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On May 14, during ALDA General Assembly and Festival 2024, ALDA Secretary General, Mrs. Antonella Valmorbida, moderated the panel “Local Democracy and Participatory Democracy” at El Born, in Barcelona, Spain (🇪🇸). The session was the occasion to discuss participatory democracy at a local level and civic engagement, with a specific focus on the Defense of Democracy Package adopted by the European Commission to enhance transparency and encourage citizens participation. 📣 🟪 Speakers highlighted the importance of democratic participation and its associated challenges. 🔸Vincent Vandersmissen emphasised the need for transparency and inclusion of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in decision-making processes. 🔸Jose Manuel Ribeiro shared insights from his experience as a mayor, stressing the value of "proximity democracy" and the role of freedom in participation. He noted that local-level participation remains grounded in genuine community interaction. 🔸Mathis Dippon discussed innovative participatory practices, advocating for diverse and inclusive approaches to bridge societal gaps. He emphasised proactive engagement for more impactful outcomes. 🔸Serena Menozzi addressed the challenges faced by migrants, sharing successful measures to build trust and promote change through active participation. Overall, the panel underscored that participatory democracy can significantly enhance public policies and foster a more engaged society. 🌍🤝 #ALDAGeneralAssembly2024 #LocalDemocracy4GlobalImpact #ParticipatoryDemocracy 

It is with great admiration that I extend my commendation for the remarkable insights shared by Yvonne Kivuti regarding the 3rd Session of the Permanent Forum for People of African Descent. The palpable energy and vibrant atmosphere she describes at the Palais des Nations is a testament to the forum’s significant impact and the critical conversations taking place. The theme of this year’s session, “Addressing Systemic Racism, Reparatory Justice, and Sustainable Development,” is not only timely but crucial for the advancement of people of African descent worldwide. The forum’s dedication to featuring diverse grassroots perspectives is commendable, ensuring that the dialogue remains comprehensive and truly representative. As Kenya embraces the Second Decade of Action, it is clear that the forum’s dual mandate serves as both a consultative platform and an advisory body to the Human Rights Council. This dual role is essential in improving safety, quality of life, and livelihoods for people of African descent, as well as coordinating efforts with existing mechanisms. I stand in solidarity with the objectives of the Permanent Forum for People of African Descent and applaud the exceptional work being done to foster meaningful change. Let us all continue to support and amplify such vital initiatives. African Coalition For Development #PFPAD #SystemicRacism #ReparatoryJustice #SustainableDevelopment #HumanRights

Some beautiful and inspiring projects highlighted in this report

🌍 The African Union is changing the way it engages with civil society. 📝 Currently, a process is underway to propose a new formal engagement framework - but how will this impact civil society in Africa? Read the full brief 👉 https://bit.ly/3JOvZQ3 🔍 Analysing the formal and informal mechanisms, Martin Ronceray and European Partnership for Democracy (EPD)'s Andrew Songa argue that the accreditation reforms led by the AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council might fundamentally impact civil society-AU relations. #AU #civilsociety #Africa

Have registered for the upcoming Conference marking the 30th Anniversary of South Africa's transition to democracy??? All you need to do is to click on the Conference postal below!😊 #transionaljustice #uwc #facultyoflaw #ACTCJ #Foundationforhumanrights

Have registered for the upcoming Conference marking the 30th Anniversary of South Africa's transition to democracy??? All you need to do is to click on the Conference postal below!😊 #transionaljustice #uwc #facultyoflaw #ACTCJ #Foundationforhumanrights

In its third year, the SDG LENS project remains dedicated to its mission of monitoring the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, strengthening its network of experts across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. This network is committed to actively implementing, monitoring, and advocating for the SDGs in the region. The project primarily focuses on empowering civil society by providing them with the necessary skills to effectively advocate for SDG implementation at the national and local levels. This includes tasks such as writing Independent Reports and presenting the outcomes with recommendations at regional and international levels. In 2024 advocacy efforts are especially crucial for civic activists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as these governments are slated to submit their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF), meeting under the auspices of the United Nations ECOSOC. #Coopera

Successful examples of empowering survivors can offer hope. A continuous exchange of experiences is therefore essential for achieving justice and peace. Read takeaways and watch the recording of our event with Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) on linking participatory methods with #TransitionalJustice across #Asia: https://lnkd.in/e3QtUHDu

🔴OPINION🔴The GNU in South Africa was established in the early 1990s as part of the transition from apartheid to democracy. The GNU was formed with the purpose of addressing the “National Question” in South Africa, which refers to the issue of how to create a united, non-racial, and democratic society in a country that had been deeply divided along racial lines due to apartheid policies. Full Story⬇️ https://lnkd.in/deZGxNrC

🌟In a historic move, The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) has adopted the Resolution on the protection and promotion of the rights of Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent (CDWD) in Africa - in the 81st ordinary session of the ACHPR in Banjul, the Gambia (17 October to 6 November 2024). ➡️Last year in October, the NGO Forum of ACHPR had adopted the resolution on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the CDWD in Arusha , Tanzania ahead of the 77th ordinary session of the ACHPR. 🌍 The ACHPR is a quasi-judicial body established in 1986 by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which is Africa's oldest human rights instrument. The ACHPR promotes and protects human rights across Africa region. 👉🏽The resolution paves the way for recognition to the Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent in Africa; calls upon African nation states to take all measures to eliminate this form of discrimination; encourages the African Commission to realise a continental study on the situation of CDWD in the region, and more. Final Report: https://lnkd.in/gV66_cX2