By Mandeep Tiwana, Secretary General and Susan Marx, Chief Programmes Officer
Every Aug.
Media & Resources
CIVICUS discusses protests in Costa Rica with Raúl Silesky, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Institute for the Press and Freedom of Expression, a civil society organisation that defends freedom of expression and access to public information.
CIVICUS discusses struggles for abortion rights in Liechtenstein with Gabriella Alvarez-Hummel, a journalist and reproductive rights activist who works with Fristenlösung für Liechtenstein, an organisation that campaigns for the introduction of a legal time-limit abortion model.
CIVICUS global civil society alliance condemns the guilty verdict against Chow Hang-Tung.
SWEDEN: 'The new migration laws are so vague that people don't know what might be used against them'
CIVICUS discusses Sweden's new migration laws with John Stauffer, legal director and deputy executive director of Civil Rights Defenders, a Swedish civil society organisation that acts as a civil rights watchdog at home and supports human rights defenders in repressive contexts worldwide.
A CIVICUS discute o referendo constitucional na Guiné-Bissau, marcado para 30 de agosto, com Bubacar Turé, presidente da Liga Guineense dos Direitos Humanos, uma organização da sociedade civil (OSC) dedicada à proteção dos direitos fundamentais.
CIVICUS discusses Guinea-Bissau's 30 August constitutional referendum with Bubacar Turé, president of the Guinean League of Human Rights, a civil society organisation (CSO) dedicated to the protection of fundamental rights.
CIVICUS discusses recent protests in Tunisia with a member of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), a civil society organisation (CSO) that defends human rights and combats inequalities.
CIVICUS discusses the rapid erosion of civic space in Ecuador with Gabriela Panchana, an activist, communicator and founder of the En Voz Alta and Rumbo Plural digital platforms.
CIVICUS discusses civil society's campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide with Sabrina Walter, founder and executive director of Women For Change, a South African civil society organisation that works to end violence against women and children.
CIVICUS discusses the state's response to Venezuela's 24 June earthquakes with volunteers who took part in relief efforts.
CIVICUS discusses the European Union's (EU) new Pact on Migration and Asylum with Chiara Catelli, Project and Advocacy Officer at the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM), a civil society network of over 160 organisations that works to ensure human rights and justice for undocumented migrants.
CIVICUS discusses the rights of women and minorities under Taliban rule in Afghanistan with Rahima Danishyar, an Afghan independent civil society activist.
CIVICUS discusses civil society's campaign against the Pax Silica hub in the Philippines with Cathleen de Guzman, National Coordinator of Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), a Philippine environmental campaign group.
CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Timor-Leste, Togo, Uganda, and Venezuela.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Secretary General
We live in a world where cruel and unaccountable power is on the ascendant.
By Deepthy Menon, Strategy and Narratives Facilitator, Urgent Action Fund Asia and Pacific
Across Southeast Asia, artists and cultural rights defenders are increasingly being cast as threats – to public morality, political order and dominant narratives about gender, sexuality, identity and belonging.
On 24 June, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela.
CIVICUS discusses Zambia's upcoming presidential election with Linda Kasonde, Founder and Executive Director of LCK Freedom Foundation, a Zambian civil society organisation working to advance constitutionalism, human rights and the rule of law.
Statement on International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Each year on 9 August, the international community marks the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, honouring the first session of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.
CIVICUS discusses digital platforms and the rights of children and young people with Soledad Magnone, a Uruguayan sociologist and founder and director of Jaaklac, a civil society initiative that researches and promotes critical, human rights-centred digital education.
CIVICUS discusses civil society's campaign against beach privatisation in Italy with Danilo Ruggiero, Local President of Mare Libero, an organisation that advocates for free public access to Italy's coastline.
CIVICUS discusses the challenges posed by Paraguay's 'anti-NGO law' with Hugo González, executive director of the Paraguayan Network of LGBTQ+ Artists (REPAR+), a civil society organisation (CSO) that promotes the rights of LGBTQI+ people, which has joined the constitutional challenge against this law.
CIVICUS calls on Moroccan authorities and the international community to provide safety and justice for Sahrawi human rights defender (HRD) Naama Asfari.
CIVICUS discusses Algeria's recent parliamentary election with Zakaria Benlahrech, a lawyer and director of the Foundation for the Promotion of Rights, an Algerian civil society organisation committed to defending and protecting human rights.
CIVICUS global civil society alliance warns of faltering civic space under the new Bangladeshi government.
JULY 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
Welcome to the latest edition of the CIVICUS Lens newsletter, from CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance.
CIVICUS discusses India's Cockroach Janta Party movement with Harshit Singh, a young activist, poet and storyteller who took part in protests in Delhi.
By Mandeep Singh Tiwana, CIVICUS Secretary General and Devyani Kacker, human rightgs lawyer
At CIVICUS, we are increasingly being asked by funders how they should respond to this moment of civic regression.
This piece was written by Dr.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Secretary General
Fifty years ago, India was in the midst of the Emergency.
The United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development convened from 7 to 15 July 2026 under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
CIVICUS speaks about China's recently implemented Ethnic Unity Law with Gulchehra Hoja, a correspondent for Reporters Without Borders and a Uyghur activist and journalist known for her reporting on human rights abuses against Uyghur people in China.
CIVICUS discusses women's rights under Taliban rule with a member of the Afghan section of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), a global membership-based feminist peacebuilding organisation.
Together with partners, we have written to the international community urging immediate action to condemn and respond to the escalating repression of civil society, human rights defenders, journalists and political opposition in Uganda.
CIVICUS discusses the environmental threat posed by a luxury coastal resort project in Albania with Anouk Puymartin, Head of Policy for BirdLife Europe and Central Asia, a member of BirdLife International, the world's largest nature conservation partnership.
CIVICUS discusses disinformation campaigns targeting the LGBTQI+ community in Armenia with Hripsime Kizogyan, Executive Director of Pink Armenia, a community-based organisation that defends the human rights of LGBTQI+ people and advocates for policy change.
A message from CIVICUS Secretary General, Mandeep S.
CIVICUS speaks about protests against defence budget cuts in Taiwan with Brian Hioe, one of the founders of New Bloom Magazine, a regional online outlet that covers activism and youth politics across Taiwan and the Asia and Pacific region.
By Andrew Firmin, Editor-in-Chief
Few things unite Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, but datacentres are one of them.
CIVICUS discusses ongoing Pandemic Treaty negotiations with Alexandra Finch, Project Manager for the Panel for a Global Public Health Convention, an independent coalition that works to strengthen global outbreak prevention and response.
Johannesburg, South Africa — As the world marks Nelson Mandela Day, CIVICUS is calling on people everywhere to dedicate 67 minutes to solidarity and action for imprisoned human rights defenders through the #StandAsMyWitness campaign.
While awaiting the scheduling of Sihem Bensedrine’s appeal trial before the Tunis Court of Appeal, the undersigned organizations express their deep concern over the judgment issued against the prominent human rights defender and former President of the Truth and Dignity Commission (TDC), sentencing her to twenty-five years in prison in connection with two cases directly related to her work as President of the Truth and Dignity Commission and the preparation of its final report.
CIVICUS discusses land grabs and environmental damage linked to a luxury coastal resort project with Eva Kushova, Director of Destination Management Organisation Albania, a civil society organisation that supports sustainable tourism in Albanian destinations, seeking to preserve culture and nature while maximising benefits for communities.
We, the undersigned organisations and partners from around the world, reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with human rights defenders (HRDs) who continue to face judicial harassment, arbitrary detention, and persecution for their peaceful human rights work.
CIVICUS discusses corporate accountability with Mansi Kabra, Engagement Lead for Civil Society Organisations at the World Benchmarking Alliance.
The 62nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council ran from 15 June to 8 July, 2026, resulting in 28 Resolutions and 13 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) adoptions.
CIVICUS discusses the criminalisation of human rights defenders and journalists in Guatemala with Mario Polanco, director of the Mutual Support Group (GAM).
CIVICUS discusses ongoing war in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah and its impact on civil society with Ziad Abdel Samad, Executive Director of the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND), a regional network that promotes human rights, social justice and sustainable development across the Arab region.
CIVICUS discusses a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the right to strike with Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), a global organisation that defends workers' rights through international cooperation between trade unions, campaigning and advocacy with international institutions.
CIVICUS discusses recent constitutional changes in Mexico with Leopoldo Maldonado, regional director of the Mexico and Central America office of Article 19, an international organisation that defends freedom of expression and access to information.
CIVICUS discusses political crisis in Bolivia with Daniel Moreno, a political scientist, sociologist and senior researcher at Ciudadanía – Comunidad de Estudios Sociales y Acción Pública (Citizenship – Community for Social Studies and Public Action), a civil society organisation that has been generating knowledge and promoting active citizenship in Bolivia for two decades.
CIVICUS discusses the criminalisation of LGBTQI+ people in Indonesia with Lini Zurlia, Advocacy Manager at the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, a regional civil society organisation that advances the human rights of LGBTQI+ people in Southeast Asia.
CIVICUS discusses the murder of human rights defender Monika Silva and its implications for civic space in Ecuador with Mauricio Alarcón, executive director of Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo (Citizenship and Development Foundation), Transparency International's Ecuadorian chapter.
CIVICUS discusses the repression of press freedom in Djibouti with Zineb Haddaji, an exiled independent journalist who covers Djibouti and the Horn of Africa for international outlets and documents freedom of expression violations.
CIVICUS speaks about the USA's immigration crackdown in the context of the World Cup with Andrea Florence, executive director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, a global coalition of human rights and labour organisations that works to ensure sports bodies and governments uphold international human rights and labour standards in and around sport.
Oral Statement
Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Georgia
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Thank you, Mr President.
Oral Statement
Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Rwanda
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
The 2026 UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will take place from 7-15 July under the theme: “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.
The 2026 Civil Society Forum on SDG16+, held on 16 June 2026 at UN Headquarters in New York, brought together practitioners, civil society organisations, and networks working across the SDG16+ agenda on peace, justice, civic space, human rights, and accountable institutions, while highlighting the interlinkages between these issues and the broader 2030 Agenda.
CIVICUS discusses the current crackdown on Turkish civil society and political opposition with Berna Akkızal, Director of the Civic Space Studies Association, an independent human rights organisation that works to protect and broaden civic space in Turkey.
Statement at the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Delivered by Marysabel Rodriguez, Espacio Público
Thank you, Mr.
