GREVIO (Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence) published yesterday its 6th General Activity Report, dedicating the focus section to the shrinking space for women’s rights organisations and defenders.

The report identifies worrying trends in many member states, where women’s rights organisations are excluded from policymaking processes, face underfunding, and are subjected to restrictive licensing procedures and competition for funding with for-profit entities or non-specialist organisations. These practices undermine the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, which obliges states to actively support NGOs working to combat violence against women (Article 9).

GREVIO President Maria-Andriani Kostopoulou stated: “The shrinking space for civil society organisations affects all, but it impacts women’s organisations particularly hard. The women’s movement possesses invaluable expertise that must be recognised. Their voices must be heard.”

GREVIO calls on states to ensure a safe and enabling environment that allows these organisations to continue their essential work unhindered. Maintaining a strong feminist movement and protecting women’s rights defenders are critical preconditions for advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women.

The Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights (MFHR) echoes GREVIO’s conclusions and urges the authorities to acknowledge, promote, and support—at all levels—the efforts of relevant non-governmental organisations and civil society actors working to combat violence against women, and to establish effective cooperation with them.

The Press Release prepared by MFHR is available here and the full text of the 6^th General Activity Report of GREVIO, here.