CIVIL SOCIETY IN CYPRUS: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Jeremy McBrideExpert on NGO Law

Council of Europe Conference on International NGOs

Civil Society

• Pursuit of collective interests in the public sphere

• Distinct from governmental or business structures

• Contribution to the development and well-being of society

• Not-for-profit objectives and not anti-democratic

Forms and Means

• Structures: associations; charities/public benefit organisations, not-for-profit companies and other legal entities but also informal ones

• Volunteerism and professionalism• Local, national and international

Contribution of Civil Society

• Development and realisation of democracy• Securing social and humanitarian objectives• Service provision• Developing professional and technical

standards• Monitoring compliance with obligations• Cultural and social life• Physical and spiritual well-being

International Standards

• Collective activity is guaranteed by the right to freedom of association under the ECHR Art 11, ICCPR Art 22 and CFR Art 12

• Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)14 on the legal status of non-governmental organisations in Europe

• Human Rights Council Resolution 27/31, Civil Society Space

An Enabling Environment

• A legal framework facilitating establishment and operation (including self-governance)

• Genuine engagement with civil society by governmental structures

• A positive fiscal framework• No unjustified restrictions on access to

resources• Protection from harassment and worse

Challenges for Cyprus (1)

• A positive public perception - Is the contribution and operation of civil

society really understood and appreciated?- Could this understanding and appreciation be

promoted more by government?- Is there a sufficient willingness to become

engaged by establishing and participating in civil society?

Challenges for Cyprus (2)

• Developing the legal framework - Is it currently conducive to establishing civil

society structures? - Does the framework sufficiently recognise the

different ways in which civil society operates? - Is the regulatory environment too exacting but

without significant benefits?

Challenges for Cyprus (3)

• Exploiting the contribution of civil society - Is there a genuine willingness to draw on the

benefits of its experience and insights? - Are there adequate structures to ensure that

its voice is heard? - Is there sufficient recognition that civil society

can relieve the burden on government?

Challenges for Cyprus (4)

• Access to resources - Does the fiscal framework provide sufficient

incentive for support from the private sector? - Is public support provided on a genuinely

non-discriminatory and transparent basis? - Are there undue restrictions on competing for

European Union funding? - Could more be done to provide facilities?

Challenges for Cyprus (5)

• Developing capacity - Do those running civil society structures have

sufficient financial and managerial skills for the demands placed on them?

- Do those working with civil society structures – employees and volunteers – have sufficient training and protection?

- How can government help civil society do better?

CIVIL SOCIETY IN CYPRUS: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Jeremy McBrideExpert Council on NGO Law

Council of Europe Conference on International NGOs