Protecting At-Risk Activists from Threats and Attacks

ongoing

PARATA aims to strengthen the resilience of CSOs and HRDs in Europe to threats, attacks, and other politically motivated attempts to curb the freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. To achieve this goal, the project will unlock new opportunities for mutual learning between those working to protect the civic space, using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as an ethical compass. PARATA will prioritise protest movements that have been disproportionately targeted by repressive tactics, such as climate activists, campaigners for migrants’ rights, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Furthermore, the project will address the intersectional dimensions of the shrinking civic space by generating custom-made solutions to protect diverse groups. The implementing consortium comprises eight partners who can leverage their national and regional networks to maximise the project’s reach and resonance. These include five CSOs from Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Spain as well as two pan-European alliances, the European Civic Forum and Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe. These partners will draw on innovative monitoring mechanisms to capture examples of successful safeguarding measures. They will then collate and curate a pan-European database of protection resources that are closely tailored to beneficiary needs. This will be complemented by a training and networking programme that will help CSOs and HRDs to develop protection strategies and introduce a culture of care within their organisations. PARATA is also committed to fostering an enabling environment for civil society actors to exercise the rights set out in the EU Charter. It will, therefore, create national advocacy strategies and engage with policymakers both nationally and at the EU level. Finally, the project’s communication partner, MDI Global, will enhance the ability of CSOs and HRDs to use influential media platforms to promote their “victories” and win public support for their democratic mission.