In the workshop, which was  facilitated by Tommaso Nodari from Civil Rights Defenders, we looked at what human rights advocacy is and why the EU is an interesting target for it on the 20th of October, Wednesday at the 23.5 Hrant Dink Site of Memory.  We also skimmed through the EU's main relevant institutions and understand better how human rights activists from Turkey can influence the accession process. We also talked about the current situation of Turkey, following the latest geopolitical and human rights developments, as well as the latest Commission report’s release. 

Participants also got a sense of which European institutions are interesting avenues for human rights advocacy and what they can do. With a specific focus on Turkey, a country formally in the EU accession process, we looked at the main actors involved and what they can do to support civil society. Participants received very practical tips and reports of personal experience of engaging with EU politicians and officials on human rights matters.The presentation of opportunities for advocacy at the EU can be preceded by a more general discussion on advocacy, and in particular international advocacy and the role it can play as part of civil society’s strategy. 

This project is funded by the European Union.