UNGA 78: CIVICUS Spearheads Civic Engagement and Advocacy for Human Rights

The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) saw CIVICUS, a global alliance for civil society, at the forefront of discussions and interventions aimed at bolstering civic space, human rights, and sustainable development. CIVICUS implemented precise interventions aligned with their comprehensive UN-wide strategy and organIsation-wide strategic objectives.

A.    Discussions and Keynote Speeches: Targeted Interventions based on strategic objectives.

1. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Roundtable: Civic Space and Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) at 75
   Format: Roundtable Discussion

The OHCHR Roundtable focused on the challenges facing civic spaces globally, emphasising that 85% of the world's population contends with restrictive conditions. These conditions significantly impact the work of human rights defenders. CIVICUS proposed a series of recommendations, which also form part of the UNMute Campaign:

• Maximising Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Participation: Digitising UN meetings to enhance accessibility.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Addressing inequalities in internet access.
• Ensuring Meaningful Participation: Facilitating active involvement in all UN meetings.
• Establishing an Annual Civil Society Day: A formal recognition of civil society's crucial role in supporting the UN.
• Appointment of a UN Civil Society Envoy: Similar to the Youth Envoy, to bolster civil society's engagement.

Furthermore, CIVICUS called for a UN wide audit on the implementation of the Secretary General’s Call to Action for Human Rights and the UN Guidance on Civic Space to identify areas requiring urgent attention.

2. Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data board meeting
   Format: Group Discussion

CIVICUS played a pivotal role in the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data board meeting. Mandeep Tiwana, representing CIVICUS, emphasised the need to safeguard civic spaces in an increasingly digital world. Tiwana highlighted the importance of aligning actions with human rights principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CIVICUS advocated for enhanced collaboration with the UN Secretary General's Call to Action on Human Rights and the UN Guidance on Civic Space.

3. Enhancing Advocacy, Financing and Accountability: Key Messages from Civil Society to the SDG Summit and Beyond (SDG Action Weekend, Mobilisation Day, Civil Society)
   Format: Keynote Speech (Recording available here)

Lysa John, Secretary General of CIVICUS, delivered a keynote speech outlining CIVICUS's core messages and requests for advancing the SDGs through civil society-driven initiatives. Key highlights included the imperative for collaboration, the instrumental role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the urgent need for improved civic spaces within the UN and beyond. 

4. Global People’s Assembly 2023
   Format: Panel Discussion

Panel 1: Workshop on Civic Space and Human Rights

CIVICUS representative, Mandeep Tiwana, raised critical points during the discussion: Mandeep Tiwana, representing CIVICUS, highlighted critical points during the discussion:

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Civic Space: Empowering civil societies is integral to achieving the SDGs.
• Urgent UN Audit Call: Immediate action needed for the UN to conduct an audit of human rights initiatives.
• Accountability in the SDG Stimulus Plan: Civic space guarantees are essential in the proposed SDG Stimulus Plan.

Panel 2: Global Democracy at the UN

Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS representative, highlighted the significant challenges faced by civil society organisations, including false registrations, de-registrations, and the targeting of activists. Shockingly, CIVICUS data reveals that 85% of the global population resides in countries with limited civic spaces. Tiwana raised key points:

a. Global Concerns at the UN: Human rights defenders, who are closest to communities worldwide, often find themselves excluded from vital policy discussions. The emergence of anti-rights groups, both on the ground and within the UN, is particularly alarming.

b. Urgent UN Audit Appeal: There is an immediate call for the UN to conduct a prompt audit of the  United Nations Secretary General (UNSG)'s Call to Action on Human Rights and the UN Guidance on Civic Space. This initiative aims to translate rhetoric into effective action.

c. Advocating for a UN Civil Society Envoy: Drawing parallels to the UN Youth Envoy and UN Tech Envoy, Tiwana emphasised the need for a UN Civil Society Envoy to address the challenges faced by civil societies worldwide in engaging with UN entities and headquarters. This envoy would enhance the UN’s outreach to civil society globally and promote best practices in civil society participation at the UN. This proposal, championed by the UNMute campaign, has garnered support from 52 member states and over 100 civil society organisations.

5. MIT Solve: Tech-Powered and Locally-Led: Solutions for Global Progress
   Format: Panel Dicussion (Recording available here.)

The panel featured Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, David Sengeh, and President of the Wellbeing Foundation, Her Excellency Toyin Sakari, in a dynamic conversation moderated by CIVICUS Secretary General, Lysa John. The panel discussion explored innovation and stability in Africa. Secretary General Lysa John emphasised the importance of intergenerational collaboration and cross-sector partnerships in advancing innovative solutions for the continent.

6. The Future of Gender Equality: A Conversation on Gender Balance and Women's Empowerment - SDG Media Zone at the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly.
   Format: Panel Discussion (Recording available here.)

Lysa John, Secretary General of CIVICUS, discussed the challenges and opportunities for women human rights defenders in the digital age. She called for accountability of major social media corporations in combating violence against women. The panel emphasised the importance of women's leadership and inclusion through creation of intentional pathways rather than just demanding for a seat at the table.

7. Civil Society’s Crucial Contribution to Promoting and Protecting Human Rights.
   Format: Panel Dicussion (Recording available here.)

Lysa John, Secretary General of CIVICUS, began with inspiring stories of civil society's resilience during the pandemic. However, since 2021, the most common violations have targeted peaceful protests. This year also saw economic pressures on civil society groups and stricter operational constraints on associations. These developments worldwide highlight a concerning trend: restricting civic freedoms often coincides with heightened military aggression, signaling a threat to democratic and rights-based foundations. This dynamic is vividly exemplified in situations like Ukraine and ongoing coups in West Africa.

B. Informal networking and meet and greet hosted by CIVICUS:

• Networking event for CIVICUS activists, partners, allies, and relevant stakeholders.
• Around 80 registrations.
• Participations from Nigeria Network of NGOs, Reaccion Climatica Bolivia and Stimson Center.
• Highlights: intergenerational, multilevel stakeholder engagement, reflections on high level week and civic participation.

C. Press coverage:

1. CIVICUS's statement ahead of UNGA 78: CIVICUS: UN must prove its relevance at this year’s General Assembly

2. Op-ed By Mandeep Tiwana on key organisational messages ahead of UNGA 78: The UN’s Own Relevance Is at Stake at This Year’s General Assembly

3. Mandeep Tiwana 's interview with NPR on SDGs: UN members face immense challenges meeting goals on hunger and gender equality 

4. Mandeep Tiwana interviewed on what it will take to accelerate progress on SDGs: After dismal start, UN hosts 'halftime summit' in bid to save development plan

5. Mandeep Tiwana's commentary on why the SDGs are off-track: Poverty & Hunger Eradication Targeted to Miss UN’s 2030 Deadline by Wide Margins 

6. Mandeep Tiwana interviewed on multilateral cooperation in the UN and the role of civil society: A price Africans are no longer willing to pay (Article in Norwegian)

7. Lysa John and Mandeep Tiwana share how CIVICUS is actively mobilising to support SDGs: Intergenerational Movement For Change: CIVICUS Uniting For A Just And Sustainable Future