Establishment of an International Center for Civil Activities Support in Prague

An international center is set to be established in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, to support civil activities in former Soviet countries currently under pressure from their governments. According to a report by Reuters on February 19, this entity, named the 'Prague Civil Society Center,' is preparing for its opening amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West following the situation in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea by Russia. This center will serve as a venue for training and organizing workshops and collaboration opportunities for civil activists from countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Central Asian countries. Rastislav Valoda, the director of this center, stated in a statement released on February 19, 'We are opening a new center because civil society in the region has significant potential. Still, especially in some countries, pressure on this sector – civil institutions – is increasing.' He noted that this center would promote values such as 'embracing open-mindedness, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law and human rights.' The head of this center emphasized that it does not seek to replace governments (regime change). This center is being launched by the NGO 'People in Need' in Prague, and its funding will come from the 'U.S. Agency for International Development,' the governments of Switzerland and the Czech Republic, as well as two American NGOs.