1. CIVIL SOCIETY IN CYPRUS: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Jeremy McBride Expert on NGO Law Council of Europe Conference on International NGOs

2. Civil Society Pursuit of collective interests in the public sphere Distinct from governmental or business structures Contribution to the development and well- being of society Not-for-profit objectives and not anti- democratic

3. Forms and Means Structures: associations; charities/public benefit organisations, not-for-profit companies and other legal entities but also informal ones Volunteerism and professionalism Local, national and international

4. Contribution of Civil Society Development and realisation of democracy Securing social and humanitarian objectives Service provision Developing professional and technical standards Monitoring compliance with obligations Cultural and social life Physical and spiritual well-being

5. International Standards Collective activity is guaranteed by the right to freedom of association under the ECHR Art 11, ICCPR Art 22 and CFR Art 12 Committee of Ministers Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)14 on the legal status of non- governmental organisations in Europe Human Rights Council Resolution 27/31, Civil Society Space

6. An Enabling Environment A legal framework facilitating establishment and operation (including self-governance) Genuine engagement with civil society by governmental structures A positive fiscal framework No unjustified restrictions on access to resources Protection from harassment and worse

7. Challenges for Cyprus (1) A positive public perception - Is the contribution and operation of civil society really understood and appreciated? -Could this understanding and appreciation be promoted more by government? -Is there a sufficient willingness to become engaged by establishing and participating in civil society?

8. Challenges for Cyprus (2) Developing the legal framework - Is it currently conducive to establishing civil society structures? - Does the framework sufficiently recognise the different ways in which civil society operates? - Is the regulatory environment too exacting but without significant benefits?

9. Challenges for Cyprus (3) Exploiting the contribution of civil society - Is there a genuine willingness to draw on the benefits of its experience and insights? - Are there adequate structures to ensure that its voice is heard? - Is there sufficient recognition that civil society can relieve the burden on government?

10. Challenges for Cyprus (4) Access to resources - Does the fiscal framework provide sufficient incentive for support from the private sector? - Is public support provided on a genuinely non-discriminatory and transparent basis? - Are there undue restrictions on competing for European Union funding? - Could more be done to provide facilities?

11. Challenges for Cyprus (5) Developing capacity - Do those running civil society structures have sufficient financial and managerial skills for the demands placed on them? - Do those working with civil society structures – employees and volunteers – have sufficient training and protection? - How can government help civil society do better?

12. CIVIL SOCIETY IN CYPRUS: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Jeremy McBride Expert Council on NGO Law Council of Europe Conference on International NGOs