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.
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.
Strategic Pillars
Our Approach / Theory of Change: Rooted in CIVICUS’s convening power, the FoPA Workstream emphasizes community building, co-creation of innovative solutions, and strategic resource deployment to protect the right to peaceful assembly. By mapping key actors and forging alliances with affected groups, social movements, and human rights mechanisms, we foster trust through dialogues and safe spaces.
We drive innovation by facilitating intentional co-design processes, testing of solutions, scaling-up support services for FoPA actors, and advocating for alternative financial models to empower movements. Through sub-granting and resource development, we equip CSOs and activists to address challenges proactively. Our collaborative efforts are directed towards ensuring protest movements remain resilient and impactful across regions.
Community Building
- Mapping actors and forging alliances wiht most affected groups.
- Creating dialogues and safe spaces to foster connections around diverse themes and purposes.
Solution Building
- Scaling up and testing of innovative strategies to safeguard protest movements
- Scoping and conducting strategic advocacy for alternative models of financial support to movements
Resource Development and Deployment
- Financial and non-financial resourcing of civic space actors to carry out responsive and proactive activities on FoPA.
- Facilitate the co-creation of resources (toolkits, research, guides, reports, etc.) on civic space themes.
Global Resource Hub
WeRise
