In recent years, an increasing number of countries have passed laws to require transparency or otherwise put limitations on foreign funding of NGOs. Some human rights organizations have characterized such laws as a tool of authoritarian control over society, as stigmatizing and targeting civil society and activists, and limiting freedom of expression and association. This hearing will examine trends in the application of foreign NGO laws, the relevance of international human rights standards, and particular country cases.

WHAT: Congressional hearing on foreign NGO laws and their implications for civil society and activists, as well as human rights.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 9^th, 2025 at 2:00 PM

WITNESSES:

• Gina Romero, United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
• Suparna Chaudhry, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Lewis & Clark College
• Daniel Hegedüs, Regional Director, Transatlantic Trusts Central Europe, German Marshall Fund
• Ana María Méndez Dardón, Director for Central America, Washington Office on Latin America
• Michael Shellenberger, CBR Chair of Politics, Censorship & Free Speech, University of Austin
• Almut Rochowanski, Independent researcher; for 20 years manager of U.S., UK and European NGOs for civil society development in former Soviet Union

WHERE: 2255 Rayburn House Office Building

WHO: Co-Chair Chris Smith, Co-Chair James McGovern, other members of the TLHRC, and witnesses

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Contact:
Teagan Gambert, Communications Director
(202) 225-3765
http://chrissmith.house.gov