Empowering Civil Society: The EU's New Rights Campaign in Ireland

Empowering Civil Society: The EU's New Rights Campaign in Ireland

European Commission Launches Campaign on EU Fund for Fundamental Rights

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers has officially initiated a communication campaign focused on enhancing the visibility and impact of the "Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values" (CERV) program in Ireland. This groundbreaking initiative represents the largest-ever EU funding effort aimed at supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) in their quest to protect and promote fundamental rights across the European Union.

Significance of the CERV Program

The CERV program underlines the essential part that civil society plays in upholding EU values, such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. According to the European Commission’s reports, organizations within this sector encounter various challenges that hinder their ability to effectively operate and champion human rights. Some of these hurdles include:

• Legislation that may not favor civil society initiatives.
• Harassment and attacks on CSOs and defenders of human rights.
• Difficulty in engaging with policymakers and influencing law and decisions.
• Challenges in obtaining financial resources and sustaining operational viability.

Building Capacity and Resilience

The CERV program is committed to bolstering CSOs by enhancing their accountability and enhancing civic space. National Contact Points (NCPs) have been established throughout EU Member States to facilitate program rollout. These NCPs offer critical support by providing comprehensive information and guidance regarding EU funding opportunities and assist potential applicants in navigating the application process.

low Applications Percentile in Ireland

Interestingly, data reveals that Ireland is currently seeing only 1.84 applications per 100,000 inhabitants, placing it low on the list when compared to other EU countries. This statistic highlights the need for enhanced outreach and encouragement for local organizations to engage with CERV initiatives.

Public Support for Fundamental Rights

Recent research underscores a strong desire among the Irish populace for better engagement with civil society values. The Flash Eurobarometer shows that an overwhelming 92% of Irish respondents believe in the importance of civil society in fostering democracy and shared values. Moreover, 80% express satisfaction with democracy in the nation.

Legal Protections and Access to Justice

Efforts have been made within Ireland to ensure victims of crime receive adequate legal support. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal offers free interpretation services for those who communicate in Irish sign language, representing a significant step towards inclusivity and access to justice for all citizens. Additionally, national human rights institutions actively promote their initiatives, striving to address and eliminate discrimination.

Enhancing Awareness of CERV

As Ireland embarks on this new campaign, it will focus on sharing beneficiary stories that highlight how CERV-funded projects are making a tangible difference. These initiatives encompass efforts to combat gender-based violence, support the inclusion of those with disabilities, and advocate for children's rights.

Call for Projects and the Role of CERV

To further enhance knowledge about rights and values in the European Union, calls for project proposals under CERV will be regularly announced. Initiatives will aim to tackle inequalities and ensure that more citizens understand and can utilize their EU rights effectively.

The Background and Goals of the CERV Program

The CERV program is designed to benefit a wide array of entities, ranging from non-governmental organizations to academic institutions and public authorities. It aims to promote rights, equality, and engage citizens in the democratic processes of the EU. Started in 2021, CERV will continue its work until 2027, focusing on securing funding for initiatives that advocate for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Since its inception, CERV has allocated a significant budget of over €2 million in Ireland alone, reflecting only a fraction of the total funding available for civil society projects. Project successes have included a focus on preventing violence against women and championing fundamental EU rights.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

To achieve its remarkable goals, the CERV program invites civil society organizations across the EU to participate actively in promoting rights and values. Those interested can find further details and application guidance on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CERV program?

The CERV program is an EU initiative designed to support civil society organizations in promoting and protecting fundamental rights across Europe.

Why is the campaign launched in Ireland?

The campaign aims to increase awareness of the CERV program and encourage Irish organizations to engage more with EU funding opportunities.

What challenges do civil society organizations face?

CSOs often face restrictive legislation, harassment, access difficulties to policymakers, and challenges in securing financial resources.

How does the CERV program support CSOs?

The program provides funding, resources, and capacity-building support to help CSOs fulfill their missions related to upholding rights.

How can organizations learn more about applying for CERV funding?

Organizations can visit the EU Funding & Tenders Portal or contact National Contact Points for more information on application processes.

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