This Debate Pack has been prepared ahead of the debate on 'Protecting civil society space across the world', to be held on Thursday 26 January. The subject for the debate has been chosen by the Backbench Business Committee, following a representation by Jim Shannon, Fiona Bruce and Patrick Grady.
Protecting civil society space across the world (208 KB , PDF)
The UN, in its ‘Practical guide for civil society: Civil society space and the United Nations human rights system’, explains:
“Freedoms of expressions, association and peaceful assembly, and the right to participate in public affairs, are human rights that enable people to share ideas, form new ones, and join together with others to claim their rights. It is through the exercise of these public freedoms that we make informed decisions about our economic and social development. It is through these rights that we can take part in civic activiry and build democratic societies. To restrict them undermines our collective progress.”
Protecting civil society space across the world (208 KB , PDF)
This briefing looks at the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. What it does, questions over whether it breaks international law, why the Government is introducing the Bill, and the reaction to it including from the EU and political parties in Northern Ireland.
A Westminster Hall debate on the work of the UK-hosted International Conference on the Freedom of Religion or Belief is scheduled for Tuesday 28 June 2022, from 9:30-11:00am. The debate will be led by Fiona Bruce MP.
A Westminster Hall debate on the anniversaries of the handover of Hong Kong and the implementation of the National Security Law is scheduled for Wednesday 29 June 2022, from 9:30-11:00am. The debate will be led by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP.