Over the last two decades, civil society has significantly evolved.  In many countries, civil society has grown and flourished, represented by a diverse range of individuals, communities and organisations. However, at the same time, we have seen increasingly disturbing trends towards the stifling of civil society through ever tightening restrictions on their activities.

Over the last two decades, civil society has significantly evolved.  In many countries, civil society has grown and flourished, represented by a diverse range of individuals, communities and organisations.   Information technology in particular has opened up civil society space, energising and connecting many actors, allowing civil society to mobilise and play a critical role as supporters and facilitators of change.  However, at the same time, we have seen increasingly disturbing trends towards the stifling of civil society through ever tightening restrictions on their activities.  This has led to the shrinkage of civil society space in many countries.  The introduction of legal, administrative and other restrictions, in many countries has reduced or repressed the positive partnership role that civil society can play with Governments. 

Ireland strongly believes that a dynamic, independent, diverse and pluralistic civil society is indispensible to a peaceful and democratic society.  It is also of course fundamental to the three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development and human rights.  States must recognise the crucial importance of the active involvement of civil society as an advocate, expert, champion, watchdog or a definer of standards, at all levels.  It is particularly important in promoting good governance, transparency and accountability which is indispensable for building peaceful, prosperous and democratic societies.  The full enjoyment of all human rights cannot be achieved if civil society space is not protected.

We look forward to the holding of the first formal discussion in the Human Rights Council on the issue of civil society space as a human rights concern.  This discussion will take place on Tuesday, 11 March at 15:00 in Room XX on the importance of the promotion and protection of civil society space.  This discussion was called for in Human Rights Council Resolution 24/21 on ‘Civil society space; creating and maintaining, in law and in practice a safe and enabling environment’ which was cross regional resolution presented by Ireland, Chile, Japan, Sierra Leone, and Tunisia, and was adopted by consensus at the September 2013 session of the Council.  The resolution examined the issue of civil society space as a human rights concern, which is not limited to the role of civil society in the promotion and protection of human rights.  It includes work on countless issues which fulfil the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 

The panel discussion seeks to analyse the contributing factors which reduce civil society space, and further promote a constructive inter-active partnership between States and civil society.  We are fortunate to be joined by a number of distinguished panellists who are drawn from diverse geographic regions and have a diverse range of experience as civil society actors and of civil society.   We hope that the discussion will stimulate debate and identify strategies and steps for all stakeholders in order to develop and protect civil society space and further promote a constructive interactive partnership between States and civil society, and we look forward to continuing work by the Council to strengthen its support for civil society.  Civil society and Government may not always agree; however, it is essential that the efforts and voice of civil society are appreciated, echoed and amplified. 

Ambassador Patricia O’Brien, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations