By Belen Giaquinta and Merle Rutz
As a World Alliance, CIVICUS holds, in its essence and identity, the principles of “people power” and democratic values.
Media & Resources
42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
-Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on Nicaragua
-Joint statement from CIVICUS & RedLad
It has been more than a year since the crisis began in Nicaragua, and violence and repression continue unabated.
42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
-General Debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner
CIVICUS thanks the High Commissioner for your oral update, and especially the attention given to the risks faced by those exercising their rights to participation and freedom of peaceful assembly.
CIVICUS speaks with Thang Nguyen of Boat People SOS (BPSOS), a civil society organisation based in the USA and Thailand, about the challenges for civil society and religious minorities in Vietnam, and about their work to enable civil society responses.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and experts about their experiences of facing backlash by anti-rights groups.
Arabic
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Address: Pasteur St.
The forty-second Session of the UN Human Rights Council will take place from 9 to 27 September.
CIVICUS speaks with Sutharee Wannasiri, a human rights activist in Thailand who has been facing criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit as a result of reporting on abuses of migrant worker rights by a Thai poultry company while working as a researcher with Fortify Rights, a human rights organisation.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and experts about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
CIVICUS, and the Colombian social impact startup, Innpactia, released the report, Access to Resources for Civil Society Organisations in Latin America: Facts and Challenges, which presents a challenging funding landscape for CSOs in Latin America.
Read it in Portuguese | Italian
JOINT OPEN LETTER
Your Holiness, Pope Francis Apostolic Palace 00120 Vatican City
Re: Open letter on human rights to Pope Francis from Civil Society groups on his visit to Mozambique
Your Holiness, Pope Francis
We, the undersigned, are writing as a group of non-governmental organisations working to promote and defend human rights in many countries around the world, including Mozambique.
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland
Excellencies,
Ahead of the 42nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (“HRC” or “the Council”), we, the undersigned civil society organisations, urge you to ensure the Council takes action to address serious human rights violations and abuses that have been and continue to be committed in Sudan, and to support systemic reforms in the country.
CIVICUS speaks about the state of artistic expression with Srirak Plipat, Executive Director of Freemuse, the main international civil society organisation advocating for and defending the freedom of expression of artists.
New study reveals that Latin American Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) receive little funding for their essential work of political advocacy, activism and the promotion and protection of human rights
An analysis of over 6,500 requests for funding proposals shows CSOs have more access to funding for education-related work
Latin American CSOs must compete for essential resources on disadvantageous terms
3 September 2019 – In Guatemala, a politician known for his attacks on civil society is the new president-elect.
To Members and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Dear Excellency,
The undersigned civil society organizations, representing groups working within and outside Cambodia to advance human rights, rule of law, and democracy, are writing to alert your government to an ongoing human rights crisis in Cambodia and to request your support for a resolution ensuring strengthened scrutiny of the human rights situation in the country at the upcoming 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (the “Council”).
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and experts about their experiences and actions in the face of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
By Dominic Perera, CIVICUS Monitor Project Officer at CIVICUS
Earlier this month, Bangladesh captured international headlines as an enormous fire ripped through an informal settlement in Dhaka’s Mirpur area.
By Josef Benedict, Civic Space Researcher at CIVICUS
Since June 2019, over a million people have taken to the streets of Hong Kong on a weekly basis to demonstrate.
Español
The Resilient Roots (RR) initiative examines whether organisations who are accountable to their primary constituents, that is, the individuals and communities they support and serve, are better able to withstand external threats related to closing civic space.
CIVICUS speaks to Evan Jones of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) about the challenges that refugees face in Asia and civil society’s work to help realise refugee rights.
As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet prepares to present her report on Nicaragua on September 10th, in compliance with the March 21st Human Rights Council resolution “Promotion and protection of human rights in Nicaragua” (A/HRC/40/L.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and their allies about their experience of facing backlash by anti-rights groups.
CIVICUS speaks to Arshak Makichyan, a Russian violin student at the Moscow Conservatory who started weekly climate strikes on 15 March 2019.
Español | French
Resilient Roots: conquering the feedback loop - Part 2 of 5: “Collect”
By Isabelle Büchner (Accountable Now) and Belén Giaquinta (CIVICUS)
In the first blog post of this series, we shared 10 steps to design your accountability feedback mechanism.
Over 75 organisations call for mandate of Group of Eminent Experts to be renewed, emphasising violations against human rights defenders
Arabic
We, the undersigned more than 75 international, regional and Yemeni CSOs, call for the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) to extend and broaden the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen (GEE), including a thorough investigation into specific violations against human rights defenders, journalists and bloggers, and the closure of civic space.
By David Kode, Advocacy and Campaigns Lead at CIVICUS
Exactly four months after former President Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan was pushed out of power, and a few weeks after the military rulers and civilians signed a peace deal to thrash out the political transition, ordinary Sudanese continue to pay a heavy price.
We condemn violent dispersal of peaceful protesters by #Zimbabwe police today & ongoing repression of civil society & #humanrights defenders.
Bangkok, 16 August 2019 – We, the undersigned civil society organisations, express our deep concerns on the escalating violence in Hong Kong and urge the authorities to ensure conditions for peaceful assembly and association are present, and the protestors to exercise their rights to protest peacefully.
Secretary General’s Update (July 2019)
July has been an incredibly exciting month and I’m excited to share key headlines from our work in this period!
Progressing our efforts on civil society resourcing reforms
Since the start of this year, we have had the privilege to hear from activists, organisers, young leaders and progressive funders from around the world on the resourcing challenges faced by civil society – and to understand how bold ideas and creative solutions can help address these barriers.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
CIVICUS speaks to Alessandra Nilo, co-founder and Executive Director of GESTOS – HIV and AIDS, Communication and Gender, a civil society organisation (CSO) created in 1993 in Recife, Brazil.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their human rights work, their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
By Natalia Gomez Peña, Advocacy & Network Engagement Officer, Vuka! Secretariat
For the family of indigenous Guatemalan activist Jorge Juc, the announcement last week by US President Donald Trump of an agreement declaring Guatemala a “safe third country” could not be more bitterly ironic.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and experts about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
Manushya Foundation, CIVICUS and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) call on the Government of Lao PDR to remove all unwarranted restrictions on civic space in the country ahead of its human rights review to be held at the United Nations (UN) in January-February 2020.
All UN member states have their human rights records reviewed every 4.
FRENCH
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland
Excellencies,
Ahead of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (“HRC” or “the Council”), we, the undersigned national, regional, and international civil society organisations, write to call on your delegation to support a resolution extending the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burundi for a further year, until September 2020.
By Paul Mulindwa, an advocacy and campaigns officer with CIVICUS.
By Andrew Firmin & Sylvia Mbataru
Human rights have always been contested, and groups that attack human rights are nothing new.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and experts about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
The question of how grassroots groups and activists based in the global south can mobilise adequate support to overcome the growing ecological, social, political and economic challenges they face and achieve positive change is a serious one that requires our attention.
In April 2019, more than 250 people were killed and hundreds injured in a terror attack in Sri Lanka that targeted three churches and three hotels.
By Mandeep Tiwana, Chief Programmes Officer at CIVICUS
Recent raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the homes and offices of human rights lawyers Anand Grover and Indira Jaising are deeply worrying.
Por Marianna Belalba Barreto y Belén Giaquinta
Todxs aquellos interesados en la interfaz entre derechos humanos y la tecnología sabrán que el mes pasado se celebró RightsCon 2019 en Túnez.
This article is part of the #StoriesOfResilience series, coordinated by CIVICUS to feature groups and activists on their journey to promote better resourcing practices for civil society and to mobilise meaningful resources to sustain their work.
Global #humanrights organisations condemn the Equatorial Guinea government’s closure of a prominent rights NGO, part of its long-running attack on fundamental freedoms there https://t.
By Paul Mulindwa, an advocacy and campaigns officer with CIVICUS.
Joint statement at the end of the 41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
By renewing the mandate of the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), the Council has sent a clear message that violence and discrimination against people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities cannot be tolerated.
Global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, has welcomed the announcement of a peace deal that has been reached in Sudan, between the Transitional Military Council and opposition leaders but has warned that all parties need to commit to the agreement’s terms for the transition to be effective.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
Millions of people took to the streets of Hong Kong in June 2019 to protest against a proposed Extradition Bill that would have allowed the government to send people, including foreigners, to face trial in mainland China, in courts controlled by the Communist Party.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
Spanish | French
Diversity and Inclusion has become a hot topic within civil society in recent years which has prompted the sector to take a step back and evaluate its own programmes and operations.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive dialogue on Sudan
CIVICUS notes the efforts that have been made by the Sudanese authorities and Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) towards establishment of an OHCHR country office in Sudan in line with resolution 39/22 of the Human Rights Council.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo
CIVICUS welcomes some positive first steps with regards to civic space taken by President Felix Tshisekedi during his first six months in office, including his commitment to release more than 500 political prisoners.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
-Interactive dialogue on the report from the High Commissioner on Nicaragua
-Joint statement from CIVICUS & Red Local
We note that the government of Nicaragua has yet to comply with some of the agreements reached with the Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy during negotiations earlier this year.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
By Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Head, Knowledge Management Unit, WACSI
Civil society organisations (CSOs) across the globe thrive on the implementation of best practices.
FRENCH
Global civil society calls on governments to put human rights at centre of development
States failing to make connections between sustainable development and human rights to restrict civil society is against the spirit of Agenda 2030
Governments need to open channels of communications with civil society groups to make them an equitable partner in the implementation of the sustainable development goals.
Over 1300 civil society organisations from across the globe call for the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Without civil society, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals would not be possible.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
The Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (EMDHR), Eritrea Focus, and CIVICUS welcome the government of Eritrea’s engagement with the UPR process and for its acceptance of 131 UPR recommendations.
Español | French
Resilient Roots: conquering the feedback loop - Part 1 of 5: “Design”
By Isabelle Büchner (Accountable Now) and Belén Giaquinta (CIVICUS)
In the Resilient Roots initiative, 14 organisations from all over the world are running pilot projects to test new primary constituent accountability mechanisms.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
CIVICUS, the Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR), the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) and IFEX welcome the Royal Government of Cambodia's engagement with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on Venezuela
CIVICUS thanks the High Commissioner for her report, which shows how deeply the human rights situation has deteriorated in Venezuela.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Our organisations are gravely concerned by the proliferation of reprisals against Special Procedures mandate holders and members of Expert Mechanisms and Commissions of Inquiry (COI) by States, including members of the Council, as well as threats against the Special Procedures system as a whole.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Afghanistan Human Rights Organisation (AHRO) and CIVICUS welcome the government of Afghanistan's engagement with the UPR process.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), The Macedonian Centre for International Cooperation (MCIC) and CIVICUS welcome the government of North Macedonia's engagement with the UPR process.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Pro Acceso and CIVICUS welcome the government of Chile's engagement with the UPR process.
By Helene Wolf, Chair, FAIR SHARE of Women Leaders
Half of the delegates at CIVICUS’ International Civil Society Week (April, Belgrade) were women.
Pusat KOMAS and global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, welcome the Malaysian government’s efforts to make amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act, which regulates public assemblies and protests.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Mr President, VOICE, CIVICUS and FORUM-ASIA welcome the government of Vietnam's engagement with the UPR process including its decision to accept 241 recommendations on a range of human rights issues.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on Countries of Concern
CIVICUS is deeply concerned by the grave situation in Sudan, and we call once again on the Council to take immediate steps to address this crisis, at the very least by establishing a fact-finding mission to monitor, verify and report on the situation to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that the perpetrators of these atrocities are held to account.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar
We welcome the Special Rapporteur’s oral update on Myanmar and urge the Government to resume its cooperation and grant access to the Special Rapporteur, and to address the situation on the ground.
The three-week human rights council sits from 30 June to 17 July, and there are a number of critical human rights resolutions up for debate, and for the 47 Council members to address.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue on the Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea
CIVICUS, along with eight other Africa-based organisations, (see below) welcomes the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Eritrea and we ask the UN Human Rights Council as a matter of urgency to renew the mandate, so that the Special Rapporteur can continue its vital monitoring of and reporting on the human rights situation in Eritrea.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
CIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations thank the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi for its update and ongoing work on highlighting human rights abuses.
By Gioel Gioacchino, research consultant with CIVICUS
As a keynote speaker at a global gathering of a thousand activists and NGO workers in Belgrade in April, the host of a popular Serbian television spoof news show, Zoran Kesic performed 24 minutes of brilliant (and cathartic) satire.
Dear members & friends of CIVICUS,
The past weeks have been a busy but exciting time for a number of our networks and initiatives! We were proud to have hosted over 80 activists representing work on civic freedoms from across the world in Johannesburg in May for a dialogue with Clement Voule, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association (FoAA).
By Dinah Sandoval & Alexis Banks, Root Change
This article is part of the #StoriesOfResilience series, coordinated by CIVICUS to feature groups and activists on their journey to promote better resourcing practices for civil society and to mobilise meaningful resources to sustain their work.
By Lysa John, Secretary-General of CIVICUS.
Did you know that most youth-led groups and movements operate with an annual budget of less than 10,000 USD? It´s known that young people in the activism and development sector in the Global South face significant resourcing challenges: little capacity to attract funding and comply with donor requirements; restricted social, political and economic spaces to participate and grow; extensive gaps between the funds available to serve youth versus those managed directly by youth, and significant disparities between the resourcing opportunities that target young individual leaders within groups and movements rather than to the group itself, just to mention a few.
As part of our 2019 thematic report, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their experiences of backlash from anti-rights groups and their strategies to strengthen progressive narratives and civil society responses.
26 June 2019,
Bangkok/Colombo/Dublin/Geneva/Johannesburg/London/New Delhi/New York/Paris
We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the filing of criminal charges against Indian NGO ‘Lawyers Collective’, its Senior Advocate Anand Grover, and other representatives.
📢 Desde @CIVICUSespanol condenamos y exigimos el fin de la brutal represión ejercida contra las protestas pacíficas en #Honduras por parte de las fuerzas de seguridad de @JuanOrlandoH.
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to peaceful assembly and association
Joint statement by ICNL, Article 19, CIVICUS, ECNL, and World Movement for Democracy
Activists, peaceful protesters, and civil society have harnessed the power of the Internet and digital technologies, to share information, and to build and mobilise communities at unprecedented scale and speed.
ARABIC
Your Excellency,
We remain highly concerned about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, in particular the recent mass executions of 37 men on 23 April, the continued arbitrary detention of human rights defenders including women human rights defenders and the ongoing impunity for serious human rights violations, including torture.
FRENCH
We, the undersigned human rights organisations, call on UN Special Rapporteurs, Members of the European Parliament, and representatives in national Parliaments of the European Union to urgently intervene and communicate with the Egyptian authorities to immediately release jailed activist Malak Al-Kashif, who was arrested for expressing her views on Facebook.
Joint Statement at the 41st Session of the Human Rights Council
CIVICUS and the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) welcome the High Commissioner’s update.
By Mohammed Eid
This story was facilitated by CIVICUS.
By Lysa John, Secretary-General of CIVICUS.
CIVICUS speaks to Antoine Vergne, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Missions Publiques, an impact-driven organisation that seeks to improve policy-making at the local, national and global levels by bringing the voices of citizens into policy discussion and negotiations.
Joint Statement from CIVICUS and Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
The arrest and ongoing detention of award-winning author and poet Shakthika Sathkumara on spurious charges are a clear violation of his right to freedom of expression, CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance and the Asian Human Right Commission (AHRC), said today ahead of his next court hearing on 18 June.
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Excellency,
We, the undersigned human rights organizations, are writing to urge you to support the adoption of a resolution at the upcoming 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council (“Council”) to maintain a monitoring and reporting mandate on the human rights situation in Eritrea.
By Lysa John, Secretary-General of CIVICUS.
Pakistani authorities must end their judicial persecution of human rights defender Gulalai Ismail, global civil society alliance CIVICUS said today.
More than 80 representatives of civil society organisations, community leaders and academics met in Johannesburg on 30-31 May and on 3 June with the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and Assembly, Clément Voule to discuss the impact of restrictions on freedom of assembly and association on sustainable development.
Located in the west of Central Africa between Cameroon and Gabon, and with a population of less than a million people, Equatorial Guinea is often described as one of the most censored countries in the world.
Arrests & detentions for being a member of the political opposition in #Cambodia.
FRENCH
This article is part of the #StoriesOfResilience series, coordinated by CIVICUS to feature groups and activists on their journey to promote better resourcing practices for civil society and to mobilise meaningful resources to sustain their work.
To:All Permanent Missions to the United Nations in Geneva and New York
Cc:UN Secretary GeneralUN High Commissioner for Human RightsChairpersons of the Human Rights Treaty BodiesCoordination Committee of UN Special Procedures
It is with a sense of urgency that we convey our deep concern regarding the critical funding situation affecting the UN’s human rights mechanisms and OHCHR.
4 June 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown in China when hundreds, if not thousands, of unarmed peaceful pro-democracy protesters were killed in Beijing and tens of thousands of demonstrators in cities across China were arrested.
Bangladesh authorities must immediately release human rights defender Mohammad Abdul Kaium, who has been allegedly tortured in custody during his arbitrary detention.
FRENCH
For those of us who were in Belgrade a few weeks ago, it is hard to think of April as anything but the culmination of months of preparation towards the International Civil Society Week (ICSW).
Dr Shireen M MazariFederal Minister for Human RightsMinistry of Human Rights9th Floor, New Pak Secretariat (Kohsar Block)Sector F-5, Islamabad, Pakistan
Concerns regarding civic space violations against the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM)
CIVICUS: the World Alliance for Citizen Participation is a global alliance of civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world.
By Augustine Macarthy, Sierra Leone
Last month, I had the opportunity to attend International Civil Society Week 2019 (ICSW).
On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we will hosted a Youth for Diversity webinar under the theme "South-South experiences on the human rights of LGBTIQ+ youth.
By Caroline Vernaillen, Democracy International
When it comes to global issues, citizens have to trust that their governments will do their bidding.
By Masana Ndinga-Kanga, Crisis Response Fund Lead with CIVICUS.
French
by Anabel Cruz, Board Chair 2016-2019
In early 1993, democracy was rather “young” in many parts of the world.
FRENCH
By Yessenia Soto, Community Engagement Officer on Civil Society Resourcing, CIVICUS
The Change the Game Academy provides classroom training on local fundraising to CSOs.
The world is filled with injustice, hate speech, violence and oppression.
#Tanzania: Activists & journalists are experiencing a rapid decline in #civicspace.
By Uma Mishra-Newbery, Interim Executive Director of Women’s March Global, which is a founding member of the Free Saudi Women Coalition & Kristina Stockwood works with the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR)
This article was facilitated by CIVICUS as part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs)
Amid a high-profile public relations campaign to convince the world just how much the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is modernising – highlighted in last year’s lifting of the ban on women driving – Saudi authorities continue their relentless persecution of women human rights defenders.
By Mawethu Nkosana, Crisis Response Fund Administrator at CIVICUS
Romanian Adrian Coman and his American-born partner Clai Hamilton had two major reasons to celebrate when they tied the knot last June.
By Mohammad Issa, Yes Theatre, Palestine, CIVICUS Voting Organisation Member
Some people say that our world is a mess right now.
On his way to participate in International Civil Society Week (ICSW) in Belgrade, Serbia, the Gambian rapper and activist Killa Ace was detained at the Gambia-Senegal border on flimsy excuses, causing him to miss his flight and making him unable to attend the gathering.
Joint Statement:
We, the undersigned organisations, strongly denounce the recent death threats addressed to Karapatan Secretary General, Cristina Palabay in the Philippines.
The #UN turns 75 years old in 2020 -- Anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on its strengths & weaknesses.
A year after the electoral victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, authorities have failed to reform repressive legislation or expand civic space, and continue to restrict fundamental freedoms and silence dissent, a new briefing from ARTICLE 19 and CIVICUS said today.
CIVICUS speaks to Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, about the so-called ‘anti-fake news law’ currently under discussion in Singapore, which is expected to be passed in 2019.
Strengthening Civil Society Membership Platform
By Sin Putheary, Cooperation Committee for Cambodia, AGNA and CIVICUS voting organizational member
Coming from the largest and longest established membership-based organization in Cambodia, I have a privilege to be part of International Civil Society Week (ICSW) in Belgrade, Serbia while several other colleagues of civil society are not able to physically present themselves at the conference due to visa issues.
Have you been wondering what’s up withCIVICUS’ accountability actions? Are you looking for examples and opportunities to strengthen your own organisation’s accountability or connect with others to take more concrete accountability steps? Then, this blog is for you!
FRENCH
By Lesego Moshikaro and Yessenia Soto
This article is part of the #StoriesOfResilience series, coordinated by CIVICUS to feature groups and activists on their journey to promote better resourcing practices for civil society and to mobilise meaningful resources to sustain their work.
Por Gloria Gonzalez Navarro y Enrique Blanco Lozada (Asociación Kusi Warma)
Los cambios o impactos sociales suelen estar acompañados de adversidades de nuestro ambiente, las cuales evidentemente deben ser enfrentadas con esfuerzo.
French
A Civil Society Call to Stand Together to
Defend Peoples’ Voices for a Just and Sustainable World
Reverse the Closing and Shrinking Space for Civil Society
Stop the Increasing Attacks on Human Rights Defenders and the Undermining of Democratic Participation
Renew the Prospects for an Inclusive Agenda 2030 and the Full Realization of the SDGs
Launched in Belgrade, April 8, 2019
We, leaders from Global Civil Society, coming from civil society organizations, activists and campaigners from all parts of the World, on this day in Belgrade call on international and national civil society to stand together and declare aloud: Enough is enough! Stop the relentless attacks on civil society, social leaders and human rights defenders!
The global community is currently moving down a path that will leave hundreds of millions of people behind; real and transformative progress towards achieving the systemic changes for people and planet promised by Agenda 2030 will not be possible without a fully engaged civil society and people’s genuine participation through their organizations and communities.
CIVICUS speaks with Pedro Strozenberg, Ombudsman of Rio de Janeiro, about the situation of human rights and the regression of space for civil society in Brazil.
Imprisoned human rights defender and blogger Ahmed Mansoor has been on hunger strike since 17 March 2019 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is in very poor condition.
By Laura Brown, Movement and Network Capacity Manager at Womankind Worldwide
Last week I attended the International Civil Society Week (ICSW) conference in Belgrade hosted by CIVICUS.
This April, five new members joined the CIVICUS Youth Action Team (YAT).
Myanmar’s Supreme Court is set to rule on an appeal by two jailed Reuters journalists on 23 April
Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo have been jailed since December 2017, and convicted of violating a state secrets act in September 2018
The case highlights the increasing crackdown on press freedom in Myanmar
The Myanmar Supreme Court must order the release of Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, global civil society alliance CIVICUS and the Asia Democracy Network (ADN) said today.
FRENCH
This article is part of the #StoriesOfResilience series, coordinated by CIVICUS to feature groups and activists on their journey to promote better resourcing practices for civil society and to mobilise meaningful resources to sustain their work.
By Mouna Ben Garga, Innovation Officer CIVICUS
This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs), the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW)
Sometimes a peak into the future reminds us just how stuck we are in the past and present.
By Lysa John, CIVICUS Secretary General
This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which is the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW)
It is an incredible privilege to welcome you all to the ‘International Civil Society Week’.
By Susan Wilding, Head of Geneva, CIVICUS
This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which is the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW)
Anti-government protesters invading Serbia’s state-owned television station, demanding that their voices be heard.
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance, are extremely concerned by a new bill that has been proposed by the Singaporean authorities to counter false news.
Belgrade, Serbia – More than 200 civil society leaders and human rights activists from some 100 countries were seen running through the streets of Serbia today – literally.
Global civil society alliance CIVICUS was pleased to announce the new elected CIVICUS board during the International Civil Society Week - ICSW in Serbia, 8 -12 April 2019.
By Josef Benedict Civic Space Researcher, CIVICUS
This article is part of a series on the state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which is the focus of International Civil Society Week
Around the globe, cyberspace has become the new battleground in the fight for the heart and soul of democracy.
By Josef Benedict Civic Space Researcher, CIVICUS
This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which will be the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW).
By Alina Tiphagne, Human Rights Defenders Alert (HRDA)
In just under a week, the world’s largest democracy, India, will vote to elect and constitute the 17th Lok Sabha.
Belgrade, Serbia – Civil society organisation (CSO) representatives, development workers, activists, and campaigners from all over the world are gathering in Belgrade, Serbia on April 8, 2019 for the Civil Society Summit as part of International Civil Society Week.
By Soulayma Mardam Bey and Jack Cornforth, CIVICUS
In recent years, “Resilience” has made its way into international development’s buzzword bingo board.
By Natalia Gomez Peña, CIVICUS Advocacy & Engagement Officer
This article is has been produced in partnership with CIVICUS in the context of the International Civil Society Week conference 2019, held this year in Belgrade, Serbia.
By Micahel Frost, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, and a speaker at the International Civil Society Week, 8-12 April 2019, in Belgrade, Serbia
This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which will be the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW)
They are ordinary people – mothers, fathers, sisters, sons, daughters, brothers, friends.
By Lysa John, CIVICUS Secretary General
This article is part of a series on the current state of civil society organisations (CSOs), which will be the focus of International Civil Society Week (ICSW), scheduled to take place in Belgrade, April 8-12.
Joint letter condemns the criminalisation of human rights defenders Claudia Samayoa and José Martínez in Guatemala
We the undersigned organizations are gravelly alarmed by the ongoing, targeted criminalization of human rights defenders in Guatemala including the recent judicial harassment of defenders Mrs.
CIVICUS makes seven joint UN Universal Periodic Review submissions on civil society space in Angola, Egypt, El Salvador, Iran, Iraq, Fiji and Madagascar
CIVICUS and its partners have made joint UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on 7 countries in advance of the 34rd UPR session (October-November 2019).
By Patricia Deniz, Senior Research and Development Officer CIVICUS
Civil society, more than ever, is in dire need to reinvent itself, at least figure out how to be flexible, adaptable and resurgent in an ever-changing, uncertain and increasingly restrictive environment.
By David Kode, CIVICUS Advocacy and Campaigns Lead
The timing could not have been more perfect for Egyptian President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi.
FRANÇAIS
It has been a little over 60 days since I took on my new role with CIVICUS and the question I get asked most frequently is: How does it feel to be SG? Fortunately, this query has an easy answer! It involves being reminded on a daily basis of the need to celebrate and reinforce efforts taken to defend and strengthen rights-based values and freedoms by individuals and organisations worldwide.
Government attacks on humanitarian organisations on the rise globally
Right-wing populists, nationalists and extremist groups being mobilised to attack vulnerable groups such as refugees, migrants, LGBTIQ
Civil society organisations fighting back – 2018 saw a spike in protests against economic exclusion, inequality and poverty
Report calls for new strategies to argue against right-wing populism while urging progressive civil society to engage citizens towards better, more positive alternatives
Civil society organisations providing humanitarian assistance to migrants and refugees are being targeted as the world faces a crisis of global compassion.
