The Citizen Discussion on the influence of Covid-19 on the enjoyment of fundamental rights took place in Varna, Bulgaria. A total of 22 participants, part of the local community, participated in the discussion and shared their opinions and views on questions related to subtopics such as limited movement, freedom of peaceful assembly, healthcare, education, mental health and compulsory vaccination during Covid-19.
During the event participants were engaged in active discussion whose main goal was to collect their opinions and common resolutions on the matters discussed during the conversation. The event was joined and moderated by Zornitza Draganova – Senior Assistant Professor at The Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at BAS.
The discussion started with a brief introduction of her research related to the thematic of the HEARD project. It familiarized the participants with the main tendencies shaping Bulgaria, its society and marginalized groups during the Covid-19 peak. After the introduction participants were asked to share their personal experience and concerns provoked by the pandemic and the measures taken. An active discussion was formed. During the conversation participants expressed different points of views, giving a new perspective to the research.
The event was a part of the agenda of the HEARD project, executed in partnership with organisations based in countries such as Slovenia (leading partner), Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, France and Cyprus. CERV aims to protect and promote European Union rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It aims to contribute to sustaining and further developing open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies based on the rule of law.