Project: Strong and Resilient Civil Society in Europe

The aim of this initiative is to improve the level of public participation and civic engagement in Croatia by countering shrinking civic space phenomena and contributing to the preservation and development of vibrant, strong and resilient civil society.

Coalition members (partner organizations): Human Rights House Zagreb (lead organization) Centre for Peace Studies, Gong, Institute for Political Ecology, Zelena akcija/Friends of the Earth Croatia, Roda Parents in Action and Croatian Union of Associations for Autism. The coalition is composed of civil society organizations with a long-standing record and experience in advocating for an enabling environment for the work of CSOs in Croatia. Coalition's members come from different, but mutually complementing backgrounds and thematic focuses, which benefits the joint work and strengthens its ability to reach out to wider civil society in the country.

Project aim: Specifically, the coalition will (1) continue with building capacities, widen the network and improve the coordination among CSOs and other friendly stakeholders to counter shrinking civic space, (2) raise awareness of the public about the shrinking civic space and advocate for a change among the decision-makers, and (3) to foster public participation in decision-making processes by civil society and citizens.

Project Activities:

Advocacy for the improvement of the strategic, legal and institutional framework for the work of the civil society in Croatia
Advocacy for the improvement of the participation framework
Public campaign
Coalition Building
Outreach to the civil society sectors - strengthening the cohesion of the sectors
Advocating for the improvement of the financial framework
Development of a new framework model for public participation of CSOs and advocacy for its implementation

Outcomes:

Enhanced advocacy on improving the strategic, legal and institutional framework on civil society in Croatia.
Improved advocacy on countering SLAPP actions and enhanced the existing public participation framework
Raised awareness among the citizens about the importance of CSOs in a democratic society as watch-dogs, advocates and defenders of human rights
Enhanced coordination between coalition members in advocacy and public activities and broadened coalition
Enhanced communication and outreach to CSOs about the issues of shrinking civic space issues
Strengthen research-based advocacy for the improvement of the financial framework for CSOs.
Developed a new model for civic participation based on the right to public participation and strengthen advocacy efforts for its implementation

Project duration: January 2023 – December 2024.

Total value of the project: EUR 100,000.00