The LGBT community: Youngest stepchild? In late November 2016, rainbow colors broke through the black of mourning found everywhere in Bangkok, as 700 activists and allies from around the world arrived to participate in the largest ever world conference of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). By Dédé Oetomo and Rosalia Sciortino
The Civic Charter: Another Passing Fad or the Missing Link? A Keynote on the Civic Charter at its Launch at the Global Perspectives Conference on 26th October 2016 in Berlin. By Arthur Larok
The Future of Civic Space: Towards a Re-solidarisation and Re-politisation of Civil Society Civil society space is under attack worldwide. In her welcoming speech to the Global Perspectives Conference, Barbara Unmüßig urged 160 representatives of civil society organisations from around the globe to stand in solidarity with each other and to put the issue of shrinking and closing spaces back on the political agenda. By Barbara Unmüßig
Democracy must be fought for and renewed People want democracy. The surveys show anywhere in the world. But what is the right way to help people on the way to a better life in a liberal democracy? With years of active work in promoting democracy we support mainly dedicated people in the existing or emerging civil societies. By Barbara Unmüßig and Claudia Rolf
The Return of Repression: Closing and Shrinking Spaces Governments around the world are taking draconian steps to suppress civil-society organizations, with measures ranging from restrictive laws and bureaucratic burdens to smear campaigns, censorship, and outright repression by intelligence agencies or police. By Barbara Unmüßig