CIVIL SOCIETY IN CYPRUS BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

CIVIL SOCIETY IN CYPRUS: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Jeremy Mc. Bride Expert on NGO Law Council of Europe Conference on International NGOs

Civil Society • Pursuit of collective interests in the public sphere • Distinct from governmental or business structures • Contribution to the development and wellbeing of society • Not-for-profit objectives and not antidemocratic

Forms and Means • Structures: associations; charities/public benefit organisations, not-for-profit companies and other legal entities but also informal ones • Volunteerism and professionalism • Local, national and international

Contribution of Civil Society Development and realisation of democracy Securing social and humanitarian objectives Service provision Developing professional and technical standards • Monitoring compliance with obligations • Cultural and social life • Physical and spiritual well-being • •

International Standards • Collective activity is guaranteed by the right to freedom of association under the ECHR Art 11, ICCPR Art 22 and CFR Art 12 • Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)14 on the legal status of nongovernmental organisations in Europe • Human Rights Council Resolution 27/31, Civil Society Space

An Enabling Environment • A legal framework facilitating establishment and operation (including self-governance) • Genuine engagement with civil society by governmental structures • A positive fiscal framework • No unjustified restrictions on access to resources • Protection from harassment and worse

Challenges for Cyprus (1) • A positive public perception - Is the contribution and operation of civil society really understood and appreciated? - Could this understanding and appreciation be promoted more by government? - Is there a sufficient willingness to become engaged by establishing and participating in civil society?

Challenges for Cyprus (2) • Developing the legal framework - Is it currently conducive to establishing civil society structures? - Does the framework sufficiently recognise the different ways in which civil society operates? - Is the regulatory environment too exacting but without significant benefits?

Challenges for Cyprus (3) • Exploiting the contribution of civil society - Is there a genuine willingness to draw on the benefits of its experience and insights? - Are there adequate structures to ensure that its voice is heard? - Is there sufficient recognition that civil society can relieve the burden on government?

Challenges for Cyprus (4) • Access to resources - Does the fiscal framework provide sufficient incentive for support from the private sector? - Is public support provided on a genuinely nondiscriminatory and transparent basis? - Are there undue restrictions on competing for European Union funding? - Could more be done to provide facilities?

Challenges for Cyprus (5) • Developing capacity - Do those running civil society structures have sufficient financial and managerial skills for the demands placed on them? - Do those working with civil society structures – employees and volunteers – have sufficient training and protection? - How can government help civil society do better?

CIVIL SOCIETY IN CYPRUS: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Jeremy Mc. Bride Expert Council on NGO Law Council of Europe Conference on International NGOs