As NGOs become increasingly popular, and essential, in the public sector, it’s important to understand the role they play in society and the impact they have globally and locally. But what is an NGO, how does it function, and what is its purpose?

Nowadays, we seem to take many of our freedoms for granted. We could no longer imagine Germany without fundamental liberties such as freedom of assembly or freedom of association. In some EU countries, however, these are increasingly being restricted.

What does civic space mean, and why is it a keystone to any democracy? Although it differs around the world, civic space is central to democracy, and we can all help protect it.

Most EU governments are neglecting their democracies, according to the new ‘Liberties Rule of Law Report 2022’.

Liberties' latest Rule of Law report finds that civil society organisations in Europe are dealing with increased hostility on all sides. Faced with over-regulation and under-protection from the law, 2021 saw long-standing issues go from bad to worse.

Did you know? Today is International Human Rights Day. So we've released a new messaging guide for civil society organisations promoting human rights & other progressive causes. It's full of tips on how to counter smear campaigns & build public support.

Márta Pardavi of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee discusses the status of democracy and civic space in Hungary, and Israel Butler discusses how progressive campaigners can grow support for their issues simply by changing how they talk about them.

What are SLAPP lawsuits and why are they such an important issue? We take a look at a tool increasingly used to silence watchdogs and stifle democratic participation.

Given his attacks on journalists and activists, the claim by Slovenia's PM that he will champion free speech while holding the EU Presidency is laughable. If he were serious, here are things things we'd expect to see.

A new Liberties report finds that authoritarian governments in the EU upped their attacks against critical journalists and citizens' groups using COVID-19 as cover. But governments in traditionally stronger democracies have also done damage.