CIVICUS discusses media freedoms in Serbia with Marija Babić, a lawyer and researcher at the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS), an organisation that monitors press freedom, journalist safety and threats to independent media.
By Trisha Alexis De Leon
The decay of global hegemony shows that things cannot go back to the way they were before.
CIVICUS discusses Mexico's enforced disappearance crisis with Angélica Orozco, a member of Fuerzas Unidas por Nuestros Desaparecidos en Nuevo León (FUNDENL), a collective of relatives of disappeared people and people who support them.
Ahead of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (15 June–10 July 2026), CIVICUS and other civil society organisations called on the Council to urgently address the escalating situation in and around El Obeid, North Kordofan, amid credible warnings of atrocity crimes and an imminent offensive by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies.
CIVICUS speaks about anti-authoritarian struggles and the Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit with Pedro Telles, Program Director at D-Hub.
CIVICUS discusses LGBTQI+ rights in Hungary with members of the organising team of the 2026 Budapest Pride Community Festival.
A collaborative piece by Trend Asia and LBH Bandung
Writing Team: Meike Inda Erlina, Andi Daffa Patiroi
13 March 2026
In this country, Indonesia, justice remains a privilege that eludes the poor and marginalised.
JUNE 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
Welcome to the latest edition of the CIVICUS Lens newsletter, from CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance.
A justice system turned upside down: protesters face decades-long sentences while an agent who killed Renée Good, an unarmed female activist, walks free.
CIVICUS discusses the current wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa with Ashley Green-Thompson, Director of ACT Ubumbano, a network of Southern African and European organisations that works for economic, environmental and gender justice.
Statement at the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Panel on women and girls in sports
Delivered by Zélie Leïla Ménard, CIVICUS
Mr.
As federal agents raid anti-ICE protesters and a voting rights group and the administration targets critics, CIVICUS warns of an increasing assault on US civic space.
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In April 2026, 15 communicators, journalists, activists and civil society advocates from Asia gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, for the Communicators for Civic Action Asia Convening.
By Susan Marx, Chief Programmmes Officer
The World Cup, the globe’s biggest sporting event, is on our doorstep.
CIVICUS discusses Greece's social media ban with a member of the Child Rights International Network (CRIN), an international human rights organisation that works to advance the rights of all children.
On his 49th birthday, his fifth while arbitrarily detained, we, the undersigned organisations and individuals, stand in solidarity with human rights defender Khurram Parvez.
CIVICUS discusses Ghana's anti-LGBTQI+ law with Leila Lariba, Executive Director of One Love Sisters Ghana, a community-driven organisation that advances human rights, social inclusion and wellbeing for Muslim LGBTQI+ people in Ghana.
Statement at the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Madam Vice-President,
CIVICUS appreciates the work of the Special Rapporteur and his latest report.
CIVICUS condemns the inadequate and unjust sentences by the military for the acid attack on human rights defender Andrie Yunus.
CIVICUS discusses the importance of volunteering with Nichole Cirillo, Executive Director of the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE), a global civil society organisation that promotes civic action through volunteering.
The partial renewal of justices of the Supreme Court of Justice and other senior positions in the Judicial Branch is taking place in a context of serious questions about judicial independence in Venezuela.
CIVICUS speaks about the climate impacts of the 2026 World Cup with Frank Huisingh, founder of Fossil Free Football, a fan-led group that campaigns to end fossil fuel sponsorship in football and make the game more sustainable.
Sixty-second (62nd) Session of the UN Human Rights Council (15 June to 10 July 2026)
Overview
Structural Challenges at the Human Rights Council
Thematic Priorities
Country-Specific Priorities
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Overview
As civic space continues to shift globally, citizens and civil society continue to be the eyes and ears of the UN Human Rights Council, a vital platform for defending human rights and raising the voices of victims and marginalised groups worldwide.
CIVICUS speaks with Claire McGuire, Manager of Policy and Advocacy at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), about the role of libraries in defending access to information, cultural rights and democracy at a time of growing civic space restrictions.
CIVICUS discusses the Gen Z-led protests that ousted an autocratic government in Bangladesh with Tasfia Tarannum Ridita, a student activist with Transcend, an organisation that works on LGBTQI+ rights.
CIVICUS discusses Senegal's anti-LGBTQI+ law with an anonymous member of a gender diverse and trans community network established in June 2020 to support LGBTQI+ people facing arbitrary arrest, discrimination and harassment.
By Trisha Alexis De Leon
Recent global crises have magnified the gaps in the global development architecture—deficits which especially impacted under-represented and marginalised communities, reflecting the power imbalances and colonial biases that continue to shape whose knowledge, leadership, and solutions are valued.
CIVICUS discusses a proposed United Nations (UN) tax treaty with Jenny Ricks, General Secretary of Fight Inequality Alliance, a global movement that organises to counter the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a small elite.
CIVICUS discusses open data governance and AI with Natalia Carfi, executive director of the Open Data Charter, a global civil society organisation that promotes open data policies.
CIVICUS discusses the outlook ahead of Peru's runoff presidential election with David Hidalgo, journalist and executive director of OjoPúblico, a Peruvian digital investigative journalism outlet.
CIVICUS discusses North Macedonia's 2025 series of protests with Viktor Buchkovski, a lawyer and coordinator at the Health Education and Research Association and co-founder of the Who's Next protest movement.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, calls on the Hong Kong government to halt the continued use of security laws to target activism and create a chilling effect in the territory.
CIVICUS discusses the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla on its mission to bring humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza with Musa Roshdy, a humanitarian activist who took part in the flotilla.
CIVICUS discusses Mexico's Gen Z-led November 2025 protests with Rafael Amézquita Castellanos, a lawyer and young activist from Guadalajara.
CIVICUS discusses Gen Z-led protests in Togo with Ahouefa Sossou, a human rights defender, lawyer and member of the Centre for Documentation and Training on Human Rights (CDFDH).
MALTA: 'Young people see the value in protecting women's health over enforcing religious doctrine' %
CIVICUS discusses the Women on Waves campaign to expand access to abortion with Dr Natalie Psaila Stabile, a reproductive rights advocate and member of Doctors for Choice Malta, an organisation that campaigns for the decriminalisation of abortion and access to reproductive healthcare.
MAY 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
Welcome to the latest edition of the CIVICUS Lens newsletter, from CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance.
CIVICUS discusses anti-war protests in Japan with Koichi Nakano, professor of political science at Sophia University in Tokyo and a leading analyst of Japan's post-Second World War pacifism.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, along with the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Front Line Defenders calls on the appeals court to overturn the conviction of five Mother Nature Cambodia environmental defenders.
CIVICUS discusses civic space repression under military rule in Niger with a political analyst with decades of experience in human rights advocacy, who has asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
Connect with CIVICUS: Join Our Drop-In Clinics
We’re excited to launch CIVICUS Members Drop-In Clinic Sessions, a new space designed to connect you directly with our Membership team.
CIVICUS discusses Lebanon's postponed parliamentary election with Dayana El Baba, Executive Director of the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE), a secular civil society organisation that monitors elections and advocates for electoral reform.
CIVICUS discusses Gen Z-led protests in Peru with an activist with a decade of experience in public mobilisation who has asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
Read in Arabic
We, the undersigned organisations, strongly condemn the continued detention of Egyptian filmmaker and screenwriter Omar Salah Marei.
CIVICUS discusses Togo's Gen Z-led protests with Esso-Dong Kongah, a young Togolese lawyer and human rights defender who took part in the protests.
CIVICUS discusses US deportations to Eswatini with Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, a human rights lawyer involved in defending deportees.
CIVICUS discusses the candidates for the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General position with Aditi Gorur, coordinator of the 1 for 8 Billion campaign, a global movement that's pushing for a fair, open and inclusive process to appoint the first woman UN Secretary-General.
CIVICUS discusses the cancellation of RightsCon 2026 with Barbora Bukovská, Senior Director for Law and Policy at ARTICLE 19, a human rights organisation that works on freedom of expression and information around the world.
Today we mark the Nakba, the ‘catastrophe’, and remember the more than 750,000 Palestinians forcibly expelled from their homeland in 1948, some 530 villages destroyed and the families forced to live in an exile that has never ended.
By Steven Blockmans
Abstract
Amid renewed great-power rivalry and a fragmenting rules-based order, the EU faces mounting pressure to safeguard and transform multilateral governance.
The undersigned organisations call for a solution for the imprisonment of Kenia Inés Hernández Montalván, an amuzga indigenous woman and human rights defender who has been detained since October 2020.
CIVICUS discusses a change of government in Hungary with Márta Pardavi, co-chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a human rights organisation that monitors democratic backsliding and defends the rule of law in Hungary.
CIVICUS discusses Bahrain's crackdown on dissent with Sayed Yusuf Almuhafdha, a human rights advocate and researcher affiliated with Salam for Democracy and Human Rights and the Human Rights Movement for MENA.
Ahead of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (15 June–10 July 2026), CIVICUS, together with other non-governmental organisations, wrote to the Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council, urging them to support the development and adoption of a strong resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea.
CIVICUS discusses Israel's new death penalty law with Carol Daniel-Kasbari, Senior Associate Director of the Conflict Resolution Program at The Carter Center, a non-partisan organisation focused on conflict prevention and human rights.
Dear CIVICUS members, partners and allies,
At the time of writing, many of us are still reeling from the surprise cancellation of Rights Con, the world’s premier gathering at the intersection of tech and human rights.
The 87th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) will be held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 11 to 20 May.
CIVICUS discusses the protests that ousted an autocratic government in Bangladesh with Lutfa Pathan, a young community activist involved in community organising, democracy work and volunteering.
Civil Society and Member States Dialogue
On the 5th of May 2026, CIVICUS hosted the New York launch of the State of Civil Society Report 2026, convening representatives of UN Member States and civil society organisations for an interactive dialogue on the report’s key findings and emerging global trends affecting civic space and citizen action.
CIVICUS discusses Gen Z-led protests in Peru with Jackelinne Ponce Paredes, an activist and lawyer specialising in human rights.
CIVICUS discusses the building of wellbeing economies with Simon Ticehurst, Head of Advocacy and Movement Engagement at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll), a global alliance founded in 2018 to drive the transformation of economies towards wellbeing.
CIVICUS global civil society alliance calls for the immediate release and urgent medical care for Iranian woman human rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi.
CIVICUS speaks with Lauren Prather about declining trust in US elections and the role civil society can play in defending democratic integrity ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.