In July 2018, police in Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, China detained and used physical violence against several workers at Jasic Technology, a welding equipment manufacturer, after they attempted to form an autonomous union under the auspices of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), the sole legal vehicle for workers’ rights in China.
Joint NGO Statement - End of 40th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
We welcome the positive step the Council has taken in the direction to effectively protect environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) from the grave reality they face every day.
Women in the United Arab Emirates continue to face incredible barriers to their rights to civic freedoms by state and non-state actors.
Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sudan, and Venezuela join global watchlist
Escalating rights violations include killings, attacks on protesters, media restrictions and arbitrary detentions of human rights defenders
International community must pressure governments to end repression
Five countries from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Latin America have been added to a watchlist of countries which have seen a rapid decline in fundamental freedoms in recent weeks and months.
Amnesty International, Article 19 and CIVICUS strongly condemn the government backlash against the International Women’s Day march held in Malaysia on 9 March 2019.
TO: Member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council
15 March, 2019
Your Excellency,
We, the undersigned Iranian and international human rights organisations, urge your government to support resolution A/HRC/40/L.
UN Human Rights Council – 40th Session
15 March 2019
Oral Statement
The Arab NGO Network on Development, the Phenix Center for Economic & Informatics Studies and CIVICUS welcome the government of Jordan’s engagement with the UPR process, including its decision to accept over 100 recommendations on a range of human rights issues.
UN Human Rights Council – 40th Session
15 March 2019
Oral Statement
The Nigeria Network of NGOs and CIVICUS welcome the Government of Nigeria’s engagement in the 3rd cycle of the UPR process, including accepting a range of recommendations presented by the UPR Working Group in November 2018.
UN Human Rights Council – 40th Session
15 March 2019
Oral Statement
Pusat Komas and CIVICUS welcome the government of Malaysia’s engagement with the UPR process.
UN Human Rights Council – 40th Session
15 March 2019
Oral Statement
The Senegalese Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (COSEDDH) and CIVICUS welcome the engagement taken by the government of Senegal in the UPR process, and welcome the acceptance of several recommendations on civic space during its review by the UPR Working Group in November 2018.
UN Human Rights Council – 40th Session
15 March 2019
Oral Statement
CIVICUS welcomes the government of Mexico's engagement with the UPR process.
In recent years, combined with existing threats, the rise of right-wing and nationalist populism across the world has led to an increasing number of governments implementing repressive measures against the space for civil society (civic space), particularly affecting women human rights defenders (WHRDs).
Together with our members, CIVICUS is participating in the Commission on the Status of Women (11-22 March, UN Headquarters, New York).
While acknowledging the integral role that this Council plays in holding governments to account for wilfully persecuting individuals and groups who speak truth to power, we would like to use this opportunity to celebrate the recent civil and political liberation ushered in by sustained protest movements in Ethiopia, while further encouraging the government of Ethiopia to ensure that this transformation is sustainable rather than fleeting, systemic rather than cosmetic.
Joint Letter at the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council
Our organisations are calling on all UN Member States to demonstrate their support to environmental human rights defenders.
Last week 36 member states condemned the human rights violations of Saudi Arabia, calling for the release of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs), including Loujain Al Houthal.
UN Human Rights Council – 40th regular session
Interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
CIVICUS is extremely concerned that grave human rights violations in Burundi continue without any signs of abating.
The massive crackdown on women #HumanRightsDefenders in #SaudiArabia must stop.
40th Session of the Human Rights Council
Statement delivered during General Debate (Monday 11 March)
CIVICUS is deeply alarmed that protest movements find themselves on the frontlines of a global attack on democracy and human rights.
Statement at the 40th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Response to country reports from the High Commissioner and Secretary General
CIVICUS is extremely concerned about attacks against human rights defenders across Colombia, Honduras and Guatemala, of which governments of these counties show little sign of adequately addressing.
Statement at the 40th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Response during the Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of Congo
CIVICUS welcomes the decree signed by newly-elected Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to pardon about 700 political prisoners detained for participating in peaceful protests or expressing dissenting opinions.
A new broad and restrictive law being introduced by the Nepalese government gives the authorities sweeping powers to block social media platforms and remove or criminalise defamatory posts
The government has also tabled legislation that restricts civil servants from sharing their views in the media including via social media sites
Global and regional human rights groups are concerned that these laws are to be designed to stifle dissent and silence critical voices
New proposed laws relating to social media use in Nepal are intended to stifle dissent and silence critical voices, say global and regional human rights groups.
40th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
CIVICUS statement during dialogue with UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed
After the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations delivered a statement on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, representatives from governments, UN agencies and civil society were able to respond and ask questions.
CIVICUS speaks to Michel Forst, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, about key challenges and responses, and the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in his mandate.
Renewal of the mandate of Special Rapporteur on promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism
Our organizations are deeply concerned about reported moves to allow Egypt a role in the Human Rights Council resolution to renew the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism (SR on CT).
During the US midterm elections held in November 2018, great numbers of eligible voters, particularly from historically marginalised groups, were prevented from voting due to a number of barriers that were deliberately erected to deny them a voice in politics.
In December 2018 thousands of people marched against neoliberal policies in Argentina, where the Summit of the G20 Heads of State was being held in the capital, Buenos Aires.
Arabic
The following letter was sent to over 30 Ministers of Foreign Affairs of States calling on UN Member States to adopt a resolution at the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council calling explicitly for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained Saudi women human rights defenders and establishing a monitoring mechanism over the human rights violations in the country.
Throughout 2018, the space for civil society continued to deteriorate in Pakistan, particularly in the context of July’s election.
The conditions for civil society in Cambodia have continued to deteriorate.
The 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council will meet from 25 February to 22 March.
CIVICUS speaks about apparently improving conditions for civil society in Ecuador with Daniel Barragán, Executive Director of the International Centre for Research on the Environment and Territory (CIIAT) at Universidad de Los Hemisferios.
This article is part of the #StoriesOfResilience series, coordinated by CIVICUS to feature groups and activists on their journey to promote better resourcing practices for civil society and to mobilise meaningful resources to sustain their work.
We, the undersigned human rights organisations, strongly condemn the politically-motivated prosecution of Singaporean human rights defender Jolovan Wham.
English | French
Ochoa Ayala, Fundación 11:11, México
¿A quién no le gusta sentir que pertenece a un lugar, comunidad, espacio, algo? El sentido de pertenencia tiene que ver con la identidad que cada individuo va desarrollando a lo largo de su vida, da una muestra de quienes somos; por ejemplo yo, soy una mujer, joven, mexicana, activista, soñadora etc.
French | Spanish
By Jose Maria “Lloyd” Nunag, Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights and CIVICUS member from the Philippines
‘What does Diversity and Inclusion means to you?’
This is a question I have been pondering (and decluttering) in the last few years and even until now.
French | Spanish
by Vandita Morarka, One Future Collective, India
I was a participant at the Global Learning Exchange and the ensuing AGM held by CIVICUS in Montevideo, Uruguay, 16th December, 2018, onwards, representing One Future Collective.
Following a year that was marked by the violent repression of any kind of opposition and dissent in Sudan, a situation that has continued unchanged into 2019, CIVICUS speaks to Abdel-Rahman El Mahdi, a civil society activist and founder of the Sudanese Development Initiative (SUDIA).
ALERT: CIVICUS calls for urgent investigation into death of woman human rights defender in #Kenya #JusticeForCarolineMwatha https://t.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Chief Programmes Officer
This January, the UN organised a much-needed dialogue in Geneva on the link between human rights and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Office of the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office Royal Thai Government Government House 1 Pitsanulok Road Dusit, Bangkok 10300 Thailand
RE: New Lawsuits Brought by Thammakaset Company Limited Against Human Rights Defenders
Dear Prime Minister Prayut,
The 89 undersigned organizations write to express our deep concern regarding recent spurious complaints brought by Thammakaset Company Limited against several human rights defenders in Thailand.
By Merle Rutz CIVICUS Impact and Accountability Coordinator & Tamryn-Lee Fourie Impact and Accountability Lead (article on page 76)
Under attack about their legitimacy and accountability, CSOs defending citizens’ rights have to maintain credibility among their constituency and the wider public.
Par Gaetan Mertens (Accountability Lab) et Resilient Roots (CIVICUS)
Resilient Roots est une initiative de CIVICUS, menée en partenariat avec Keystone Accountability et Accountable Now.
After several years of negotiations, in March 2018 the first environmental treaty for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, known as the Escazú Agreement, was approved.
Haga click aquí para la versión en español | cliquez ici pour la version française
After several years of negotiations, the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, better known as the Escazú Agreement, was adopted in March 2018.
Following a year in which women’s rights protests made headlines worldwide - including in Iran, where women’s struggles were symbolised by the resurgence of protests against the mandatory use of hijab - CIVICUS speaks to Jasmin Ramsey, communications director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI).
