According to recent findings by CIVICUS Monitor, 86% of the world’s population live in countries with restricted civic space, and almost a third live in countries with civic space rated as “closed”, representing the most severe level of restriction on civic freedoms.[1] Reduction and repression of civic space undermines the values of participation, solidarity and freedom that are upheld by human rights.
Civic space is an important bedrock of human rights cities. Civic space is an environment where people can freely participate in all political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life. Free and open civic space is a prerequisite for social action and the development of science and technology. However, civic space is currently facing repression, not just in authoritarian regimes but also in democratic societies. Restrictions on access to information and freedom of expression within civic space are significantly hindering society and human rights activities.
Human rights cities are made stronger when broad citizen participation in civic spaces is ensured. Open civic spaces where people can communicate and express diverse opinions can vitalize cities and strengthen both democracy and human rights. In this regard, the United Nations, alongside other international organizations, emphasize the expansion of civic space and active civic participation. Local governments striving to actualize human rights cities should also take a special interest in expanding civic space and democratic governance in order to promote human rights.
The 14th World Human Rights Cities Forum will draw attention to the current rapid deterioration of civic space on a global scale, which is undermining the core values of human rights: civic engagement and the promotion of rights. The Forum will highlight the efforts being made by human rights cities to counteract this reduction and repression of civic space.
