In Eastern Europe, societies flourish best where individuals can freely express themselves and engage in communal organisations to secure justice and equality. Unfortunately, legislation labelling NGOs as ‘foreign agents’ acts as a formidable barrier to this ideal freedom. Despite the European Court of Human Rights’ 2022 ruling that deemed Russia’s 2012 foreign agent law a violation of basic human rights, countries like Hungary, Georgia, Slovakia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have boldly initiated similar laws.
These laws target NGOs reliant on foreign funding, mandating them to register as foreign agents—essentially branding them as instruments of foreign interference. Consequently, this legal straitjacket hinders human rights defenders’ abilities to organise and advocate for their causes, imposing significant fines for non-compliance which could threaten their very existence. The staggering vagueness of these laws permits excessive government interpretation, leaving NGOs vulnerable and unclear about their obligations, as seen in the flawed notion of registering as ‘agents of foreign influence’.
Additional burdens introduced include onerous reporting and auditing requirements, cloaked under the guise of transparency. The supposed need for regulatory oversight is already addressed by existing NGO legislation, making these new demands redundant. Furthermore, the negative stigma perpetuated by these laws feeds public distrust towards civil society organisations, heightening risks of hostility and violence against defenders of human rights.
These legislative measures not only contravene international human rights commitments—including stipulations from the UN and other regional accords—but also jeopardise essential rights related to freedom of expression, association, and access to resources. Practices undermining the financial foundation of civil society directly clash with obligations established by the Council of Europe and OSCE, threatening both constitutional and international law frameworks.
Repressive tactics aimed at NGOs are becoming more common, stifling civil society across the nations adopting foreign agent laws. The CIVICUS Monitor 2024 report highlights that these countries are either closing their civil society spaces or obstructing their functionality. Moreover, hostile narratives propelled by previous administrations, like that of Trump, have fortified these restrictive laws, fuelling governmental actions against NGOs.
Despite the oppressive climate, civil society perseveres, actively mobilising against these encroachments on freedom. International engagement, collaborative advocacy efforts, and support for targeted organisations are paramount in building resilience among human rights defenders. The call from international mechanisms urging the repeal or cessation of these laws demonstrates the global imperative for preserving civil liberties.
Eastern Europe is witnessing a troubling rise in ‘foreign agent’ laws, which impose restrictions on NGOs receiving foreign aid. This legislation hinders free expression and civil society operations, further weakening human rights protections. As international human rights mechanisms call for the repeal of such laws, civil society must mobilise to combat these repressive measures, receiving support from global advocacy networks.
In summary, the proliferation of ‘foreign agent’ laws across Eastern Europe presents a significant threat to the functionality of civil society and the integrity of human rights advocacy. By unjustly targeting NGOs, these legislations undermine the foundations of democratic participation and stifle avenues for justice. To counteract these regressive policies, international support and solidarity with local organisations are crucial, ensuring that the voices of defenders remain robust and unyielded.
Original Source: ishr.ch