Following a year that saw further deterioration of the rule of law and rising impunity for rampant human rights violations in the Philippines, CIVICUS speaks to Cristina Palabay, Secretary General of the Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights, a national alliance of civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists working for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.
Global rights alliance condemns the prison detention of protesters of the ethnic Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in Pakistan and killing of one of their leaders
More than 80 PTM activists were arrested on 5 February for protesting the death of Arman Loni in police custody three days earlier.
Reflections From CIVICUS’ Youth Co-Design Workshop In Montevideo
By Gioel Gioacchino
In December, as part of my work researching the resourcing landscape for youth-led civil society, I had the chance to witness and participate in a youth co-design workshop in Montevideo.
40 people killed and more than 800 detained since public protests began on January 23
Journalists covering demonstrations have been attacked
The UN has called for an independent investigation into the state’s alleged used of force against protesters
The government of President Nicolás Maduro has often used violence against protesters since coming to power in 2013.
Human rights violations continue in Zimbabwe in the aftermath of the violent attacks against protesters on 14 to 16 January 2019.
CIVICUS speaks to Joseph Ole Parsambei, Executive Director of the Tanzania Pastoralist Community Forum (TPCF), about the threats faced by environmental, land and indigenous rights activists in Tanzania.
Portuguese
In the October 2018 elections, Brazil elected as president a former military officer and far-right populist, Jair Bolsonaro, who ran a particularly aggressive campaign against women’s and LGBTI rights.
French l Portuguese l Spanish
The 9th of December 2018 marked 20 years since global leaders adopted the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
Featured
More than half of NGOs had their applications for NGO status deferred, even though no specific objections were made to their applications
Organisations working on human rights, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and migration are repeatedly obstructed
India, Nigeria and Sudan routinely block applications from NGOs working in their respective countries
The longest waiting organisation, the International Dalit Solidarity Network, has had its application delayed since 2007.
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council
Dear Excellencies,
We, the undersigned Sudanese, African and international organisations and individuals, write to you ahead of the 40th session of the UN Human Rights Council (“the Council”), which will take place from 25 February-22 March 2019, to express our concerns and urge you to address the Sudanese government’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrators and ongoing violations of human rights.
Almost 5,000 workers producing clothes for international brands were sacked for participating in protests and strikes for improved pay
At least one person was killed, and hundreds injured after police used excessive force against protesters
Almost 100 have reportedly been arrested and charged for participating in labour actions
The firing of almost 5,000 low-paid garment workers in Bangladesh in reprisal for participating in protests and strikes for higher wages is a clear violation of fundamental freedoms, global civil society alliance CIVICUS said today.
International Civil Society Week (ICSW) 2019 brings together over 850 civil society leaders, activists and concerned citizens across sectors, themes, regions in Belgrade, Serbia (8-12 April) to tackle the world's most pressing challenges in the fields of human rights, democracy and international development.
Following a year that was characterised by a continued crackdown on fundamental freedoms in Iran, CIVICUS speaks to Sohrab Razzaghi, Executive Director of the Volunteer Activists Institute (VA) a not-for-profit, non-partisan, independent civil society organisation (CSO) based in The Netherlands, whose primary aims are building capacity among activists and CSOs, facilitating information exchange among civil society activists, community peace-building and advocating for the expansion of democracy and human rights in Iran and more generally in the Middle East.
By Thalif Deen, Director & Senior Editor, UN Bureau, Inter Press Service interview with Lysa John, CIVICUS Secretary General
The steady decline in multilateralism—accompanied by a rise in unilateralism– is beginning to threaten democratic norms, including press freedom, global governance, civic participation and human rights across Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East.
French
Following the publication of our report, ‘Democracy for All: Beyond a Crisis of Imagination’, we continue to interview civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score in doing so.
Venezuela has been immersed in a political crisis for some time now.
In 2018, protests broke out in Chile, and then spread to other countries, in reaction to revelations of sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests.
French
As I write this, I am heading into my second week as Secretary-General of CIVICUS – and each day has been an opportunity to understand a new dimension of this global alliance.
New youth-led global data initiative for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals kicks-off in Tanzania
Selected from over 2,000 applicants, 26 young data innovators from around the world are meeting in Arusha, Tanzania from 21-25 January to launch the Goalkeepers Youth Action Accelerator, a one-year initiative focused on sourcing and using data to drive progress towards the UN’s Global Goals.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Chief Programmes Officer
As 2019 gets going, it’s a time for many of us to reflect on the year past, consider our current situation and to contemplate resolutions for change in the future.
International Organisations Establish International Observatory of the Human Rights Situation in Nicaragua
April 18, 2018 marked a watershed moment in the recent history of Nicaragua, with the outbreak of a political and social crisis that has seriously impacted the respect for and guarantee of human rights of the Nicaraguan people.
Security forces violently repress protests, killing at least eight and injuring more than a dozen after using live ammunition against demonstrators
Hundreds of protesters arrested during a three-day national shutdown called to protest massive fuel price hikes, with reports of security forces assaulting citizens in their homes
Leading human rights defender Evan Mawarire among those arrested and charged with public violence
Authorities shut down social media sites and the internet, only partially restoring online access after the end of the strike action
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and Civil Society alliance, CIVICUS call on South Africa and the African Union to act to prevent more violence
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and Global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, have called on the authorities in Zimbabwe to exercise restraint and desist from using violence against peaceful protesters who have been demonstrating against a massive increase in fuel prices.
Ahead of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Vietnam’s human rights record at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on 22 January 2019, CIVICUS speaks to Anna Nguyen from VOICE, a civil society organisation that promotes civil society development and advocates for human rights, including refugee protection, and the rule of law in Vietnam.
Twitter: Edurne Cárdenas
In 2018, after years of civil society efforts, Argentina’s congress discussed an initiative to legalise abortion for the first time.
Global rights groups concerned by Gabon government’s targeting of human rights defenders and opposition members for military coup attempt
Authorities shut down Internet and suspend broadcasting services following failed coup
Gabon under tense security in wake of coup attempt
The family of President Ali Bongo has held onto power in Gabon for over half a century
Global civil society groups are concerned at indications by the government of Gabon that it intends to investigate local civil society organisations and members of the political opposition for their involvement in the recent military coup attempt.
CEDLA: Javier Gómez
Bolivia was home to a series of protests in 2018.
Featured
Twitter: Amit Gilutz
After a tough year for dissent in the occupied Palestinian territories, CIVICUS speaks to Amit Gilutz, spokesperson of B’Tselem – The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.
Flickr: Anand Grover
After years of civil society campaigning and legal action, gay sex was decriminalised in India in 2018.
Spanish | French
In December 2018, CIVICUS members from all over the world gather in Montevideo, Uruguay, to attend a multiplicity of convenings.
Spanish | French
As my time at CIVICUS draws to a close, I wanted to say a proper farewell to those who matter most at CIVICUS – the alliance of members and partners - who make this organisation unique and so special.
Parliament has cancelled the legal registration of nine civil society organisations (CSOs)
The move comes after some of the CSOs participated in hearings into human rights violations at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
The shutdown of CSOs comes at a time of serious attacks on fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua
Global civil society groups express concern that more Nicaraguan CSOs may be targeted
Global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, has condemned the cancellation of the legal registration status of nine civil society organisations in Nicaragua as an affront to the right to freedom of association.
#China: Open letter from global civil society calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all workers and #humanrights activists who are detained or disappeared https://t.
By Natalia Gomez Peña is Advocacy & Engagement Officer at CIVICUS
On Wednesday, December 12, the National Assembly of Nicaragua voted to cancel the legal personality of the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH).
CIVICUS speaks to Giorgia Linardi, spokesperson for Sea-Watch in Italy, and Julian Pahlke, chairperson of Jugend Rettet (‘Youth Rescues’) and former crew member of the Iuventa ship.
Pakistan has expelled 18 international non-governmental organisations (INGOs)
Another 20 organisations are also at risk of expulsion
Pakistan’s policy on INGOs effectively hampers the registration and functioning of international humanitarian and human rights groups
Global human rights groups have expressed grave concern over the expulsion of 18 international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) from Pakistan.
On 09 December, people around the world remember Razan Zaitouneh, Samira Khalil, Nazem Hamadi and Wa’el Hamada, kidnapped in Douma, Syria on this day five years ago.
.jpg)
By Flávia Bellaguarda, Co-Founder and COO, Youth Climate Leaders
The Youth Climate Leaders (YCL) was honored to be selected to attend the first edition of the Paris Peace Forum, from 11th to 13th November, and to showcase our startup in the environmental village among other 119 projects from all over the world.
Reflection from “Money, Culture and Change” - a participatory action research process on the sustainability of youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) in Medellin, Colombia.
On the occasion of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict, CIVICUS speaks to Susannah Sirkin, director of policy and senior advisor with Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).
Human rights activists are being violently attacked and killed in record numbers 20 years after historic UN declaration adopted to protect them.
CIVICUS speaks to Agnes Callamard, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, about her latest report, Saving lives is not a crime, which goes beyond documenting attacks on civil society to show how closing civic space also affects people who need life-saving help.
