The winter session of the Conference of INGOs will take place from 22 to 26 January 2018 (calendar). During the political debate on the situation of NGOs in the Member States, the representative of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights will present the report on the Challenges facing civil society working on human rights in the EU. The speakers will discussed the freedom of association and NGO participation in public policies in Estonia and Serbia.

This debate will take place with the participation of the Ambassadors of the concerned countries and representatives of national NGOs. The Expert Council on NGO Law will present its two opinions: on freedom of association in Turkey and on the draft amendment to the Law on Associations and Foundations in Romania. (Friday 26/01 at 9.30, Room G03).

Protection of Human Rights Defenders will be discussed at the Side Event Human Rights Defenders in the Council of Europe area: current challenges and new responses which will take on Monday 22 January at 13.00 at Palace of Europe, Room 2.

A specific debate will be held on the rights of LGBTI persons, with the participation of ILGA Europe, European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups, representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Secretariat of the Council of Europe (Thursday 25/01 in Agora, Room G04)

Many initiatives and projects will be presented during the interactive exchange “Market Place” focused on Digital Society (Thursday 25/01 in Agora facing Room G03) On Wednesday 24 January, the INGOs members will elect the President and the members of the Bureau of the Conference of INGOs for a three-year term. Applications can be found on the Conference website: in English and in French