Freedom of association

From a legal point of view, freedom of association is well protected in France. However, according to the CSOs met during the visit, the full and unhindered enjoyment of this freedom is currently facing challenges from two sides. On the one hand, in a context of scarce resources, public and private financing available for CSOs has decreased. Associations are particularly badly affected by this situation. According to the representatives met during the mission, they are seen only as easy budgetary adjustment variables, while their civic, democratic, social and economic functions are forgotten or even challenged.

On the other hand, CSOs – and particularly those that provide assistance to migrants – report increasing attempts to stop or hinder their activities through threats of legal proceedings or detention of their volunteers and workers. According to representatives met during the mission, a process is underway in France of criminalising organisations whose sole purpose is to save human lives. Some also mentioned smear campaigns against CSOs by private actors.

Trade union representatives met during the mission felt that they were being subjected to increasing obstacles and discrimination in the conduct of their activities.