To better understand the impact of CIVICUS, we spoke to people across global civil society to understand how they perceive our work and validate our achievements. Here we discuss an outcome on freedom of peaceful assembly which is directly linked to CIVICUS strategic goal “strengthen civil society and civic action for expanded civic and democratic space.”

We elaborate our contributions to adoption of the General Comment 37 on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly. The findings are based on research and include 30 interviews.

Below are our key lessons:

Sustained campaigning is key. The success is the result of two decades of value-driven efforts. Consistent civil society pressure on General Comment on the Right of Peaceful Assembly began in the early 2000’s. The commitment was adopted in 2020,

Building upon the success: The adopted comment details scope and conditions of the Right of Peaceful Assembly. It empowers civil society to practice this right and monitor compliance by states. Further steps are now needed including its translation into local languages, regional consultations, strategic litigation and enhancing parallel rights. CIVICUS and allies have begun this work through “Know Your Rights Handbook” translating the comment to usable guide. We are engaging indigenous climate activists in 15 countries to raise awareness and advocate for Freedom of Association. More needs to be done. 

CIVICUS’s core abilities in consistent knowledge building, networks at global UN and local community levels, facilitation of dialogue across diverse groups, and strong relationships with Special Rapporteurs of FoPAA were key to our success.