Arabic
Dismayed by the Government of Bahrain’s (GoB) continued violations of its international human rights obligations, on 1 May 2026, 12 human rights organisations appealed directly to the UN, the European Union, and the UK government to take action to address citizenship stripping and related abuses.
APRIL 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
Welcome to the latest edition of the CIVICUS Lens newsletter, from CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance.
CIVICUS discusses Djibouti's presidential election with Adam Daud Ahmed, a political and security analyst specialising in governance, security and political dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
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By Asia Centre
Building and sustaining civic space requires more than advocacy, it depends on how civil society tells its stories.
CIVICUS discusses Gen Z-led protests in the Philippines with Charles Zander, a 17-year-old climate justice activist from Bohol and youth campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines.
CIVICUS discusses Tanzania's 2025 post-election protests with Gabriel Karsan, a digital rights activist and internet governance advocate with over 13 years of experience in civic media and youth empowerment.
Civil society’s full and independent access is vital for the UN to fulfil its mandate.
Civil society’s full and independent access is vital for the UN to fulfil its mandate.
CIVICUS discusses the status of political prisoners in Venezuela with Manuel Virgüez, director of Movimiento Vinotinto, a Venezuelan human rights organisation that works for citizen empowerment, democracy and justice.
CIVICUS discusses the aftermath of Kenya's 2024 Gen Z-led protests with Ahmednoor Haji, a young activist from Garissa, northeastern Kenya, organiser of the Occupy Garissa protests against the Finance Bill and founder of the KESHO Alliance, a youth-led peacebuilding and human rights organisation.
CIVICUS discusses the workings of the United Nations (UN) Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with Maithili Pai, UN advocate at the International Service for Human Rights, an organisation that supports civil society and human rights defenders at the UN.
CIVICUS participated in the Blue Sky Retreat 2026, convened as part of preparations for the Ninth Review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, held from 31 March to 2 April 2026.
By Chibuzor Nwabueze, Programme and Network Coordinator of the Digital Democracy Initiative and Mighulo Masaka, Project Officer, Host Liaison of the Digital Democracy Initiative
In many countries across Africa, people have recently lined up to vote.
CIVICUS discusses the challenges facing the United Nations (UN) development system with Philipp Schönrock, director of the Centre for International Strategic Thought (Cepei), a Colombian think tank that specialises in global governance and sustainable development.
CIVICUS discusses Bulgaria's Gen Z-led protests with Aleksandar Tanev, founder of Students Against the Mafia, an informal student organisation that took part in mass protests against corruption and state capture.
CIVICUS discusses Gen Z-led protests in Nepal with Nishchhal Kharal, founder of Freedom Studio, a Kathmandu-based civic media organisation that provides creative and strategic support to social movements.
CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Thailand, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, and collaborated on a joint submission on Tajikistan.
CIVICUS welcomes the appointment of Andrea Bolaños Vargas as the new UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
CIVICUS speaks about the state of multilateralism with Professor Waheguru Pal Sidhu, Director of the United Nations (UN) Initiative at the Centre for Global Affairs at New York University's School of Professional Studies.
CIVICUS speaks about Donald Trump's attacks on US civil society with Christopher Einolf, professor of sociology at Northern Illinois University and a researcher on civil society.
CIVICUS discusses Gen Z-led protests in Nepal with Abhijeet Adhikari (Abhi), a lawyer and political activist who took part in the protests.
The undersigned organisations urge the European Union and other regional bodies and agencies to address the human rights situation in Bahrain, in particular the ongoing crackdown on protests, incidents of torture and the inadequate provision of medical care for political detainees.
A coalition of 342 civil society organisations calls on all parties to immediately cease attacks on civilians in the Middle East and uphold international law.
CIVICUS discusses recent regressive changes to Argentina's labour laws with Facundo Merlán Rey, an activist with the Coordination Against Police and Institutional Repression (CORREPI), an organisation that defends workers' rights and resists state repression.
CIVICUS discusses Afghanistan's new Criminal Procedure Code with Wahida Omari, a human rights and legal professional specialising in human rights law, international criminal law and justice sector reform, with experience at institutions including the European Union, the International Criminal Court and the Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights.
CIVICUS speaks about protests in Indonesia with Thalitha Yuristiana, a campaigner and movement builder committed to civic awareness and environmental justice, and one of the people behind Bijak Memantau, a community-driven learning space that encourages people to learn, actively participate, organise and take collective action.
The 61st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council ran from February 23 to April 2, 2026, resulting in 38 Resolutions and 13 Universal Period Review adoptions.
CIVICUS discusses the spread of AI-powered surveillance in Africa with Wairagala Wakabi, executive director of the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and co-editor of Smart City Surveillance in Africa: Mapping Chinese AI Surveillance Across 11 Countries, the latest report by the African Digital Rights Network (ADRN) and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).
FRANCE: 'Individual acts of violence will continue to be weaponised to normalise far-right politics'
CIVICUS discusses political polarisation and far-right mobilisations in France with Aldo Rubert Echevarria, a researcher at the Research Centre on Political Action at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
CIVICUS speaks with Khabir Moncef, executive director of the Association for the Defence of Human Rights, about the conviction of Tunisian anti-racist activist Saadia Mosbah and the government's growing repression of civil society.
By Tanya Lupuwana, Communications Officer - Narratives and Networks
Across Africa, women keep democracy alive.
CIVICUS speaks about the erosion of civic space and the implications of the 20-year sentence handed to democracy campaigner and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai with Alric Lee, co-founder of Lady Liberty Hong Kong, a civil society organisation that documents human rights violations and advocates for democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, calls on the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government to halt the continued harassment of activists and journalists and crackdown on protests.
By Sarah Omoyemwen Ajokpauwu, FoPA (Freedom of Peaceful Assembly) Learning and Communications Intern.
Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Urgent Debate:
"Protection of Children and Educational Institutions in International Armed Conflicts: The Aerial Attacks on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab, Iran, as a Grave Breach of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law"
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Mr President,
CIVICUS is gravely concerned about the unfolding situation in Iran and the Gulf region.
CIVICUS discusses Zimbabwe's proposed constitutional amendment with Narshon T Kohlo, a youth leader of the Constitution Defenders Forum, a civil society coalition that's mobilising resistance to the changes.
CIVICUS discusses the prospects for a democratic transition in Venezuela with Pedro González Caro, a university lecturer and member of the national coordination committee of Creemos Alianza Ciudadana (Citizen Alliance We Believe), a citizen platform that works for democracy in Venezuela.
The March 2026 Watchlist from the CIVICUS Monitor highlights five countries where civic freedoms are deteriorating at an alarming pace: Ecuador, Georgia, Iran, the Philippines and Benin.
The year 2000 marked the creation of the mandate of the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity.
CIVICUS discusses the presidential election in the Republic of the Congo with Ivan Kibangou Ngoy, executive director of Global Participe, a civil society action-research organisation focused on democratic governance based in Pointe-Noire.
MARCH 2026 HIGHLIGHTS
We’re excited to announce the publication of our 2026 State of Civil Society Report, offering comprehensive analysis of key global trends, their impact on human rights, and civil society responses.
The process for appointing the top officials of the Attorney General’s Office and the Ombudsperson’s Office in Venezuela has raised concerns due to the lack of transparency and public participation, which are essential safeguards for appointing independent, qualified, and ethical individuals to key positions that ensure access to justice and the protection of human rights.
CIVICUS speaks with a member of 7amleh, the Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, about how European Union (EU) funding and technology exports enable surveillance and human rights violations in Palestine and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Oral Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 8: General Debate
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS
Mr President,
CIVICUS underscores the enduring relevance of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA).
Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review report of Maldives
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Mr.
The global civil society alliance CIVICUS welcomes the release of Belarusian human rights defenders Marfa Rabkova and Valiantsin Stefanovich, featured in its Stand As My Witness Campaign, following the Belarusian authorities’ decision to free 250 political prisoners in exchange for sanctions relief.
CIVICUS has just released the State of Civil Society Report 2026, and its message is urgent: repression is rising, civic space is shrinking, and the pressure on activists, journalists, and ordinary people who dare to speak up has never been more relentless.
CIVICUS discusses the African Union's (AU) democratic accountability gap with Olorunyomi Pauline Adedigba, a lawyer and Global Shaper at the Abuja Hub of the Global Shapers Community, working to strengthen civic space in Africa.
By Clara Weinhardt, Michal Parízek
Abstract
The WTO is navigating parallel worlds: one in which members work to reform the institution, and another in which the very foundations of the multilateral trading system are being dismantled.
At this year’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), CIVICUS engaged across a range of high-level discussions and strategic convenings to push for stronger protections for civic freedoms at the UN and beyond, more inclusive feminist policymaking, and greater accountability within global governance systems.
CIVICUS speaks with Lorenz Blumenthaler, Political Communications Specialist at the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, a German civil society organisation that strengthens democracy and counters extremism through analysis, coalition-building and grassroots support.
CIVICUS discusses Italy's restrictive immigration policies with Eleonora Celoria, a researcher at FIERI (Forum Internazionale ed Europeo di Ricerche sull'Immigrazione), a research centre on migration, and a member of the Association for Legal Studies on Immigration (ASGI), an Italian legal organisation that defends migrants' and asylum seekers' rights through advocacy, public awareness and strategic litigation.
CIVICUS calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Pakistani human rights defender Dr.
Statement at the 61st Session UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of Mongolia
Delivered by Urantulkhuur Mandkhaitsetsen, Center for Human Rights and Development
Mr.
Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of Malawi
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Thank you, Mr Vice-President.
Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 5: General Debate
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS
Mr.
Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 4: General Debate
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS
Mr President,
We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Tajikistan.
To: General Listyo Sigit Prabowo
Chief of Indonesian National Police
Indonesian National Police Headquarter
Jl.
CIVICUS discusses Portugal's presidential runoff election and the rise of the far-right Chega (Enough) party with Jonni Lopes, Executive Director of Academia Cidadã (Citizen Academy) and a Steering Committee member of the European Civic Forum, an organisation working on civic engagement, democratic participation and the protection of civic space at national, regional and international levels.
CIVICUS joins 17 organisations in calling for the release of human rights defenders, Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace.
Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Delivered by Calixto Ignacio Ávila Rincón, PROVEA
Mr President,
CIVICUS and PROVEA welcome the update by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM).
Nine civil society groups including CIVICUS have written a letter to Bangladesh’s prime minister, Tarique Rahman, who was elected in February 2026 to use this opportunity to bring lasting protections of human rights.
