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In recent months, Serbia has witnessed some of the largest protests in its modern history. With slogans like “Corruption kills” and “Pumpaj!” (“Pump it!”) students have emerged as the driving force behind these leaderless demonstrations, supported by the wider civil society while intentionally distancing themselves from it. In this op-ed, Uroš Jovanović from Civic Initiatives – a member organisation of Human Rights House Belgrade – explores the roots of the protests, the strategies used to intimidate civil society, and the muted response of international actors.

During the 2025 Democracy Defender Award seminar in Vienna, HRHF issued recommendations to OSCE States on how to address shrinking space for civil society. HRHF Congratulates Georgian Young Lawyer’s Association for the well-deserved recognition of their commitment to advancing democracy and human rights in Georgia.

In 2024, Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) worked closely with the Network of Human Rights Houses and other civil society partners to protect and promote human rights amidst increasing challenges, including rising authoritarianism. Find out more in HRHF’s 2024 annual report.

At HRC58, HRHF urged the Georgian authorities to lift restrictions against Human Rights House Tbilisi, to repeal laws that target civil society, and to ensure accountability for violence against human rights defenders and protesters.

Members of the Network of Human Rights Houses condemn the recent actions of the Georgian authorities against independent human rights organisation Human Rights House Tbilisi and call for immediate stop of the investigation and reversal of the decision to freeze all of the organisation’s bank accounts.

At HRC58, Human Rights House Foundation urged the Georgian authorities to immediately end repression against civil society and to meaningfully engage with the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations and uphold its obligations under international human rights law.

On 27 February 2025, Human Rights House Foundation hosted a side event at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council alongside OMCT and IRCT. This side event provided an update on the deteriorating situation in Georgia including new reporting by Georgian and international civil society organisations.

Human Rights Houses in Belgrade, Banja Luka, and Zagreb, along with the Sarajevo Open Center – united in a Regional Network – strongly condemn yesterday’s armed police intrusion into the premises of member organisations of the Human Rights House Belgrade, conducted without a proper court order.

Unprecedented peaceful protests in Georgia are being met with unprecedented levels of violence and brutality according to Georgian human rights defender and psychologist Lela Tsiskarishvili. In this interview with Human Rights House Foundation, Tsiskarishvili outlines the use of torture and ill-treatment against peaceful protesters in the context of the current situation in Georgia as well as reflecting on her work rehabilitating survivors and the resilience of those she helps. Estimated reading time: 7-12mins.