The 2023 Summit for Democracy (hosted by the governments of Costa Rica, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, United States and Zambia) brought democracies together to revitalise open societies, strengthen democratic institutions and protect civic space. ECNL joined civil society efforts to highlight key civic space issues for participating governments.
Countering the misuse of technology
Led by the Business and Human Rights Resource Center, 46 civil society organisations called for protections against spyware to be prioritised and duly deliberated upon during the 2023 Summit, using the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as a foundation for the discussion.
The letter highlights examples of how spyware has been used to silence journalists, surveil human rights defenders, muzzle dissent or discourage peaceful protests. It calls for states to ban the sale of spyware until a system of safeguards is in place to prevent human rights abuses and hold companies liable for their negative human rights impacts. It also calls for states to develop comprehensive human rights due diligence and transparency requirements for investors.
Click here to read the joint letter.
Reinforcing democratic principles
Civil society plays a critical role in achieving the goals of the Summit. ECNL joined over 110 organisations, co-ordinated by Freedom House, the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the McCain Institute, in expressing support for 14 principles that are vital to democratic renewal. The global coalition calls on states to uphold these principles, take the recommended actions associated with each and engage in conversation with civil society on how to advance and reinforce these values.