peaceful solution to the war.
Civil society at the borders with Ukraine is stepping up, relying on its own resources, being placed under great pressure, from responding to the emergency with little cooperation from state authorities. The long-term sustainability of these crucial efforts is at stake, institutions cannot leave civilians and civic actors helping alone.
We call on institutions to support civil society to #LeaveNoOneBehind
In light of the terrible attacks currently ongoing in Ukraine, we invite you to share with us the initiatives you are taking to rescue, provide shelter, support refugees or simply organise solidarity and call for peace. What actions are you taking? What support do you need from national and EU institutions in the current context? We want to pay tribute and bring your voice to the EU institutions through the campaign #CivicPride. Feel free to use other visible hashtags such as #StandWithUkraine to highlight appeals, calls for support and other actions for peace and solidarity towards those fleeing war.