Human Rights Organizations Across Europe and Eurasia Join Forces to Address Widespread Violations of Liberties

Vilnius (4 December 2011)—In order to address the inadequate response of states and international organizations to ongoing human rights violations in Europe and Eurasia, 35 leading civil society organizations today launched Civic Solidarity, a new international platform for cooperation.

Throughout the former Soviet bloc, governments routinely deny basic rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and fair trial. Many leaders fearing popular uprisings use undemocratic means to suppress dissent. Journalists are killed with impunity in Russia, bloggers are arrested in Azerbaijan, and activists are prosecuted in Belarus without due process. West of Vienna, xenophobia and racism are increasingly manifest in violent forms. Despite these egregious violations, few countries have spoken out.

“Civic Solidarity will deliver a united voice to hold governments accountable and empower the people,” said renowned human rights activist Ludmila Alexeeva from the Moscow Helsinki Group, Russia.  

Civic Solidarity aims to breathe new life into human rights advocacy.

“Repressive governments cooperate and share tools to hold down their people, it is high time for civil society to show our solidarity,” said Danuta Przywara from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Poland.

In the coming months, Civic Solidarity will launch a monitoring mission to post-conflict Kyrgyzstan, advocate for victims of abuses in Belarus and Azerbaijan, and undertake activities to fight threats to fundamental freedoms across the OSCE region. Civic Solidarity is open to new members from across the region.