VISION
A just, democratic society where the right to peaceful protest is safeguarded, respected, and embraced as a fundamental freedom.
MISSION
To protect and promote the right to peaceful protest as a crucial mechanism for advancing democracy and sustainable development, ensuring that protestors are supported and feel secure in their efforts to influence impactful change.
The FoPA (Freedom of Peaceful Assembly) Workstream is a vibrant connector and convenor of civic actors, all united by a common mission: to protect and promote the right to peaceful assembly. This right is globally under threat, with authoritarian regimes using repressive tactics to suppress dissent. In this context, our Workstream plays a crucial role in advocating for expanded civic and democratic spaces by uniting diverse networks of civic actors, co-creating preventative solutions to FoPA violations, and resourcing other civic space actors.
Our Approach
Rooted in CIVICUS’s convening power, the FoPA Workstream emphasizes community building. By mapping key actors and forging alliances with affected groups, social movements, and human rights mechanisms, we foster trust through dialogues and safe spaces.
Our collaborative efforts are dedicated to ensuring that protest movements remain resilient, adaptive, and impactful across regions. By facilitating intentional co-design processes, scaling-up support services for civic actors, and advocating for alternative financial models, we help protest movements accross the globe.
Ultimately, our goal is to build a global ecosystem where civic actors are better equipped to defend the right to peaceful assembly, sustain momentum for change, and amplify their collective voice in the face of growing restrictions
