VOICE, a veteran rights-based research and advocacy organization, held a pivotal meeting under its flagship project, Collaborative Actions for Promoting Digital and Civic Space and Combating Gender Disinformation, on Saturday.

This project, funded by the European Union, Free Press Unlimited, and Article 19, is implemented in collaboration with The Daily Ittefaq, according to a statement.

As part of this initiative, VOICE has established a Rapid Response Task force (RRT) comprising diverse members, including women, ethnic and religious minorities, youth, activists, lawyers, academicians, and civil society representatives.

The RRT held its inaugural meeting to address violations of civic space, particularly those impacting freedom of expression, assembly, and association, as well as barriers to accessing information—all of which are closely tied to SDG 16.10.

Through initiatives such as public statements, media engagements, and in-depth reviews, the RRT will tackle key advocacy challenges, scrutinize cases, and shape impactful policy recommendations.

The task force has officially commenced its efforts during the meeting mentioned above.