On 25 February 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00 (Kyiv time), an online event (Zoom) will take place to mark the launch of the regional report “Shrinking Civic Space and Marginalized Communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.”
The report examines how restrictions on civil liberties and pressure on civil society organizations affect the rights, health, and safety of people and communities who already face stigma and discrimination. It focuses on the impact of shrinking civic space on LGBTIQA+ community, people living with HIV, people who use drugs, andsex workers across the EECA region. The analysis also highlights risks to access to health and social services, opportunities for self-organization and public advocacy, and protection from violence and discrimination.
The report launch is held within the framework of the regional Rise & Decriminalize campaign — a human rights movement in Eastern Europe and Central Asia that brings together community organizations and networks to advance decriminalization, protect human rights, and promote evidence-based, public health–oriented approaches. The campaign opposes repressive practices that deepen marginalization and push people “into the shadows,” increasing vulnerability and limiting access to support. One of Rise & Decriminalize’s key principles is “Nothing about us without us”: decisions and policies must be developed with the meaningful participation of the communities they directly affect.
During the event, the report’s overall framework and key findings will be presented, along with a discussion of the practical consequences of shrinking civic space for community-led organizations, service delivery, and the realization of rights across EECA countries.
Participation details
???? Date & time: 25.02.2026, 11:00–13:00 (Kyiv)
???? Format: Online (Zoom)
???? Event page: https://risedecriminalize.org/ru/reg-report-launch-shrinking-civic-space-marginalized-populations-in-eeca-2/
✅ Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RUxDDQXQTeKuRqTY0PZPkg