Civil Society and Human Rights

Abstract

The concept of civil society has evolved in history and has acquired different meanings. Despite these meanings, any definition of civil society should include descriptive characterizations such as the notion of network of nongovernmental, noneconomic associations, institutions, and movements in which democratic action is situated. The existence of an active civil society is a determinant factor for the vitality of democracy and promotion of human rights because it is capable of both mobilizing people and challenging government officials so that they can be responsive to the people. Through the process of will-formation, civil society enables citizens to internalize and practice values such as justice, equality, and freedom so as to build and sustain a democratic society based on human rights. Because of this important role, civil society must be capable of guaranteeing and keeping intact the dynamic of the communication structures of the public sphere. If such a dynamic is maintained, public opinion can exert influence over parliaments, courts, and administrations in favor of specific policies, though that influence is not a political power. Thus, it is important for civil society to preserve its independence from the state apparatus.