#DemocracyDrinks: Stepping up the protection of civic space

• Date: 29 June
• label.tijd 17:00 - 19:00
• Location: Grand Café Utopie

On 29 June 2023 from 17:00 to 19:00, the next edition of the #DemocracyDrinks will take place at Grand Café Utopie! This edition is titled: Stepping up the protection of civic space: What can you do?

As we discussed during the Summit for Democracy and Democracy Under Threat Coalition in March 2023, democracy is under threat. This is unfortunately our current reality across Europe, as well as the Netherlands. Democracy is about more than free and fair elections. It is also about restoring trust and protecting the space where people can have their voices heard and advocate for a better society.

At this edition of #DemocracyDrinks, we want to reflect on what we can do to protect our democracy, more specifically civic space. How can we build vibrant and open civic spaces to strengthen our democracies where we can make sure citizens can speak out, assemble and advocate?

Spotlight Speakers

The June edition of the #DemocacyDrinks offers a unique opportunity to hear a short assessment of the civic space in Europe and The Netherlands from our spotlight speakers:

• Marjolein Kuijers, Policy Officer Right to Protest, Amnesty International, The Netherlands.
• Aïcha Chaghouani, Fundraising and Advocacy Officer, Netherlands Helsinki Committee.

The event will be moderated by NHC Executive Director Kirsten Meijer.

Following this panel discussion, there will be ample time for a Q&A session, followed by time for an informal discussion, drinks, and networking.

What are #DemocracyDrinks?

Our #DemocracyDrinks bring together democracy advocates, thinkers and enthusiasts to connect in an informal setting.

As a valuable opportunity for networking, the event will be all about making new contacts and catching up with people you know. You can test new ideas; plan common initiatives; and find moral support and inspiration.

#DemocracyDrinks were launched by Defend Democracy in Brussels in 2018. And, since then, the idea has taken off. #DemocracyDrinks have taken place around the world, including in Washington DC, Berlin, Kathmandu and, since last year, The Hague.

Our previous #DemocracyDrinks in The Hague have attracted a lively mixture of people from NGOs, international institutions, think tanks and national government, among others.

The event series in The Hague is a collaboration between the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC) and The Hague Humanity Hub.

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