Once more, Cairo came to the fore of the civil society in the Arab world: More than one hundred delegates representing NGOs, political parties, labour unions, international human rights organizations and the European Union joined the Conference on "Freedom of Association. A Roadmap for the Future" organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) from February 10 to 12, 2010. The three-day event marked the formal ending of a three-years regional project aimed at promoting the freedom of association in the Arab world. This project has been supported by the European Union and was – in the initial phase – focused on Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria.

In a later stage project activities were also conducted in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. At the recent Cairo conference, FNF could welcome delegates from Bahrain, Yemen, Sudan and Mauritania. "This project has opened many new doors and the Foundation’s image in the Arab civil society has benefited considerably", said Ralf Erbel, FNF’s representative in Amman, who has headed the implementation.

Politically the project received a boost due to the close cooperation with the League of Arab States (LAS). Important meetings were hosted at the Cairo headquarters of the League. The initial and also the final conferences were held under the patronage of LAS-Secretary General Amr Mousa thus giving the project additional political impetus. "The Arab League has opened the door to dialogue with civil society", said Mrs. Nancy Bakeer, the newly appointed Commissioner for Civil Society, at the opening of the conference.

During the three-years project FNF and LAS extended their relations. Both sides have agreed to cooperate in a united effort aimed at promoting dialogue between the European and Arab civil societies. A first joint activity is planned for this summer in Potsdam, Germany.

"Key to Political Reform"

The conditions for civil society involvement in politics remain curtailed in most Arab nations. As was stated by speakers at the conference, restrictions and limitations to the right of association curb the creation of civil groups, political parties and trade unions. "Freedom of association is a strategic freedom, this freedom is a precondition for the peaceful political participation of the people", said FNF’s Regional Director Dr. Ronald Meinardus. "Without freedom of association, there can be no democracy: Freedom of association is the key to political reform."

There was general agreement that Arab governments are unwilling to turn this key and open the door to genuine political change. The delegates deplored this lack of willingness to enter into a genuine dialogue. "Their ears are deaf, they only want to hear what pleases them", said a human rights activist from Tunisia.

According to Mrs. Ubab Murad, manager of the project at FNF’s Amman office, the project failed to achieve one important objective – to have a positive impact on existing legislation. The restrictive rules are still in place, we have also seen steps backwards, she said. At the same time, participants and observers agreed that the project has had many positive results, even breakthroughs: The formation of national and regional coalitions united in the demand for freedom of association has been termed such a breakthrough. Moreover, it is the first time that NGOs, political parties and labour unions close ranks in an important political advocacy. As a result of the many meetings and consultations, which among other things also produced a rich Arabic language body of books and documentation on freedom of association, an Arab Council for Freedom of Association was established. FNF’s regional and national partners are represented in this new network.

Speaking to the delegates at the end of the conference, FNF Regional Director Dr. Meinardus affirmed FNF’s support for the promotion of the freedom of association in the Arab world. "While the project is coming to an end, our commitment and engagement will continue", said Dr. Meinardus.