On behalf of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation we thank the Permanent Missions of Ireland and Senegal for their co-facilitation of this important UN Human Rights Council Review (HRC) Process.
CIVICUS discusses the forthcoming constitutional referendum in Kazakhstan with Yevgeniy Zhovtis, Chief Expert Consultant at the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law.
CIVICUS’s 2026 State of Civil Society Report highlights how a dangerous convergence of authoritarian leaders, economic elites and tech oligarchs are tearing up the international rulebook to imperil democracy, peace and environmental sustainability.
CIVICUS discusses China's tech-enabled repression with Fergus Ryan, a Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), where he specialises in how the Chinese Communist Party shapes global information environments through censorship, propaganda and platform governance.
CIVICUS discusses the European Union's (EU) Strategy for Civil Society with Giada Negri, Deputy Secretary General and Director of Advocacy and Programme Management at the European Civic Forum, a civil society network that works to protect civic space, strengthen civic participation and promote dialogue.
CIVICUS discusses recent US airstrikes in north-west Nigeria with Ibrahim Baba Shatambaya, senior lecturer in social sciences at Usmanu Danfodiyo University.
By Jesselina Rana, CIVICUS' UN New York Advisor
For 80 years, men have exclusively led the United Nations.
As part of a human rights observation visit, the organizations visited several communities and interviewed human rights and environmental defenders, civil society organisations, public institutions and the international community.
The 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) is a critical opportunity to reaffirm global commitments to gender equality, civic freedoms, and women’s leadership in multilateral governance.
CIVICUS discusses the new Dutch government with Aïcha Chaghouani, Advocacy and Partnerships Manager at the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, a civil society organisation that promotes democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe.
Read the statement in Arabic
The assassination of woman human rights defender Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi feminist and President of the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), on 02 March 2026 in Baghdad, constitutes a grave attack against human rights defenders and against the struggle for women’s rights in Iraq.
CIVICUS discusses Nepal's upcoming election with youth activist Anusha Khanal of the Gen Z Movement Alliance, a youth-led civil society coalition mobilising for democratic accountability and governance reform in Nepal.
By Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS UN Advisor
The United Nations’ foundational commitment to human rights and civic participation is under growing strain, and those meant to protect it are not doing enough, writes Sigrid Lipott, UN adviser to the human rights alliance Civicus.
Oral Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2: ID with the Special Rapporteur on torture
Delivered by Fairooz Jawad, Salam for Democracy and Human Rights
Mr President,
CIVICUS and Salam for Democracy and Human Rights welcome the Special Rapporteur’s report, especially the Charter of Rights of Victims and Survivors of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Oral statement delivered at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2: General Debate
Delivered by International Service for Human Rights (Joint statement), Raphael Viana David
Mr President,
This is a joint statement.
Oral Statement at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2: Interactive Dialogue on report of Commission of Human Rights in South Sudan
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Madam Vice-President,
We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in South Sudan, where rising political tensions, renewed fighting and escalating communal violence continue to fuel a worsening crisis.
CIVICUS discusses the situation in Venezuela following US intervention and the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro with Verónica Zubillaga, a Venezuelan sociologist who specialises in urban violence, state repression and community responses to armed violence.
Oral statement delivered at the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner's Oral Update on Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Madam Vice-President,
CIVICUS remains concerned about the serious crimes committed by the junta following the coup including the arbitrary detention and conviction of thousands of activists after unfair trials, torture in detention and indiscriminate attacks and killings of civilians.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Secretary General
EU and India have an opportunity to transform their recently inked trade agreement into a meaningful partnership that benefits the world.
CIVICUS discusses the dissolution of political parties in Burkina Faso with a member of Burkinabe civil society, who has asked to stay anonymous for security reasons.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, calls for the immediate release of five Mother Nature Cambodia environmental rights defenders, who are now featured in its ‘Stand As My Witness’ campaign.
🎧 CIVICUS Voices is back!What does it really mean to defend civic space today? In the new season of CIVICUS Voices, we hear directly from activists and organisers on the frontlines of the struggle for freedom of peaceful assembly.
CIVICUS speaks about Thailand's recent general election and constitutional referendum with a representative of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a civil society organisation that provides legal assistance and monitors rights violations affecting activists, human rights defenders and protesters.
By Noa Lameire
Abstract
At COP30 in Brazil, Parties committed to advancing discussions on the synergies between the climate and biodiversity crises, but political divisions have stalled meaningful progress.
The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office and independent civil society human rights organisations are struggling to survive.
CIVICUS discusses AI governance and data justice with Lobna Jeribi, an international senior public policy advisor with a PhD in Information Systems.
Sixty-first (61st) Session of the UN Human Rights Council (23 February – 2 April 2026)
Overview
Structural Challenges at the Human Rights Council
Thematic Priorities
Country-Specific Priorities
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Overview
As we mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council this year, the UN human rights system faces sustained and coordinated attacks.
In today’s digital age, against a backdrop of shrinking civic space and declining democracy worldwide, the role of local civil society actors in promoting inclusive and equitable access to democratic processes cannot be overemphasised.
CIVICUS discusses the criminalisation of dissent in the Philippines with Kyle A Domequil, spokesperson of the Free Tacloban 5 Network, a campaign supporting journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, human rights defender Marielle Domequil and their co-accused and advocating for their release.
CIVICUS, together with 234 Myanmar, regional, and international civil society organisations, issued an open letter urging the UN Human Rights Council to reject the Myanmar military junta’s sham election results and take decisive action to advance accountability.
CIVICUS speaks with Hugh Dugan of the Truce Foundation, a civil society organisation inspired by the Olympic Truce that promotes Olympic values of excellence, fair play, respect and unity.
CIVICUS speaks about life in Gaza under Israel's ongoing military assault with Ali Abdel-Wahab, a data analyst and policy researcher with PalThink for Strategic Studies and the Social Developmental Forum.
CIVICUS, together with partner civil society organisations, wrote to States to underscore the importance of maintaining hybrid participation during informal consultations on resolutions throughout 2026 (HRC61, HRC62 and HRC63).
CIVICUS discusses the conviction of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and its implications for press freedom in the Philippines with Aleksandra Bielakowska, Advocacy Manager for Asia-Pacific of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a member of the #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio coalition.
CIVICUS discusses the results of Costa Rica's recent election with Ilka Treminio Sánchez, a political science professor and researcher at the University of Costa Rica.
CIVICUS, together with Amnesty International, AfricanDefenders, DefendDefenders, Human Rights Watch, and other civil society organisations, called on the UN Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS) and strengthen international scrutiny of the country’s human rights situation.
CIVICUS participated in the third CSO-UN Peacebuilding Dialogue held on 10-11 December 2025.
OPEN LETTER
To: Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar Federal Minister for Law and Justice & Human Rights S-Block, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistan: Overturn conviction and release human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha
Dear Minister,
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is a global alliance of civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society worldwide.
A message from CIVICUS Secretary General, Mandeep S.
While elections were held and institutions nodded, civil society bore the weight of democracy, often with too little support to navigate the shrinking spaces in which it operates.
CIVICUS discusses civil society and the prospects for democracy in Venezuela with Luz Mely Reyes, co-founder and director of Efecto Cocuyo, a media outlet that reports on the reality and struggles of Venezuelan communities.
CIVICUS discusses the genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with Mohammed Nowkhim of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace & Human Rights (ARSPHR), a civil society organisation led by Rohingya people born out of refugee camps in Bangladesh to document atrocities, preserve survivor testimony and advocate for accountability and justice.
CIVICUS Statement: Civil Society Townhall, President of the UN General Assembly
UN Headquarters, New York
Madame President,
Thank you for organising this civil society townhall.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, calls on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the international community to step up and do more to resolve the human rights crisis in Myanmar as well as reject the sham election results.
By Susan Marx, Chief Programmes Officer
Standing in solidarity — defending the right to protest, rejecting dehumanisation, supporting civil liberties organisations — is not radical.
CIVICUS discusses Uganda's presidential election with Nalongo Nana Mwafrika, a Ugandan civic activist, human rights defender and former parliamentary candidate working on accountability, democracy and young people's political participation.
CIVICUS discusses Uganda’s presidential election with Nalongo Nana Mwafrika, a Ugandan civic activist, human rights defender and former parliamentary candidate working on accountability, democracy and young people’s political participation.
CIVICUS discusses the future of Gaza with Karam Dana, interdisciplinary social scientist and professor at the University of Washington Bothell.
CIVICUS discusses Iran’s recent wave of protests and their repression with members of Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights (HOHR), a civil society organisation that documents and reports on human rights violations in Kurdistan and across Iran.
Oral Statement
UN Human Rights Council: 39th special session of the Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Mr.
CIVICUS discusses the situation following the US intervention in Venezuela with Guillermo Miguelena Palacios, director of the Venezuelan Progressive Institute, a think tank that promotes spaces for dialogue and democratic leadership.
Read in Portuguese
CIVICUS discusses recent protests against gender-based violence in Brazil with Beatriz Souza, programme analyst at ELAS+ Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the rights of LGBTQI+ people and women.
CIVICUS speaks to the Business and Human Rights Centre (BHRC) about labour rights abuses in Myanmar’s garment industry since the 2021 military coup.
CIVICUS speaks about the Cambodia–Thailand peace process with Dr Eugene Mark, Fellow and Co-coordinator of the Thailand Studies Programme at the Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore.
Venezuela faces a new and complex political juncture.
CIVICUS speaks with Ruth Kolevsohn, Executive Director of Good Governance Africa, about recent anti-corruption protests across Africa and calls for an International Anti-Corruption Court.
CIVICUS speaks with Belarusian activist, blogger and journalist Mikola Dziadok about his experiences as a two-time political prisoner and the repression of dissent in Belarus.
CIVICUS discusses the campaign for a global fossil fuel treaty with human rights advocate Kumi Naidoo, president of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, co-founder of the Global Artivism Initiative and Global Ambassador of Africans Rising.
CIVICUS remains deeply concerned about the outcome of the UN budget negotiations in New York.
CIVICUS speaks about HIV response in Africa with Samuel Matsikure, Key Populations Lead at Aidsfonds.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, is seriously concerned over a decision by the Ugandan authorities to suspend the operations of five human rights organisations.
Read in French
CIVICUS discusses the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with Crispin Ngakani, a Congolese civil society activist and member of Aid Life Learn Environment (ALLEN), an organisation that works for community protection, the defence of human rights and humanitarian action.
