Summary

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, presents a compilation of general principles, practical recommendations and positive actions on how to create and maintain, in law and in practice, an enabling environment for the enjoyment of civil society organizations’ right to access resources. This report seeks to assist States, the donor community and other key stakeholders in the implementation of the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur in his 2022 annual report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/50/42), which examines global trends and challenges threatening civil society’s access to financial resources, including access to foreign funding.

The Special Rapporteur hopes that these guidelines will offer a useful practical tool for States and other key stakeholders on protecting, supporting and empowering civil society organizations globally and promoting cross border giving and solidarity for the advancement of human rights, democracy and sustainable development.