VOICE, a veteran rights-based research and advocacy organization, convened the second strategic meeting of the Rapid Response Task force (RRT) under its flagship project, Collaborative Actions for Promoting Digital and Civic Space and Combating Gender Disinformation.

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

As part of this initiative, VOICE has established the RRT, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including women, ethnic and religious minorities, youth, activists, lawyers, academics, and civil society representatives.

The task force serves as a crucial mechanism to monitor and respond to violations of civic space, particularly threats to freedom of expression, assembly, and association, as well as barriers to accessing information, all of which are central to achieving SDG 16.10.

The meeting focused on addressing the growing restrictions on fundamental rights, reviewing 14 critical cases, and formulating strategic advocacy efforts.

Through public statements, media engagements, and policy interventions, the RRT aims to combat digital and civic space violations while confronting the rising threat of gendered disinformation.

Launched in December 2024, the RRT has been actively working to defend press freedom, promote digital rights, protect civic space while combat gendered disinformation.

As violations continue to escalate, this task force remains committed to amplifying voices, holding power to account, and advocating for an inclusive and rights-based digital and civic environment.