Democracy has been increasingly under threat throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with authoritarian regimes growing bolder in their attacks against democracy, human rights and the freedom of speech.
As part of the Green Screen project, which engages citizens in contemporary issues through films and debates, we explored how citizens can engage in further democratic processes and participate in politics during periods of crisis such as pandemics. What are the emancipatory fights of our time? And most pressingly, what instruments can we use to change the course of our countries today?
This month, we featured the film ‘The 8th’ and held a debate on citizen rights and democracy. The documentary by directors Aideen Kane, Lucy Kennedy and Maeve O’Boyle illustrates how feminist movements can make big steps to achieve equality and justice for women in our societies. Set in Ireland, it follows women's rights advocates in their fight to overturn one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the world. After a 35-year struggle, the pro-choice side radically shift tactics to try to bring an historically conservative electorate over the line.
Watch now: Fighting for change: Why the Rule of Law is critical to uphold democracies
This debate explored the emancipatory fights of our time and how citizens can use a variety of instruments beyond the voting booth to create change. It was kicked off with an introduction by Mar Garcia, Secretary General of the European Greens, and moderated by Sam Murray, a member of the EGP amendments committee. Murray explained the role of democracy and the rule of law in protecting citizen rights and holding space for change:
“Democracy and rule of law is not about enforcing a control on society but rather creating a space for society to evolve and ensure that human rights are respected as fundamental basis for such an evolution. We need citizens voices to be empowered and mechanisms for change and this week’s movie demonstrates what is possible.”