CIVICUS discusses the US government’s renewed calls to annex Greenland with Rachael Lorna Johnstone, Professor of Law at the University of Akureyri, Iceland.
CIVICUS speaks with Flavia Liberona, executive director of Fundación Terram, about the results of Chile’s presidential election.
Following the illegal invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of its head of state by US forces on 3 January 2026, global civil society alliance CIVICUS urges respect for international law and the UN Charter.
Read in French
CIVICUS discusses an attempted coup in Benin with Aisha Dabo, programme coordinator at AfricTivistes, a pan-African network committed to democracy, human rights and citizen participation in the digital age.
CIVICUS discusses civic space and democratic participation in Iraq with Iraqi human rights defender Hasan Ibrahim.
CIVICUS speaks to Daria Cybulska about her 2024 Churchill Fellowship field research in Central Asia, where she explored how civil society uses art, creativity and informal organising to survive, self-organise and push for change under increasing repression.
CIVICUS discusses the outcomes and limitations of the Annual CSO-UN Dialogue on Peacebuilding with Sweta Velpillay, co-director of Conducive Space for Peace (CSP), an international civil society organisation (CSO) that works at the intersection of civic agency, global collaboration and peacebuilding.
CIVICUS discusses a crisis for refugee protection in Uganda with Fabian Kagimu, founder of Prism Empowerment and Development Initiative, a trans-led feminist humanitarian organisation that supports refugees, internally displaced transgender women, gender-diverse people and young people living with HIV.
Today, 28 December 2025, marks one year since the arrest of Egyptian–Turkish poet and opposition figure Abdulrahman Yusuf al-Qaradawi in Lebanon.
CIVICUS discusses Kazakhstan’s anti-LGBTQI+ bill with Temirlan Baimash, activist and co-founder of QUEER KZ youth initiative, a Kazakhstani LGBTQI+ organisation.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Secretary General
2025 has been a terrible year for democracy.
CIVICUS discusses recent constitutional changes in Zambia with Gideon Musonda, Executive Director of the Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation, a Zambian civil society organisation.
CIVICUS discusses South Africa’s recent declaration of gender-based violence (GBV) as a national disaster with Cameron Kasambala, student and spokesperson for Women for Change, a South African civil society organisation that works to raise awareness of violence against women and children.
ZAMBIA: ‘Zambia Has Environmental Laws and Standards on Paper – the Problem is Their Implementation’
CIVICUS discusses environmental accountability in Zambia with Christian-Géraud Neema, Africa editor at the China Global South Project, an independent journalism initiative that covers and follows China’s activities in global south countries.
CIVICUS discusses Honduras’ 30 November presidential election, with no winner yet declared, with members of Expediente Público, the investigative journalism programme of the think tank Expediente Abierto, which focuses on issues of democracy, government transparency and human rights.
CIVICUS discusses Generation Z-led protests in Bulgaria with Zahari Iankov, senior legal expert at the Bulgarian Centre for Not-for-Profit Law, a civil society organisation that advocates for participation and human rights.
We Volunteer Activists and CIVICUS strongly condemn the arbitrary detention and reported ill-treatment of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Iranian human rights defender Narges Mohammadi by Iranian authorities.
CIVICUS welcomes the release of Belarusian human rights defenders Ales Bialiatski and Uladzimir Labkovich, who were freed on 13 December 2025 as part of a broader release of 123 political prisoners by Belarusian authorities.
CIVICUS discusses international water governance and the political implications of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with Khaled AbuZeid, Executive Director of the Arab Water Council, a Cairo-based regional organisation that works to promote integrated water management, cooperation and sustainable development across Arab countries.
Read in Portuguese
CIVICUS discusses Guinea-Bissau’s coup following its presidential election with Victorino Indeque, activist and coordinator of the Guinea-Bissau Human Rights Defenders Network, a coalition of over 30 organisations that works to protect activists, combat human rights violations and defend democracy.
CIVICUS discusses Haiti’s worsening humanitarian and security crisis with Chaduc Louis, Secretary General of the Vialet Association of Progressive Youth (AJPV), a civil society organisation that defends human rights and helps displaced people.
A CIVICUS conversa sobre o golpe de Estado na Guiné-Bissau após as eleições presidenciais com Victorino Indeque, ativista e coordenador da Rede dos Defensores dos Direitos Humanos da Guiné-Bissau, uma coalizão de mais de 30 organizações que atua na proteção de ativistas, no enfrentamento de violações de direitos humanos e na defesa da democracia.
CIVICUS discusses Argentina’s legislative election with Carlos Gervasoni, director of the Department of Political Science and International Studies at Torcuato Di Tella University.
CIVICUS discusses a landmark court ruling halting oil and gas exploration off South Africa’s coast with members of The Green Connection, one of the two civil society organisations that led the legal challenge.
A message from CIVICUS Secretary General, Mandeep S.
CIVICUS discusses civil society challenges in India with Smarinita Shetty and Devanshi Vaid, co-founders of India Development Review (IDR), a knowledge platform that documents social impact and development across Asia.
CIVICUS discusses growing authoritarianism in Tunisia with a representative of the Africa Independent Commission of Human Rights.
CIVICUS discusses migrants' rights in Libya with a political scientist and researcher for HuMENA, an international civil society organisation (CSO) that advances democracy, human rights and social justice across the Middle East and North Africa.
By Wade Hoxtell
Abstract
As AI evolves faster than regulation, the Council of Europe’s new treaty offers a rare chance to anchor technology in democratic values.
CIVICUS discusses migrants’ rights in Libya with a political scientist and researcher for HuMENA, an international civil society organisation (CSO) that advances democracy, human rights and social justice across the Middle East and North Africa.
CIVICUS discusses women’s rights in the Philippines with Nica Dumlao, researcher and consultant for Asia Democracy Network, a regional organisation that works for a community of equitable, just and sustainable democracies in Asia.
CIVICUS speaks with Mihajlo Matković, a student activist and member of the CIVICUS Youth Action Team, about anti-corruption protests that have swept Serbia over the past year.
In a joint letter, civil society organisations urge Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council to enhance their engagement with the United Republic of Tanzania and take action to prevent further abuses following the authorities’ brutal response to widespread protests after the 29 October 2025 elections.
CIVICUS discusses climate displacement and Tuvalu’s future with Kiali Molu, a former civil servant at Tuvalu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and currently a PhD candidate at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and the University of Bergen in Norway.
CIVICUS speaks with Akio Takayanagi, professor and policy adviser at the Japan NGO Centre for International Co-operation, about Japan’s first female prime minister and what her rise to power means for the country and region.
CIVICUS discusses the UK’s proposed Crime and Policing Bill with members of Liberty, the country’s largest civil liberties organisation, which campaigns for everyone to be treated fairly and with dignity and respect.
A CIVICUS discute a cúpula climática COP30 com Juliano Bueno e Nicole Figueiredo Oliveira, diretor técnico e diretora executiva do Instituto Internacional Arayara, uma organização brasileira que trabalha pela distribuição justa e sustentável de recursos.
Read in Portuguese
CIVICUS discusses the COP30 climate summit with Juliano Bueno and Nicole Figueiredo Oliveira, technical director and executive director of the Arayara International Institute, a Brazilian organisation that works for the fair and sustainable distribution of resources.
CIVICUS discusses the evolution, challenges and future of civil society in Latin America and around the world with Anabel Cruz, former CIVICUS Board chair, co-chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee and founding director of the Institute for Communication and Development (ICD) in Uruguay.
CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society worldwide, strongly condemns Niger’s decision to suspend hundreds of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
By Sigrid Lipott, UN Advisor (Geneva) and Jesaselina Rana, UN Advisor (New York)
This piece explores the increasing restrictions facing civil society within UN spaces, highlighting access barriers, shrinking participation, and the urgent need for stronger protection and inclusion of civil society actors in multilateral processes.
CIVICUS speaks about innovative strategies young people are using to resist the military regime and push for democracy in Myanmar with a youth activist who requested to stay anonymous for security reasons.
CIVICUS discusses restrictions on civic space in Thailand and the detention of activist and human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa with Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, Advocacy Lead at Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).
CIVICUS speaks about Generation Z-led protests in Morocco with Hicham Missiame, a local civic observer focused on public accountability and social issues who participated in the protests.
CIVICUS speaks with Laura Al Jundi about Syria’s fragile transition following conflict and dictatorship, the challenges and hopes of activists in exile and how art and culture are becoming vital tools for rebuilding civic life and collective memory.
CIVICUS discusses the humanitarian crisis caused by conflict in Sudan and civil society’s role in responding with members of Adeela, a youth led local civil society organisation (CSO) working for a democratic Sudan.
The UN World Food Forum (WFF) is a global platform that brings together youth, civil society, scientists and policy-makers to address the urgent challenges facing the world’s food systems.
CIVICUS speaks about anti-corruption protests started by Generation Z students in the Philippines with Raoul Manuel from Karapatan, a Philippine-based human rights alliance.
CIVICUS discusses political changes and challenges for civil society in Bolivia as a result of its recent election with María Galindo, activist, philosopher and founding member of the Mujeres Creando feminist collective.
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, calls on the governments in eight countries in the Pacific to do more to respect civic freedoms and strengthen institutions to protect these rights.
CIVICUS discusses the Gaza ceasefire and prospects for lasting peace and self-determination of Palestinians with Patrycja Grzebyk, associate professor of International Law at the University of Warsaw, Poland.
CIVICUS speaks with Sentiment Ondo, Deputy Secretary of Tournons la Page International, about Gabon’s recent legislative, local and presidential elections and what they reveal about the country’s democratic trajectory.
We, the undersigned organisations, call for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights defender Khurram Parvez.
CIVICUS discusses the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent verdict on a case from the Central African Republic (CAR) with Fulbert Ngodji, Central Africa analyst at the International Crisis Group, an independent organisation that provides expert analysis to help prevent and resolve deadly conflicts.
CIVICUS discusses Cameroon’s recent election and the state of its civil society with Civic Watch, a local youth-led civil society organisation that advocates for information integrity, youth engagement and mobilisation.
CIVICUS discusses Egypt’s transnational repression tactics and civil society’s response with Samar Elhussieny, Executive Director of the Egyptian Human Rights Forum, a civil society organisation founded by Egyptian human rights defenders in exile that supports civil society in Egypt, documents violations and advocates for a democratic future.
By Nipuna Kumbalathara, CIVICUS Communications Lead.
