Democracy & Human Rights

Democracy is a liberal political system as well as a utopian ideal that we all aspire to. It takes its driving power from active citizens at both the local and global level. In our debates and publications we discuss the current issues that are important for the future of democracy and the question of further European integration, participation, civic engagement, and green politics, both in Poland and abroad. The point of departure for us is the post-war history of Europe, especially the political transformation and cost of demolishing former European divisions from the point of view of individual states and their citizens.

Events

23

April

40 years after Chernobyl

Event Thursday, 23. April 2026 in Berlin

History and its new reality

Latest articles

3 Questions on the new EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy to Rémy Bonny

3 Questions

The European Commission’s new LGBTIQ+ Equality strategy for 2026-2030 puts equality back on the agenda – but for Rémy Bonny, Executive Director at Forbidden Colours, it comes too little, too late. As Europe faces a coordinated anti-gender movement importing authoritarian narratives into the EU, he warns that “a few nice words won’t stop that.” Joan Lanfranco asked him where the EU needs to show real political courage, how it can counter disinformation and violence, and why defending LGBTIQ+ rights has become a test of Europe’s democracy itself.

Joan Lanfranco, Rémy Bonny

Reviewing the Polish presidential elections

Commentary

As Karol Nawrocki assumes office as president, subtle shifts reshape the Polish political landscape in the wake of the election. In the new study summarized here Przemysław Sadura and Sławomir Sierakowski explore the potential collapse of the long-standing KO-PiS duopoly and its replacement by a new duopoly on the horizon.

Paul Naumann, Joanna Maria Stolarek

EU–Hungary rule of law clashes intensify: Kremlin-inspired crackdown on media, NGOs, and opposition parties

Analysis

With less than a year to go until the next Hungarian parliamentary elections, Viktor Orbán’s Government appears to have a weak hand in its communications battles with its new political opponent, Péter Magyar’s Tisza party. To cover up the challenges it faces, the administration has turned up the heat under the independent media, NGOs, and opposition parties, playing from the same old authoritarian playbook of threatening a free civil society.

Kata Moravecz, György Folk

Society & Participation

A campaign bus belonging to Rafal Trzaskowski, mayor of Warsaw and candidate for the Civic Platform (PO) party in the upcoming presidential elections, drives away after a campaign event in Krakow, Poland, on 13 May 2025.

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Gender Democracy

Empowering Grassroots Voices: How Feminists in Poland Build Collective Strength

Background

For years, Polish women have faced systemic oppression, driving constant shifts in feminist activism strategies. The past decade has been particularly turbulent under the rule of Law and Justice, sparking mass protests but also fostering the growth of new grassroots initiatives, strengthening solidarity and resilience. What are the current realities of the feminist movement in Poland, and how is it driving societal change?

Ewelina Lipska, Paul Naumann

For the Legalisation of Abortion – Now!

Presidents' column

Presidents’ column: Pregnancy termination is still a criminal offence in Germany under section 218 of the Criminal Code, with serious consequences for access to abortion and women’s right to self-determination. There can only be one answer to this.

Imme Scholz

How to Respond to Online Gender-Based Violence

Blog

Online violence is a global issue affecting women, activists, and marginalized groups. Pirth.org supports survivors with personalized resources and advocates for greater transparency and accountability online, addressing the need for a safer digital space.

Sherry Hakimi

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Publications

Defending Equality in an Age of Democratic Decline

Report

This report by Forbidden Colours argues that the EU’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 was designed for a political moment that has since shifted dramatically. Although it secured important legal advances, it failed to anticipate the rise of coordinated anti-rights movements challenging fundamental freedoms across Europe. As the EU prepares its 2026–2030 Strategy, a decisive shift is needed: gender equality must be anchored as a core pillar of democratic resilience, security and rule-of-law protection – not treated as a standalone social policy.

Rémy Bonny

We barely have time to celebrate our wins … or to process what we’ve lost

The Ukrainian House report, issued in cooperation with the Open Space Works Ukraine and the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Warsaw highlights how Ukrainian Women-led Organisations (WLOSs) have played a key role in responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion. Drawing on research in Ukraine and Poland, it explores their grassroots efforts in providing emergency aid, psychosocial support, and long-term solutions.

Böll.Thema 2/24: Democracy

Worldwide, democracy is under pressure. In this edition of the magazine Böll.Thema we introduce people who inspire us with their commitment to democratic values. Because without dedication and action, there can be no democracy. And without democracy, everything is for naught.

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