This report, published by the InBáze Association (a Prague-based independent non-profit organisation), summarises the findings of a pilot study that identified the basic needs and experiences of third-country citizens in terms of civic and political participation in Prague. 

The report's findings are based on answers given by more than 200 respondents to a survey distributed by the InBáze Association, including 22 respondents who responded via focus group sessions.

Overview of findings

There was found to be diverse understanding of 'participation' among respondents: often, respondents distinguished between 'civic' and 'political' participation, associating political participation with the right to vote and understanding civic participation as a set of collaborative activities that strive for changes and improvements to society. 

In terms of their own current participation, respondents engage in activites related to variety of relevant social issues, such as migration, human rights, ecology, women's rights, and many others. Most respondents said they do not limit themselves to one issue, but rather are actively involved in several.

The most frequent form of participation was found to be volunteering and working with non-profit organisations. Obstacles to participation identified by respondents include language barriers, a lack of information on participation opportunities, feelings of non-acceptance, and limited political rights. The main relevant sources of information accessed by participants include events, personal contacts, educational courses, and social media platforms.