CIVICUS speaks with Julia Grix, founder and executive director of Climate Defenders Australia (CDA), about the growing repression of climate activism and rise of anti-protest laws in Australia, and how her organisation is providing essential legal support to climate activists.
CIVICUS discusses the campaign for better AI regulation with Gabriel Wang, data scientist and AI solution architect for AI4NGO, an international organisation that seeks to empower civil society to harness the transformative potential of AI to increase its impact and address critical global and local challenges.
By Sigrid Lipott, CIVICUS UN Advisor
As the Human Rights Council prepares to judge grave violations in Sudan, some of its own members – responsible for abuses themselves – are evading accountability, hurting the UN body’s credibility, writes Sigrid Lipott, UN adviser to CIVICUS.
CIVICUS discusses US civil society action under the second Trump administration with Bridget Moix, General Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation, the oldest faith-based lobbying organisation in the USA, advocating for peace, justice and environmental stewardship.
CIVICUS discusses the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the International Criminal Court (ICC) with Ottilia Anna Maunganidze, Head of Special Projects at the Institute for Security Studies, an African organisation that builds knowledge and skills to enable sustainable peace, development and prosperity in Africa.
CIVICUS discusses recent Palestine solidarity protests in Spain with representatives of SODePAZ, a civil society organisation that supports political mobilisation and people’s empowerment.
CIVICUS discusses the closing of civic space under Burkina Faso’s military junta with a Burkinabe civil society representative who has asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
The UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) will hold its 83rd session from 10–28 November 2025, where it will review the human rights records of Argentina, Albania Bahrain and Israel.
CIVICUS discusses the rise of foreign agents laws and their impact on civil society and media with Kathryn Beck, Acting Director of Access to Law at the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
CIVICUS speaks about Generation Z-led protests in Madagascar with six members of the Youth Empowerment Madagascar association: Hanson Andriamahazo, Heritoky Mahasedra, Elie Rakotoarimanana, Jessica Rakotoarison, Daniellà Ramanambohitra and Roméo Tovonantenaina.
The International Civil Society Week (ICSW) which gathered over 1,000 civil society leaders from around the world called on governments and multilateral institutions to defend democracy and civic freedoms.
CIVICUS speaks about Generation Z-led protests in Madagascar with six members of the Youth Empowerment Madagascar association: Hanson Andriamahazo, Heritoky Mahasedra, Elie Rakotoarimanana, Jessica Rakotoarison, Daniellà Ramanambohitra and Roméo Tovonantenaina.
CIVICUS speaks with Rene Parker, Board Chair of AfriLabs and Co-founder and Director of RLabs, about how young people in Africa are driving change through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.
CIVICUS discusses the growing challenges of sustaining independent journalism in South Africa with Styli Charalambous, co-founder and CEO of Daily Maverick.
CIVICUS speaks with ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, about the state of digital rights and online civic space in Africa.
CIVICUS discusses Thailand’s decision to grant the right to work to Myanmar refugees living in border camps with Mic Chawaratt, Asia-Pacific Regional Manager at the International Detention Coalition, a civil society organisation that works to end immigration detention and support migrants and refugees around the world.
CIVICUS discusses the results of Norway’s recent election with Johannes Bergh, Research Director for Politics, Democracy and Civil Society at the Institute for Social Research, an independent research institute based in Oslo.
CIVICUS discusses Syria’s political transition and the implications of its new parliament with Fadel Abdulghany, founder and head of the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR).
CIVICUS speaks to Jessie Krafft, president and CEO of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) about the challenges and opportunities facing civil society today.
CIVICUS discusses protests in Ecuador caused by the elimination of diesel subsidies and the resulting social unrest with Micaela Estefanía Puente Betancourt.
CIVICUS statement at the 85th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights
Agenda Item 3 – Human rights situation in Africa (with a special focus on Rapidly Closing Civic Space and Systemic Violations of the Human Rights)
Delivered by Dr Paul Mulindwa, CIVICUS
Global civil society alliance CIVICUS welcomes this opportunity to address the African Commission.
CIVICUS discusses Maldives’ new media bill with Naaif Ahmed, President of Maldives Journalists Association, a civil society organisation that promotes journalistic professional rights, supports local media and advocates for a safe and free working environment.
CIVICUS discusses the United Nations (UN) Convention against Cybercrime with Pavlina Pavlova, Cybercrime Working Group Lead at the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
A message from CIVICUS Secretary General, Mandeep Tiwana
Dear CIVICUS members, partners and allies
I’m writing to you amid the busyness and final preparations for our International Civil Society Week in Bangkok from November 1-5.
CIVICUS speaks about the disappearance of Turkmen activists Abdulla Orusov and Alisher Sahatov with human rights defender Diana Dadasheva from the civil movement DAYANÇ/Turkmenistan and with Gülala Hasanova, wife of Alisher Sahatov.
CIVICUS discusses the wave of Gen Z-led protests in Peru with young Peruvian activist Wildalr Lozano.
CIVICUS speaks about US counterterrorism laws and their impact on civil society with Poorvika Mehra, Howard S.
Foreign agents laws are proliferating, increasingly threatening the civil society worldwide, finds CIVICUS report ‘Cutting civil society’s lifeline: The global spread of foreign agent laws,’ released today.
CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Niger, Singapore, Paraguay and Sierra Leone.
CIVICUS speaks with Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground, about the rising impacts of conflict and new approaches to peacebuilding.
CIVICUS discusses Colombia’s recent wave of political violence with Andrés Preciado, director of Conflict and Security at the Ideas for Peace Foundation (FIP).
CIVICUS discusses Italy’s protests in solidarity with Palestine with an activist with Cambiare Rotta (‘Change Course’), a leftist youth organisation that campaigns against war, fascism and neoliberal policies on university campuses.
CIVICUS discusses far-right mobilisation in the United Kingdom with Chris Jones, Director of Statewatch, a civil society organisation that monitors and exposes state actions that threaten civil liberties, democracy and human rights.
Friday, 20 October 2025 – 29 October 2025
At CIVICUS, we believe in the fundamental importance of human rights and are dedicated to advancing the work of human rights defenders and protecting civic space.
CIVICUS discusses civic space and the prospects for democracy in Belarus with a representative of the Barys Zvozskau Belarusian Human Rights House (BHRH) who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
The 60th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council ran from 8 September to October 8, 2025, resulting in 35 Resolutions one Decision, and 14 Universal Period Review adoptions.
CIVICUS discusses Malawi’s presidential election results with Michael Simon Kaiyatsa, Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, a civil society organisation that promotes democracy, good governance and human rights.
CIVICUS discusses recent protests in Timor-Leste with Domingos de Andrade, known as Ameu, Case Coordinator of the civil society organisation Rede ba Rai (‘Network for Land’) and Nelson Roldão, an activist involved in several campaigns, including in support of the right to self-determination in West Papua.
CIVICUS discusses Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming presidential election with Kaberu Tairu, country representative for Côte d’Ivoire at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, a West African think tank specialising in media innovation and development.
CIVICUS discusses AI governance challenges with Federica Marconi, researcher in the multilateralism and global governance programme at Italy’s Institute of International Affairs, a non-profit think tank that promotes awareness of international politics and contributes to the advancement of European integration and multilateral cooperation.
The 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council has just concluded.
CIVICUS discusses Guyana’s recent election and the challenges of managing its oil wealth with Thomas Singh, Director of the University of Guyana’s Green Institute.
Sailing for Justice: How did an Anime Pirate Flag Become a Protest Banner in Indonesia?
By Vincy Mighulo Masaka and Takaedza Tafirei
Ever wondered how fandoms shape different cultures? Think about it: in the music world, fandoms dictate the latest fashion trends, with K-Pop, EDM, and Rock fans wearing their leather jackets and devotion.
CIVICUS discusses Moldova’s recent election with Nicolae Panfil, Programme Director of Promo-LEX and head of its election observation mission.
Read in Portuguese
CIVICUS discusses a recent crackdown on foreign media and the conditions for journalists in Guinea-Bissau with Indira Correia Baldé, president of the Union of Journalists and Media Technicians, an organisation that protects, defends and promotes freedom of expression, press freedom and labour rights of media professionals
On 15 August, the government of Guinea-Bissau suspended the activities of three Portuguese media outlets, ordering their journalists to leave the country by 19 August.
CIVICUS discusses a recent crackdown on foreign media and the conditions for journalists in Guinea-Bissau with Indira Correia Baldé, president of the Union of Journalists and Media Technicians, an organisation that protects, defends and promotes freedom of expression, press freedom and labour rights of media professionals
On 15 August, the government of Guinea-Bissau suspended the activities of three Portuguese media outlets, ordering their journalists to leave the country by 19 August.
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session
Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on Cambodia
Delivered by: Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Mr.
CIVICUS discusses enforced disappearances in Mexico with a member of the International Network of Associations of Missing Persons.
CIVICUS discusses Somalia’s possible move towards direct elections with Mahad Wasuge, Executive Director of Somali Public Agenda, a civil society organisation that works on public policy and administration research.
CIVICUS discusses the Czech Republic’s parliamentary election with Lukáš Hilpert, president of Million Moments for Democracy, a Czech civic movement that mobilises people to defend democracy and demand government accountability.
CIVICUS discusses recent protests that led to a change of government in Nepal with Dikpal Khatri Chhetri, co-founder of Youth in Federal Discourse (YFD).
CIVICUS discusses recent protests that led to a change of government in Nepal with Dikpal Khatri Chhetry, co-founder of Youth in Federal Discourse (YFD).
CIVICUS discusses Facebook owner Meta's political ad ban in the European Union (EU) with Filip Stojanovski, Director for Partnership and Resource Development at the Metamorphosis Foundation, a civil society organisation (CSO) that works to empower citizens and civil society to defend democracy.
Arabic
We, the undersigned human rights organisations, strongly condemn the escalating crackdown by Moroccan authorities on peaceful protests, including minors and human rights defenders, which has now extended into a third day.
CIVICUS discusses Facebook owner Meta’s political ad ban in the European Union (EU) with Filip Stojanovski, Director for Partnership and Resource Development at the Metamorphosis Foundation, a civil society organisation (CSO) that works to empower citizens and civil society to defend democracy.
THAILAND: ‘The Popular Will Expressed in Elections Shouldn’t be Overturned by Judicial Intervention’
CIVICUS discusses the appointment of Thailand’s new prime minister with Sunai Phasuk, Senior Researcher for Thailand at Human Rights Watch’s Asia division.