Hundreds of West Papuans were arrested for holding peaceful protests
Some protesters were attacked by pro-government groups and suffered injuries
There has been a failure by the government to address West Papuan grievances and instead respond with repressive tactics
Indonesian authorities arbitrarily arrested hundreds of demonstrators across West Papua and other parts of Indonesia on December 1 following peaceful pro-independence protests.
French
Following the publication of our report, ‘Democracy for All: Beyond a Crisis of Imagination’, we continue to interview civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score in doing so.
By Cathal Gilbert, CIVICUS Head of Civic Space Research
Imagine inviting your ten closest friends to dinner but only four of them show up.
by Lieke Scheewe, policy advisor & coordinator at DCDD
Today is World Disability Day – a great day to celebrate the value of human diversity! That’s why the Dutch Coalition on Disability and Development (DCDD) is making a case today for the value of a disability inclusive society, by launching a ‘social business case’.
Joint civil society letter to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia on the need to revise a draft law that would restrict freedom of association in the country.
By Marina Cherbonnier, CIVICUS membership engagement specialist
As I was walking around the stands, agoras and meet-ups of the very interactive and lively first edition of the Paris Peace Forum, I couldn’t help but keep stumbling across the by-now well-known expression ‘bottom-up approach’, used as a way to build a fair and better world.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS Chief Programmes Officer
If we could reimagine the kind of democracy we live in and the way we experience democracy, what would it look and be like?
This was the question our global civil society alliance CIVICUS put to thought leaders and activists from nearly 80 countries across the globe, in a year-long Reimagining Democracy initiative.
Espanol | Francais
Findings based on data released today by the CIVICUS Monitor a global research collaboration which rates and tracks the respect for fundamental freedoms in 196 countries.
Espanol | Francais
Findings based on data released today by the CIVICUS Monitor a global research collaboration which rates and tracks the respect for fundamental freedoms in 196 countries.
Human rights group Odhikar is the target of a broad campaign to prevent them from exposing human rights violations in Bangladesh
Pro-government media are engaged in a smear campaign against Odhikar, accusing them of involvement in “murky activities” and “conspiracy against the country”
State agencies have used bureaucratic red tape to prevent Odhikar from receiving funding and renewing their registration with the state for past four years
These actions highlight a systematic pattern of discrediting activists and organisations critical of the government
Global civil rights alliance, CIVICUS, has called on Bangladesh, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, to stop these campaigns ahead of December elections
A chilling smear campaign by government-aligned media in Bangladesh against a local human rights group is the latest in an ongoing drive to prevent efforts to expose human rights violations in the country.
Coalition of global human rights groups launch a campaign for release of all Saudi women activists behind bars
At least 12 women human rights defenders arrested in past six months and have had their rights violated for their activism
Almost a quarter of a million signatures on a petition calling on the UN to hold Saudi Arabia accountable
More than 170 NGOs have called on the UN to suspend Saudi Arabia's membership of the UN Human Rights Council and hold inquiry into human rights abuses
The coalition calls for action including ending arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which has been enabling war in Yemen since 2015
On November 29, the world commemorates International Women Human Rights Defenders Day - just 10 days before the 20th Anniversary of the international signing of the Declaration on human rights defenders.
13 activists and academics arrested and detained by police in clear act of intimidation
Prominent activist Yiğit Aksakoğlu remains in pre-trial custody
Recent detentions spark fears of renewed crackdown on dissent
Detentions come ahead of meeting between EU and Turkish officials today
Global and Turkish human rights groups fear that the detention of thirteen activists and academics could signal a new upsurge in a state crackdown on dissent in Turkey.
This toolkit has been designed to add to the skills you already use for communicating about your work, as well as advocacy and mobilisingcommunities for civic action.
Dear friends,
As you ready yourselves to hold the limelight on the stages and tracks of the final Formula One race of the season, we the undersigned NGOs, wish to draw your attention to the reality of the human rights situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is a far cry from the glitz and glamour the country intends to project to the world.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
The downgrade is based on an assessment of conditions for the exercise of the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression on the CIVICUS Monitor.
Global SPEAK! campaign counters growing divisions with a call to “speak with” those we don’t normally
Campaign will comprise almost 200 events in 60 countries worldwide
Events include dialogues countering hate speech, extremism, and religious conflict
Campaign timed to coincide with International Day for Tolerance
By Merle Rutz, CIVICUS Accountability and Impact Coordinator
Are we representing and amplifying the right voices? Are our programmes and campaigns geographically inclusive? How can we support our vision with actual data in order to make good strategic decisions?
These are some of the pressing questions we in civil society today are having to ask – and answer.
The aim of the Resilient Roots initiative is to test whether organisations who are more accountable and responsive to their roots - namely, their primary constituents - are more resilient to external threats from governmental and non-governmental sources.
By Josef Benedict, Civic Space Research Officer,CIVICUS
Powdery white beaches.
To: All Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York
Your Excellencies,
The undersigned national, regional and international civil society organisations urge your government to support resolution A/C.
French l Portuguese l Spanish
The 9th of December 2018 marks 20 years since global leaders adopted the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
Cameroonian journalist was reporting on human rights abuses when detained
Charges include engendering state security and cyber criminality
Fears of imminent terrorism charges and a trial in military court
Present case is the latest in ongoing anti-reporting campaign in Anglophone region
International civil society is alarmed at the rising incidents of Cameroonian journalists being detained for reporting on human rights abuses in the country’s Anglophone regions.
Joint letter to Chair of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights: Don’t provide political cover for brutal repression of Egyptian government (below letter sent to Chair Soyota Maiga, while ACHPHR meets in Banjul, Gambia)
Dear Chair Soyota Maiga,
We are writing to urge you to reject the bid to hold the upcoming African Commission on Human Rights and People's Rights (ACPHR) 64th ordinary session in Egypt.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
French
Year-long global research initiative explores what democracy means to people from almost 80 countries and what kind of democracy they want
Key challenges identified are flawed elections, political and economic exclusion, extremism and political polarisation
Recommendations include increased direct, participatory democracy and an economy that works for all
If we could reimagine the kind of democracy we live in and the way we experience democracy, what would it look and be like?
This was the question researchers put to thought leaders and activists from nearly 80 countries across the globe, in a year-long ‘Reimagining Democracy’ initiative.
Joint letter to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michele Bachelet, on the deterorating human rights situation in Bangladesh
Your Excellency:
Congratulations on your new role as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
By Natalia Gomez Peña, Advocacy & Network Engagement Officer, CIVICUS
In Latin America, environmental activists risk their lives as a consequence of the vital work they do.
Phnom Penh, 1 November 2018 – On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we, the undersigned civil society groups and communities, condemn the ongoing impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of crimes against journalists and human rights defenders in Cambodia, and urge the authorities to take immediate action to ensure the effective, independent, and transparent investigations of all crimes.
By Claudia Cassoma, writer, student in special education and teaching and CIVICUS member
Considering Sustainable Development as the program of study, the major, perhaps the end goal; let's look at Global Citizenship Education as the required course and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the elective ones.
CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance and The Innovation for Change South Asia Hub are extremely concerned about the political crisis in Sri Lanka and its impact on the rule of law and civic space in the country.
Saudi Arabia should immediately and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained activists, respect their rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly, and put an immediate end to its nationwide crackdown, a coalition of leading human rights organizations said today.
By Jamil Derbashi, from Palestinian Centre for Communication and Development Strategies (PCCDS), Palestine, and CIVICUS member
How the Bridge 47 project relates to our work in Palestine
My participation in the Bridge 47 Event in Brussels was one of my most important international meeting involvement in 2018.
Francais | Espanol | العربية
Saudi Arabia: Kingdom must be held to account for suppression of dissent, following murder of journalist and widespread arrest of women’s rights defenders
Recognising the fundamental right to express our views, free from repression, we the undersigned civil society organisations call on the international community, including the United Nations, multilateral and regional institutions as well as democratic governments committed to the freedom of expression, to take immediate steps to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for grave human rights violations.
By David Kode, CIVICUS Advocacy and Campaigns lead
For many African activists based on the continent, getting to a major human rights summit just underway in The Gambia is likely to have been a challenging exercise.
By Khurram Riaz, CIVICUS member from Pakistan With 207.
By Michael Silberman, Global Director of Mobilisation Lab, a network that equips social change-makers and their organisations to deliver more effective, people-powered campaigns in order to win in the digital age.
By Marina Cherbonnier, CIVICUS Membership Engagement Specialist
Spanish | French
Early 2018, we asked CIVICUS constituents to tell us about how they perceive CIVICUS’ work - what’s successful and what can be improved.
Global civil society calls on the Government of Pakistan to reverse its order to close 18 human rights and development organisations
25 national, regional and international civil society organisations (CSOs) express their deep concern over the suspension and expulsion of 18 international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in Pakistan.
A comparative analysis of regulation of civil society organisations’ ‘political activity’ and international funding in Ireland, Netherlands, Germany and Finland.
#Zimbabwe Police arbitrarily arrest trade union leaders over planned protests; authorities are still employing methods of an era gone by to silence dissent - @LMandishara of @nangozim https://t.
