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The Right to Advocate
The Irish constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights both guarantee the rights of community and voluntary organisations to robustly critique government policy.
The role of the community and voluntary sector
The role of the community and voluntary sector in holding governments to account for decisions and in ensuring that Government hears the voices of those they represent is essential in a functioning democracy. The Irish constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights both guarantee the rights of community and voluntary organisations to robustly critique government policy. The State also has an obligation under the Council of Europe to facilitate an environment that allows this.
Importance
The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and their guidelines on Freedom of Association
further clarifies this right: “Governmental and quasi-governmental mechanisms at all levels should ensure the effective participation of NGOs without discrimination in dialogue and consultation on public policy objectives and decisions. It is important that
- Ireland steps up to promote and protect civil society in the context of shrinking civil society space and threats at European and global level
- funding agreements between the State and non- governmental organisations should clearly set out that the acceptance of funding does not preclude critique of government policy or campaigning and advocacy.
