In early 2023, the Georgian Parliament introduced two draft laws focused on the foreign funding of civil society and media. ECNL and ICNL carried out analyses of both the first and the second draft law, showing how the drafts would violate international standards and harm the Georgian people. However, due to wide political support, it was believed that at least one of the laws would easily be adopted. However, the proposed laws led to large-scale protests. In the face of mass demonstrations, widespread criticism from international bodies, pressure from media, businesses and civil society, the government decided to withdraw the laws.
Georgian civil society mobilised to contest the law. Through early monitoring and rapid coordination, organisations were able to anticipate governmental action and prepare appropriate steps. By engaging local organisations, carrying out a large-scale communication campaign, re-framing the debate and consistently communicating the added value civil society brings to Georgian people, CSOs managed to mobilise the general public against the law.
The case of Georgia can be an inspiration to other countries whose governments propose variations on the foreign agent law. Want to know more about what arguments, strategies and public communication actions CSOs can take to respond to such laws?