Public initiatives
Legislative initiative is a tool that allows the public to propose new laws or amend existing laws on a national level. On the other hand, European Citizens’ Initiative is a tool that allows the public to petition the European Commission to propose legislation or other measures in the areas of its competence.
Public initiatives & Human rights
Public initiatives are another form of direct democracy which allow the public to participate in the law-making process. They are closely associated with freedom of expression, and more so with the idea that the people in a democracy have equal rights to make law. However, this right can be restricted. Namely, to provide legitimacy to the legislative proposals, the right to propose a legislative initiative is usually limited by the requirement that the initiative be backed by a significant proportion of the electorate. If your right to submit an initiative has been unlawfully or unjustifiably restricted, it may result in interference with or violation of your freedom of expression.
Resources
Articles 14, 64, 100
Article 19
Article 11
Article 7
Article 5(c)
Article 29