CIVICUS welcomes the interim government’s steps to respect and protect civic space since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime.
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session
Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Türkiye
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Mr President,
CIVICUS welcomes Türkiye’s engagement in the UPR process and its stated commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Secretary General
Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage at the UN General Assembly just over a week after an independent UN Commission concluded that Israel has committed genocide — the worst crime under international law.
UNGA 80 marks an important milestone, eight decades of the United Nations’ work.
By Jesselina Rana, CIVICUS UN New York Adviser
Last week, the United Nations (UN) marked its 80th anniversary against the backdrop of an unprecedented global crisis.
Statement at the 60th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR)
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Mr.
Free Buzurghmer Yorov and All Others Held for Exercising their Human Rights
Tajikistan authorities have wrongfully imprisoned a human rights lawyer for 10 years for exercising his human rights, 12 organizations said today.
CIVICUS speaks about the political context ahead of Tanzania’s October general election with a civil society activist who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
CIVICUS discusses Greece’s new migration and asylum policies with Minos Mouzourakis, a lawyer and Legal and Advocacy Officer with Refugee Support Aegean, a leading civil society organisation (CSO) that provides free legal aid to refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.
By Andrew Firmin, CIVICUS Editor-in-Chief, co-director and writer for CIVICUS Lens and co-author of the State of Civil Society Report.
CIVICUS discusses Samoa’s recent election with Lucia S Chung Kwan, a history lecturer at the National University of Samoa.
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2025, New York, NY – Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly Friday, CIVICUS Secretary General Mandeep Tiwana issued the following:
“Just one week after an independent UN Commission found that Israel has committed genocide, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being given the UN stage.
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session
Interactive Dialogue on UN Secretary General's report on cooperation with the United Nations
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott
Thank you, Mr President.
CIVICUS discusses the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) recent advisory opinion on climate change with Abdul Mufeez Shaheed, campaigner with Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change.
CIVICUS discusses recent protests in Indonesia with Yati Andriyani, a lawyer, human rights defender and board member of Indonesia for Humanity (Untuk Kemanusiaan, IKa).
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session
General Debate Item 4
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott
Mr President,
CIVICUS believes that the Council should play a more assertive role in preventing rather than reacting to human rights crises.
For Immediate Release
Monday, September 23, New York, NY – Ahead of President Donald Trump's speech to the UN General Assembly today, Secretary General of CIVICUS, Mandeep Tiwana, said:
“One of the greatest threats to peace and multilateralism today is the United States President.
CIVICUS discusses the Inter-American Court of Human Rights’ (IACtHR) recognition of the right to care with Jeffrey Vogt, international labour law expert and chair of the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAW Network).
CIVICUS discusses North Korea’s closed civic space with Hanna Song, Executive Director of the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB).
CIVICUS discusses Facebook owner Meta’s political ad ban and the European Union (EU)’s regulations with Anna Sienicka, Senior Vice President at TechSoup Europe.
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council 60th Session
General Debate item 3
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott
Thank you, Mr President.
CIVICUS discusses the recent peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan with Konul De Moor, political analyst for International Crisis Group, an independent organisation that works to prevent wars and shape policies to build a more peaceful world.
Read in Tamil
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, calls on the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to halt the continued harassment of activists and journalists and crackdown on protests.
FRANCE: ‘What hinders the peace process is the acceptance of occupation, colonisation and apartheid’
CIVICUS discusses France’s imminent recognition of a Palestinian state with Fabienne Messica, sociologist, author and member of the National Bureau of the Human Rights League.
By Mandeep Tiwana, Secretary General of CIVICUS
No leader responsible for mass atrocities enjoys greater impunity on the international stage than Benjamin Netanyahu.
By Nipuna Kumbalathara, CIVICUS Communications Lead.
Statement at UN Human Rights Council's 60th session
Interactive Dialogue with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott
Thank you, Mr President.
CIVICUS discusses the campaign for a United Nations (UN) treaty to tackle plastic pollution with Aminah Taariq-Sidibe, manager of End Plastic Initiatives at EARTHDAY.
By Vincy Mighulo Masaka and Asma Darwish
“Don’t shoot to kill, shoot the leg.
Statement at UN Human Rights Council's 60th session
Item 2 – General Debate
Statement on the Democratic Republic of Congo
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Mr President,
CIVICUS remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in DRC.
CIVICUS discusses Peru’s new amnesty law with Nadia Ramos Serrano, founder and researcher at the Leadership Centre for Women of the Americas, a civil society organisation working on democratic development and the role of women in politics.
Today, on the International Day of Democracy, CIVICUS underlines the critical importance of active citizen participation.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Secretary General
The assassination of well-known conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk on September 10 has exposed significant fault-lines in American public life.
By Samuel King, researcher with the Horizon Europe-funded research project ENSURED: Shaping Cooperation for a World in Transition at CIVICUS
Algorithms decide who lives and dies in Gaza.
The undersigned human rights organisations are deeply concerned over the severe deterioration in the health of lawyer and human rights defender Hoda Abdel-Moneim, 66 years old, who has been in pretrial detention since 1st of November 2018.
CIVICUS speaks about Malawi’s 16 September general election with Tadala Chumachiyenda and Tamika Nyirenda-Banda of the Democracy Works Foundation.
Only 5% of people in Latin America live in countries that fully guarantee their basic freedoms.
CIVICUS discusses Ecuador’s new Organic Law on Social Transparency with Vivian Idrovo, coordinator of the Alliance for Human Rights Ecuador.
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th Session
Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Afghanistan with the Special Rapporteur
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Mr.
CIVICUS discusses Myanmar’s upcoming general election with Lynn Htett, a human rights activist and coordinator of Towards Media, a grassroots initiative that documents human rights violations, promotes civic education and supports democratic movements in Myanmar.
Civil society continues to face restrictions on access and participation at the United Nations (UN).
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council
Excellency,
We, the undersigned organisations, urge your delegation to support the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC).
CIVICUS discusses the recent Istanbul Pride amid the deterioration of LGBTQI+ rights in Turkey with LGBTQI+ activists Çağıl, Can Kortun and Jiyan Andiç.
CIVICUS speaks with Nathan Timmer, activist and press officer at Geef Tegengas (Push Back), a Dutch direct-action group that focuses on corporate accountability and human rights violations.
CIVICUS discusses protests for democracy with a Togolese human rights defender who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
CIVICUS discusses the deaths of Indigenous activists in custody in Tajikistan with Khursand Khurramov, an independent journalist and political analyst.
As the United Nations (UN) marks 80 years, civil society continues to encounter significant obstacles to participation.
CIVICUS discusses The Gambia’s youth-led movement for accountability over seized assets with Ebrima Jallow, popularly known as The Ghetto Pen and Secretary of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA).
60th Session of UN Human Rights Council (8 September–8 October 2025)
Overview
Structural Challenges at the Human Rights Council
Thematic Priorities
Country-Specific Priorities
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Overview
As civic space continues to shrink globally, amid funding challenges and a UN liquidity crisis, the Human Rights Council remains a vital space for defending human rights and amplifying the voices of those most affected.
Indonesia has witnessed violent crackdowns on protests, with reports of arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, unlawful killings, and digital attacks.
CIVICUS discusses New Zealand’s new electoral law with Lara Greaves, a political scientist at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, who specialises in democracy, Māori political participation and human rights.
CIVICUS discusses media freedom challenges in Somaliland with a representative of a local civil society organisation that defends journalists’ rights and supports media professionalism.
CIVICUS discusses Bangkok Pride and LGBTQI+ rights in Thailand and Southeast Asia with Ryan Silverio, Executive Director of ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, a civil society organisation that advances the rights of LGBTQI+ people in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
Ahead of the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (Sep/Oct 2025), CIVICUS and SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR), together with our partners, submit this joint statement urging Kuwait to uphold civic space, protect human rights defenders, and make good on its commitments under the Universal Periodic Review.
CIVICUS discusses recent protests in Angola with Florindo Chivucute, founder and executive director of Friends of Angola, a US-based civil society organisation established in 2014 that works to promote democracy, human rights and good governance in Angola.
By Andrew Firmin, CIVICUS Editor-in-Chief, co-director and writer for CIVICUS Lens and co-author of the State of Civil Society Report.
CIVICUS discusses oil expansion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with Emmanuel Musuyu, national coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Monitoring Reforms and Public Action (CORAP), a network of over 50 Congolese organisations that defend community rights and the environment and urge sustainable development independent of fossil fuels.
CIVICUS discusses a recent United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council resolution on corruption and human rights with Betina Pasteknik, the UNCAC Coalition’s Head of Operations and Working Groups and co-chair of its Working Group on Human Rights and Corruption.
CIVICUS discusses civil society’s challenges in engaging with United Nations (UN) processes with an activist from a Salvadoran queer-led organisation who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
By Muhammed Bello Buhari, Programme Intern - Learning & Communications at CIVICUS
Democracy today is shaped as much online as it is offline.
CIVICUS discusses Cameroon’s upcoming presidential election with Maximilienne Ngo Mbe, director of the Human Rights Defenders Network in Central Africa, a civil society organisation dedicated to protecting human rights defenders in the region.
Ahead of Bolivia’s runoff presidential election, CIVICUS discusses the political landscape with Gabriela Keseberg Dávalos, a Bolivian-German political scientist.
CIVICUS discusses resistance to lithium mining with members of United in Defence of Covas do Barroso (UDCB), a grassroots movement challenging a mining project in a farming village in northern Portugal.
A message from CIVICUS Secretary General, Mandeep Tiwana
Dear CIVICUS members, partners and allies
As we navigate through the second half of 2025, we find ourselves both energized and challenged.
Ahead of the UN Human Rights Council’s 60th session, CIVICUS and over 30 partners are calling on States to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Burundi.
CIVICUS speaks with Jo Dirix, a campaigner with Vredesactie (Peace Action), a Belgium peace and disarmament civil society organisation (CSO) that successfully took the Flemish government to court over arms shipments to Israel.
CIVICUS speaks with Mercè Monje Cano, Secretary General of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), about the struggles of unrepresented peoples seeking self-determination and how UNPO supports them in asserting their rights.
CIVICUS discusses Ukraine’s recent anticorruption protests with Oksana Huss, co-founder of the global Interdisciplinary Corruption Research Network and board member of Transparency International Ukraine, one of the country’s major anticorruption organisations.
