The 2020 Fundamental Rights Survey revealed that only 42% of Lithuanians are familiar with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, i.e. y. 11% below the EU average. These results show the need to strengthen public awareness and capacity. Limited knowledge hinders the effective exercise of rights and strategic use of litigation in Lithuania. Drawing on examples of Lithuanian law and insights from the Liberty Charter training, this project aims to promote strategic litigation and to exploit opportunities such as appeals to the Court of Justice of the European Union, complaints to the European Commission or petitions at the level of the European Parliament. By raising awareness and building capacity, the project aims to empower Lithuanian CSOs and other stakeholders to ensure better protection of fundamental rights.
The project involves targeted research and analysis of strategic litigation practice in Lithuania, particularly in relation to the erosion of civic space, civil liberties and equality rights. The analysis will identify gaps in practice and enable data-driven capacity building actions.
Capacity building for stakeholder groups, including CSOs, legal professionals and minority representatives, will focus on legal literacy, access to strategic litigation tools, the provision of know-how, and support in challenging restrictive laws, in line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The project also aims to increase the effectiveness of strategic litigation on fundamental rights in Lithuania.
The advocacy campaign will aim to raise awareness among the public, civil society organisations and practitioners of the challenges to the rule of law in Lithuania, as identified in the reports of both the European Commission and Liberties. The project highlights the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union as a strategic tool for achieving change by establishing legal precedents and guaranteeing individual and civil rights and liberties.
Photo: Iñaki del Olmo I Unsplash