By Danny Sriskandarajah
Just a few years ago, it felt like the dawn of a new era of citizen participation.
By Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS' Chief Programmes Officer
Business as usual is bad news for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, arguably the greatest human endeavour ever attempted to create just, equal and sustainable societies.
Joint Statement by CIVICUS and Amnesty International
Myanmar authorities must immediately drop defamation charges against three Kachin activists who led a peaceful rally in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State.
Marina Cherbonnier, CIVICUS membership engagement specialist and Bridge 47 steering group member.
By Andrew Firmin, CIVICUS' Editor-in-Chief
A group of women fighting back against sexual harassment in Trinidad and Tobago.
Breaking News: Police close and cancel civil society conference on the sidelines of #IMF & #WorldBank annual meeting in Bali, #Indonesia (#IMFWBMeetingBali ).
Freedom of peaceful assembly and association and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
When: 13:15-14:30, Wednesday 17 October 2018
Where: UNHQ, Conference Room E, New York
Co-sponsors: Civic Space Initiative, CESR, ISHR, Oxfam, Solidarity Center
Keynote: Andrew Gilmour, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, delivering opening remarks
Panellists:
Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Kate Donald, Director, Human Rights in Sustainable Development Program, Center for Economic and Social Rights
Shayana Kadidal, Attorney, Center for Constitutional Rights
Moderator: Lyndal Rowlands, CIVICUS
Panellists will discuss the connections between sustainable development and the the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association drawing on examples from movements related to different aspects of sustainable development from the environment to worker’s rights.
By Ana Cernov, human rights activist and Inés Pousadela, Senior Research Specialist at CIVICUS
In a matter of days, 2.
By Teldah Mawarire, Campaigns and Advocacy Officer and Ine van Severen, Civic Space Research Officer
For nations in crisis, free and fair elections usually can bring much-needed reprieve.
By Danny Sriskandarajah, CIVICUS Secretary General
Despite closing space for civil society, the new Escazú Agreement—which offers protection measures for environmental groups and defenders—is a shining example of citizens organizing in creative ways to fight for social justice.
By Masana Ndinga-Kanga, Crisis Response Fund Coordinator and Advocacy Officer for the Middle East/North Africa region and Lyndal Rowlands, CIVICUS UN Advocacy Officer.
Incarcerated farm leader Medardo Mairena writes a letter to media from jail
Medardo Mairena Sequeira, is the Coordinator of the National Council in Defense of Land, Lake and Sovereignty and member of the Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy.
Burundi’s National Council for Security in September announced a blanket 3-month ban on international NGOs.
CIVICUS speaks to Alicia Pantoja, co-founder of Manos Veneguayas.
CIVICUS makes six joint UN Universal Periodic Review submissions on civil society space: Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Nicaragua and Qatar
CIVICUS and its partners have made joint UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on 6 countries in advance of the 33rd UPR session (April-May 2019).
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
Soulayma Mardam Bey (CIVICUS) and Isabelle Büchner (Accountable Now)
The systematic crackdown on peaceful protests and demonstrations across the world has shaped our understanding of repression against civil society organisations (CSOs).
This session, the Council adopted landmark resolutions on several country situations, further enhancing its contribution to the protection of human rights.
Escrito por Analía Bettoni – Instituto de Comunicación y Desarrollo
En su reciente artículo The revolution will not be televised: Can NGOs learn to adapt? , Dom Perera, investigador del CIVICUS Monitor plantea que si bien en los últimos 25 años ha habido un crecimiento explosivo en el número de organizaciones no gubernamentales (ONG), su papel en generar un cambio social se cuestiona.
By William Gumede, Executive Chairperson of Democracy Works Foundation
The publication of this piece was facilitated by CIVICUS as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations
As we celebrate our diverse cultures during Heritage Month, worth celebrating too is a civil society culture that has not only promoted cultural diversity but is also itself diverse, with a hard-won heritage of tirelessly fighting for the rights of the people in this country.
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS, Freedom House, and Front Line Defenders condemn yesterday’s conviction of four human rights defenders from the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) and a National Election Committee (NEC) official, in what we see as a clear attack against their legitimate human rights work.
By Lena Ingelstam and Ulrika Cilliers, Save the Children, Tor Hodenfield, CIVICUS, and Beatrice Schulter, Child Rights Connect
Many children want to defend their rights and the rights of others and when children speak out things change.
By Cathal Gilbert, Civic Space Research Lead at CIVICUS and Giada Negri, Research and Advocacy Officer with the European Civic Forum
Increasingly, public figures across Europe are twisting the meaning of “political activity” by claiming that NGOs overstep the mark when they campaign publicly for social or policy change: that they somehow encroach on territory reserved exclusively for political parties.
New programme to support youth tackling major social issues through data collection
Initiative will amplify activists’ work and hold leaders accountable
Selected activists will receive funding, technical assistance and networking support
2019 is kicking off with an exciting, innovative, youth-led and multi-partner programme called the Goalkeepers Youth Action Accelerator! The launch of the Accelerator is a direct response to the challenges young people face in accessing sufficient and appropriate resources to meaningfully engage in development decisions and activities that affect their communities.
New programme to support youth tackling major social issues through data collection
Initiative will amplify activists’ work and hold leaders accountable
Selected activists will receive up to $30,000 in financial and other assistance
Prominent global foundations among members of partnership supporting initiative
39th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Joint statement during Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner's Report on Yemen
Urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and its impact on the most vulnerable populations: A call for renewal and strengthening of the mandate for the Group of Eminent Experts
This statement is made on behalf of Save the Children and 15 civil society organisations, including organisations with current operations in Yemen.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and specialists about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
The Association for Human Rights in Central Asia, International Partnership for Human Rights and CIVICUS welcome the government of Uzbekistan’s engagement with the UPR process, including its decision to accept over 200 recommendations on a range of human rights issue.
The Digital Security Act was passed despite protests from civil society and journalists
DSA incorporates other legislation that has been systematically used to silence dissent
New law comes amid a growing, brutal crackdown on peaceful protests and dissent
Global civil society alliance condemns ongoing violations of freedom of assembly
At least two protesters shot, several injured in police attacks on marches
Hundreds of thousands of workers staged three days of protests
Violent police action against peaceful protests comes on eve of controversial elections
Global human rights groups have condemned the violent repression of peaceful protests in eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) as part of a long-running pattern of fundamental rights violations in the southern African kingdom.
CIVICUS, DefendDefenders, and FIDH welcome the government of Djibouti's engagement with the UPR process.
Coalition Burkinabé des Défenseurs des Droits Humains, the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Network and CIVICUS welcome the government of Burkina Faso's engagement with the UPR process.
CIVICUS welcomes the government of Turkmenistan's engagement with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
Human Rights Council 39th session Joint statement: ISHR & CIVICUS
Interactive Dialogue with Assistant Secretary-General on the Secretary-General's report on cooperation with the United Nations, it's representatives and Mechanisms in the field of human rights
Human rights defenders must be able to access and communicate with the UN freely and safely so it can do its crucial work of monitor countries’ compliance with human rights obligations and protect victims from abuse.
Attacks on opposition and media continue as elections approach in #Maldiveshttps://t.
39th Session of the Human Rights Council
Oral Statement
Members of the CIVICUS Alliance in Zimbabwe have expressed grave concern for the authorities’ heavy-handed response to protests in Harare one day after presidential elections were held.
The CIVICUS Board of Directors is pleased to announce that following an extensive international search and selection process, Lysa John will be joining CIVICUS as the new Secretary General (SG) of the alliance.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
Peaceful activists and campesinos of the “Movimiento Rios Vivos” were unlawfully obstructed by police in Ituango, Colombia on 8 September 2018 as they participated in the global “Rise for Climate” mobilisation.
French | Spanish
As part of its consultations with civil society during its Presidency of the Security Council for the month of August, the United Kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations responded to questions submitted by CIVICUS members on the security situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea/Ethiopia, Gaza and Myanmar.
Bangladesh: Release and drop all charges against all those arbitrarily arrested and investigate police abuse
Global civil society alliance CIVICUS is calling for your support and solidarity to demand the release of students and protesters who were arrested and charged over the last month in Bangladesh.
39th Session of the Human Rights Council
General Debate
Civic Space Initiative, including Article 19, CIVICUS, European Center for Not-for-profit Law, International Center for Not-for-profit Law and World Movement for Democracy, welcomes the draft guidelines on effective implementation of the right to participate in public affairs prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Español
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and specialists about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
#Malaysia: Senate’s rejection of bill abolishing fake news law a step backwards for the new government says @CIVICUSalliance & @article19org https://t.
CIVICUS speaks to Shahindha Ismail, Executive Director of the Maldivian Democracy Network, about the ongoing crackdown on dissent and the upcoming presidential elections in the Maldives.
39th Session of the Human Rights Council
Opening Statement to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
High Commissioner Bachelet, CIVICUS warmly welcomes you to the Council and congratulates your appointment as 7th UN High Commissioner.
Spanish
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and specialists about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
By Natalia Gómez is an Official of the Vuka Coalition! for civic action, part of the Global Alliance for Civil Society-CIVICUS.