At the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025 in New York City, the CIVICUS New York Hub, represented by Mandeep Tiwana and Jesselina Rana, played a central role in engaging with member states, UN officials, and civil society representatives from across the world.
CIVICUS and partner human rights organisations have raised concerns over Norway’s decision to triennialise the Human Rights Defenders resolution at the UN Third Committee, urging continued support for defenders worldwide.
CIVICUS speaks about the Iranian regime’s execution of political prisoners with Safora Sadidi, a human rights activist with the Women’s Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
Ahead of the UN Human Rights Council’s 60th session (Sep–Oct 2025), CIVICUS and over 30 civil society organisations have written to Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council urging them to extend the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on Sudan for two more years.
CIVICUS discusses the border crisis between Cambodia and Thailand with Sok Udom Deth, Professor of International Relations at Cambodia’s Paragon International University.
CIVICUS discusses Taiwan’s unprecedented citizen-led recall campaign against opposition politicians with Leah Lin, Executive Director and founder of the Asia Citizen Future Association (ACFA), which promotes collaboration between Taiwanese and Southeast Asian civil society, supports civil society and advocates for civic space protections.
Positive steps taken by interim government to investigate protest violations and address enforced disappearances
Lack of reforms related to NGO laws and protection for human rights defenders and journalists
New cyber law ordinance still problematic and restrictive defamation provisions remain
Police reforms stalled, controversial Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) remains untouched despite UN calls for disbandment
CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, welcomes the positive steps taken by the interim government to respect and protect civic space since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime a year ago.
The United Nations’ latest annual review of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) saw numerous states that restrict civil society and repress human rights participate in a public relations exercise to talk up their achievements.
CIVICUS discusses Syria’s political transition and its implications for refugees with a representative of the Access Center for Human Rights (ACHR) who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
CIVICUS discusses Pride 2025 in Washington DC with Ryan Bos, the Executive Director of the Capital Pride Alliance, a civil society organisation dedicated to serving LGBTQI+ people’s needs.
CIVICUS discusses the authorities’ response to recent anti-government protests in Serbia with Ivan Đurić, Policy Analyst at the Centre for Research, Transparency and Accountability, an independent, non-partisan civil society organisation committed to developing democratic culture and civic activism.
CIVICUS discusses human rights challenges in transitions to renewable energy with Ella Skybenko, senior researcher and representative for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), a civil society organisation (CSO) that promotes corporate accountability, transparency and human rights.
We, the undersigned civil society organisations, are deeply concerned about the ongoing systematic repression of Pamiri Indigenous Peoples in Tajikistan.
By Mandeep Tiwana, secretary-general of CIVICUS and Mariya Parodi, media adviser to CIVICUS.
By Mandeep Tiwana, Secretary General of CIVICUS
Successive United States governments have prided themselves on being governed by the Constitution of 1788.
CIVICUS discusses Pride 2025 and attacks on LGBTQI+ rights with Pedro Julio Serrano, president of the LGBTQ+ Federation of Puerto Rico.
CIVICUS speaks with Manuel Páez Ramírez, coordinator of the Espeletia Legal Clinic at the Externado University of Colombia, about the Inter-American Court of Human Rights’ (IACtHR) recent advisory opinion on the climate emergency and human rights.
By Naomi Ayot Oyaro, Executive Director of CAPAIDS Uganda and Tais Siqueira, Local Leadership Lab Coordinator at CIVICUS
In Uganda, local communities are routinely sidelined in development processes, despite knowing most about their own needs.
Portuguese
CIVICUS discusses recent arbitrary detentions of Angolan activists with Pedro Domingos André ‘Paka’, also known as Pedro Paka, coordinator of Movimento Fúria-99, a human rights organisation.
CIVICUS discusses Bolivia’s upcoming presidential election with Juan Carlos Uribe and Lucas Illanes from ChequeaBolivia, an initiative that monitors and verifies social media content.
Volunteer Activists and CIVICUS call for an immediate end to violence in Iran, Israel, and the Middle East.
CIVICUS discusses Ethiopia’s proposed new law to target civil society with Yared Hailemariam, lawyer and Executive Director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre (EHRDC), a civil society organisation (CSO) that works to support human rights activists at risk.
CIVICUS speaks with Matt Hall, director of the Environmental Law Initiative, a New Zealand civil society organisation that is taking legal action against the government for replacing its greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy with one that relies heavily on offsetting, without proper public consultation.
By Kgalalelo Gaebee, CIVICUS' Communications Officer and Paul Mulindwa, CIVICUS' Advocacy and Campaigns Regional Lead for Africa
Mduduzi Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube’s ongoing imprisonment is more than a national tragedy.
By Jesselina Rana, UN advisor at CIVICUS
In its 80-year history the UN has never once been led by a woman.
CIVICUS discusses conflict between Iran and Israel with Negin Shiraghaei, founder of the Azadi Network, a feminist network that supports excluded communities from Afghanistan and Iran.
Arnon Nampa is a human rights lawyer and one of the founders of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), a leading human rights organisation.
The undersigned human rights organisations call on the Egyptian authorities to immediately end all forms of harassment or intimidation against human rights defender Mohamed Abdel Salam, Executive Director of the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression (AFTE), in retaliation for his legitimate human rights work.
The 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council ran from 16 June to 9 July 2025, resulting in 25 Resolutions, one technical decision, and 14 Universal Period Review adoptions.
CIVICUS discusses the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda with Gentil Akilimali, Executive Secretary of the Centre of Hope for Human Rights, a Congolese civil society organisation that supports victims of human rights violations in the DRC through legal, psychological and social assistance.
SRI LANKA: ‘Arrests were made during a time of political crisis and many were politically motivated’
CIVICUS discusses the criminalisation of protest in Sri Lanka with climate activist Melani Gunathilaka, co-founder of Climate Action Now Sri Lanka and member of the Debt for Climate global movement.
By Samuel King, Inés Pousadela
Abstract
The UN Human Rights Council is at a critical juncture.
We have joined fellow civil society organisations in signing a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging that the UN80 process prioritise a stronger, more principled and accountable human rights pillar.
CIVICUS discusses civil society’s efforts to advance gender rights at the global level with Foteini Papagioti, Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy at the International Center for Research on Women, an international civil society organisation that advocates for the rights of women, girls and other structurally excluded groups.
CIVICUS speaks with Matthew Renshaw, a partner at a UK law firm that represents Nigerian communities taking legal action against Shell over environmental damage caused by its operations in the Niger Delta.
By Josef Benedict, Asia Pacific researcher and Rajavelu Karunanithi, Asia advocacy and campaigns lead for CIVICUS
From Hong Kong to India, governments are passing and weaponizing new laws to pursue and jail whoever speaks up for human rights.
Ana María Palacios Briceño and Eduardo Marenco
Ana María Palacios Briceño leads civic space research for the Americas at the CIVICUS Monitor.
Stand As My Witness campaign calls for release of imprisoned human rights defenders around the world
On the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Stand As My Witness campaign, global civil society alliance CIVICUS calls on governments around the world to immediately release all unjustly imprisoned human rights defenders.
CIVICUS discusses Kenya’s nationwide protests against police brutality with a representative of a local civil society organisation who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.
CIVICUS makes UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on civil society space in Australia, Nepal and Rwanda.
CIVICUS discusses the military use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Gaza with Dima Samaro, a Palestinian lawyer and researcher, and director of Skyline International for Human Rights, a civil society organisation (CSO) that defends digital freedoms and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa.
We, the signatory civil society organisations, are gravely concerned about United States of America (USA) sanctions imposed on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
CIVICUS discusses Hong Kong’s latest security laws with Laura Naw, East Asian and ASEAN Programme Officer at the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), a regional human rights network comprising 90 organisations across 23 countries.
By Taís Siqueira, Local Leadership Lab Coordinator
Recent funding cuts made many admit something they’d deep down always known: the development community is in desperate need of a reset.
The 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will take place from 14–23 July under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for leaving no one behind.
As the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council concludes, CIVICUS joins fellow civil society organisations in reflecting on key developments, raising urgent concerns, and calling for stronger accountability and protection of human rights around the world.
CIVICUS discusses recent protests in Panama with Lina Vega Abad, president of the board of directors of the Foundation for the Development of Citizen Freedom, a civil society organisation that defends fundamental freedoms and strengthens democracy through citizen training and accountability and transparency advocacy.
CIVICUS discusses the potential for a United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Democracy with Andreas Bummel, founder and executive director of Democracy Without Borders, an international civil society organisation (CSO) that advocates for democracy as a human right.
CIVICUS speaks with Claude Iguma, a mining governance expert with a PhD in Social Sciences, who is based in Bukavu, South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
CIVICUS discusses Spain’s moves to grant undocumented migrants formal status with Rubén Romero, coordinator of the Political Advocacy and Partnerships Department at CONVIVE Fundación Cepaim, a civil society organisation that works to create an inclusive and intercultural society that guarantees full access to rights to the most vulnerable people, particularly migrants.
By Andrew Firmin, CIVICUS Editor-in-Chief, co-director and writer for CIVICUS Lens and co-author of the State of Civil Society Report.
CIVICUS discusses Mexico’s recent judicial elections with Gladys Morales Ramírez, a Mexican researcher who holds a PhD in Social Sciences.
Statement at 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 10: Interactive Dialogue on ID on oral presentation of the High Commissioner on Ukraine and interim report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Crimea
Delivered by Oleksandra Matviichuk, Center for Civil Liberties
Mr President,
CIVICUS and the Center for Civil Liberties welcome the report of the Secretary General and the update of the High Commissioner.
CIVICUS discusses African climate litigation efforts with Liberian environmental rights activist, lawyer and law professor Alfred Lahai Brownell, president of Global Climate Legal Defence and co-founder and Lead Campaigner of the African Climate Platform, a coalition of public interest lawyers and climate activists.
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 6: Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Angola
Joint oral statement on behalf of CIVICUS and Amnesty International
Mr.
CIVICUS discusses the 2025 NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit with Francesca Grandi, Head of Defence and Security at Transparency International, a global civil society organisation that fights corruption and promotes transparency and integrity in public life.
On the one-year anniversary of the arrest of five Mother Nature environmental defenders, CIVICUS expresses concern over their continued imprisonment and its implications for civic freedoms in Cambodia.
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Fiji
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
CIVICUS, Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), Fiji Council Of Social Services (FCOSS) and Amnesty International welcomes Fiji’s engagement in the UPR process.
Statement at the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of El Salvador
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev, CIVICUS
Mr President.
