On October 15, 2019, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association, Clement Voule, presented a thematic report to the UN General Assembly. The report considers “the impacts of violations to the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association on sustainable development.” It emphasizes how civil society is better able to reduce economic inequalities and eradicate poverty when citizens can enjoy their rights to freely assemble and associate. The report highlights a number of actions that should be taken by states to protect these rights, but also highlights the significant role that the donor community can play in aiding civic society organizations with the challenges related to these rights. Read more in the report here.