In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, highlights the important role social movements around the world play in creating more just and inclusive societies. Social movements have a key role to play in helping States to build back better from challenges related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and to achieve the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Unfortunately, many States have not fully respected social movements’ rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. The Special Rapporteur therefore recommends several measures that States and other actors can take to create an open and enabling space for social movements to enhance their ability to contribute to the construction of a more open, inclusive, equitable and sustainable future.