Read the position paper in Arabic
The Majalat II Consortium has launched a position paper on human rights, civic space, and international law in the MENA region. The policy paper builds on recent developments in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood and the broader European context following the June elections, while also addressing the recent announcement by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen regarding a New Pact for the Mediterranean.
The paper draws from discussions held by the Majalat II Regional Working Group on Governance and Human Rights, which convenes civil society partners from the region. Despite the volatile situation, conflicts and escalating tensions, the group has been meeting throughout 2023 and 2024 to discuss the human rights situation in the region.
The recommendations outlined in the paper are aimed at EU stakeholders and focus on fostering a more supportive environment for civic space by enhancing both political and financial support for civil society organizations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) in the MENA region. The paper highlights the urgent need for the EU to adopt a rights-based approach in its Neighbourhood Policy, ensuring adherence to international law and implementing accountability mechanisms.
Additionally, it calls on EU stakeholders to prioritize a renewed dialogue with civil society, enforce stronger internal checks and balances, and ensure greater policy coherence across its actions. These steps are seen as essential for effectively addressing the challenges facing civic space and human rights in the region.
Read position paper here.