Joint NGO letter to the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet – 5 September 2018
As local, national, regional, and international civil society organizations from every corner of the world, we offer warm congratulations on your appointment as United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Vietnam arbitrarily detains and deports global human rights leader attending regional summit
Senior Amnesty International official also denied entry to attend World Economic Forum meeting
Barred entry of activists comes amid widespread repression of human rights in Vietnam
CIVICUS condemns actions, calls for end to harassment, intimidation, imprisonment of activists
Global human rights groups have condemned Vietnam’s arbitrary detention and deportation of a Malaysian human rights leader who had arrived in the country to attend a regional World Economic Forum (WEF) summit.
The passing of the so called “cybercrime law” is another worrisome development for citizens in Egypt, adding another layer to the already repressive freedom of expression situation in the county.
By Josef Benedict, CIVICUS civic space research officer.
Three campesino environmental activists mistreated in detention, awaiting trial
UN report confirms continued targeting of campesino leaders by government
UN staff expelled from Nicaragua after UN report on protesters’ rights abuses
More than 320 people killed since violent crackdown on protests began in April
Global rights groups urge authorities to drop all charges, release campesino leaders
French | Spanish
The world has changed dramatically since the turn of the century.
By Isabelle Büchner (Accountable Now) and Laurence Prinz (Keystone Accountability)
When you are passionate about something and join others to work on it collectively, you quickly start to develop your own group language.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
Letter sent to UN Member State Missions
Re: Creating a dedicated country-wide human rights monitoring and reporting mechanism on the Democratic Republic of Congo at the UN Human Rights Council
Your excellency,
We, the undersigned Congolese, regional, and international organizations, write to urge your delegation to support the creation of a country-wide human rights monitoring and reporting mechanism on the Democratic Republic of Congo at the upcoming 39th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
Over 200 civil society groups have issued a joint letter calling on governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to sign the Escazu Agreement & commit to respect people’s right to participate in environmental decisions! https://t.
Global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, believes the conviction of two journalists employed by global news agency, Reuters, who have been on trial in Myanmar is a dark day for press freedom in Myanmar.
Paris-Geneva-Manama- For the second time since 2013, the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) has issued an Opinion regarding the legality of the detention of Mr.
By Lauren Bradford and Inga Ingulfsen
From 2011 to 2015 U.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
In 2018, two global agreements - one focused on the protection of refugees and the other on migration - are in the final stages of negotiation between governments, under the auspices of the United Nations.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
New #civicspace watchlist - Six countries to keep an eye on: https://t.
Cambodian authorities should immediately drop politically motivated bribery charges against five human rights defenders known as the ADHOC 5 (“FreeThe5KH” in social media campaigns), five international organizations said today.
English | Spanish
A l’occasion des 25 ans de CIVICUS, SABUSHIMIKE Mamert, Président de l'Association des Amis de la Nature (AAN) et chargé de la communication et du plaidoyer au sein de la Coalition du Burundi pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme, exprime comment faire partie de CIVICUS - l’Alliance Mondiale pour la participation des citoyens – a permis à son association d’avoir un impact pour l’amélioration des conditions des prisonniers au Burundi et le respect de leurs droits.
English | French
Con motivo de los 25 años de CIVICUS, RACI: la Red Argentina de Cooperación Internacional queremos, explica de qué manera el ser parte de CIVICUS - Alianza Mundial para la participación ciudadana – permite cconstruir juntos un mejor entorno habilitante para todas las organizaciones sociales en el mundo.
By Teldah Mawarire, Advocacy and Campaigns Officer and Ine van Severen, Civic Space Research Officer
When a home catches fire, neighbours dash out to fight the blaze.
By Josef Benedict, Civic Space Reearch Officer
There is optimism following the 100 days of Malaysia’s new government – but the country’s marginalised groups wonder if it will go far enough to fight for equal rights.
JOHANNESBURG: Shocking scenes have emerged from Uganda where police and the military have used live ammunition and extreme violence to disperse protestors demanding the release of detained members of parliament and activists following days of political unrest in further signs of growing political intolerance against dissenting voices.
By David Kode, CIVICUS and Matthew Bugher, Article 19
Dear Prime Minister, we congratulate you on your election victory on May 9, 2018, and your first 100 days in office.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
By Kingsley Orievulu and Jack Cornforth
When ActionAid Uganda faced attacks from the government for their work, including freezing the organisation’s bank account, unrelenting support from local partners and credible local leadership ensured massive popular support during the ensuing legal battle (and eventual victory) against the government.
30 civil society groups call on the #UN Human Rights Council to address the crackdown on human rights defenders and press in #Tanzania - #HRC39 https://t.
Land activist and human rights defender Tep Vanny has been unjustly detained for two years, for defending the rights of the Boeung Kak Lake community and her fellow Cambodians.
English
En el marco de nuestro informe temático 2018 sobre “Reimaginar la Democracia”, estamos dialogando con líderes, activistas y especialistas de la sociedad civil sobre su labor de promoción de las prácticas y principios democráticos, los desafíos que enfrentan y los logros alcanzados.
What do a Liberian rapper, an Indian journalism graduate and a young Angolan author have in common?
They are all winners of a global contest that encourages young creatives to imagine the kind of democracy they would like to live in.
To the President of Bangladesh,
H.
Frances
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland
Burundi: Call to renew the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry
Excellencies,
Ahead of the 39th session of the UN Human Rights Council (“HRC” or “the Council”), we, the undersigned national, regional and international civil society organisations, write to urge your delegation to support a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burundi.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
Featured
By Josef Benedict, Civic Space Research Officer
The 9th of August, marks International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
A global human rights group has called for police and ruling party supporters to be held accountable for their violent responses to peaceful student protests in Bangladesh.
JOHANNESBURG: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) should urge Zimbabwean authorities to show restraint and respect of the rule of law in the wake of a violent crackdown on post-election protests.
By Danny Sriskandarajah
In an age of ever-advancing, ever-encroaching technology, how do we ensure that our basic rights are protected? New technologies and the speed of progress these days may have many positive impacts on our lives but the fact that they are poorly regulated and hardly understood by the public, poses serious threats.
By Siok Sian Pek-Dorji, from Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy and CIVICUS member delegate to the EC Partnership Forum 2018.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders and their allies about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
By Tamryn Lee Fourie
CIVICUS exists to defend people power.
By Lyndal Rowlands, CIVICUS UN Advocacy Officer
As Colombia joined 45 other countries in New York last month to review progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, four grassroots activists were killed as they fought for sustainable development in Colombian communities.
By Lusanda Magwape, from Dream Factory Foundation, South Africa, and CIVICUS delegation’s member at the EC Partnership Forum 2018.
Four years after the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan, the criminal court has acquitted two suspects on trial for abducting him.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 State of Civil Society Report on the theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score in doing so.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
El 27 de septiembre los gobiernos de America Latina y el Caribe pueden hacer historia y firmar el Acuerdo de Escazú.
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
A Malaysian court has acquitted three government critics charged under the draconian Sedition Act
A renown political cartoonist, a human rights lawyer and a parliamentarian were on trial for criticism of the government and judiciary’s political-motivated prosecution of former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim
CIVICUS calls for sedition charges against others for their activism, to be dropped
The government must also repeal the Sedition Act ahead of the UN human rights review in November
As part of our 2018 report on the theme of reimagining democracy, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score.
By Teldah Mawarire, CIVICUS Campaigns and Advocacy Officer
For many Zimbabwean voters, casting their ballots on July 30 is sure to be a somewhat surreal experience.
CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance and its partners Asia Democracy Network (ADN), Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), Forum Asia, Instituto de Comunicación y Desarrollo (ICD), West African Human Rights Defenders Network, Experts for Security and Global Affairs Association, Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN), European Civic Forum (ECF) and International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) call on the Singapore government to drop contempt charges against human rights activist, Jolovan Wham for his comments on social media criticising the judiciary.
Legitimacy of upcoming #Cambodia elections questioned as Hun Sen has narrowed democratic space by cracking down on opposition & journalists & attempting to silence #civilsociety https://t.
English
Por Jorge Vallejo, de la Red Latinoamericana de Jóvenes por la Democracia, Peru, y miembro de la delegación de CIVICUS al foro de asociación de la CE 2018.
By Teldah Mawarire, Advocacy and Campaigns Coordinator
I know many Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
By Ekaterina Porras Sivolobova, from Project 189, Kuwait and CIVICUS member delegate to the EC Partnership Forum 2018.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 report on the theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score in doing so.
English
Auli Starck, Kepa, Suomi, CIVICUS-jäsenjärjestö
GDPR-viestit, uutiset Facebookin tietoturvaongelmista ja sähköpostin tietojenkalasteluviesteiltä.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 State of Civil Society Report on the theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score in doing so.
English
En vue de la publication du Rapport sur l'état de la société civile 2018 sur le thème de « Réinventer la démocratie », nous parlons et échangeons avec des activistes et des leaders de la société civile à propos de leur travail pour promouvoir les principes et des pratiques démocratiques, sur les défis qu'ils rencontrent et les victoires qu'ils obtiennent.
By Danny Sriskandarajah
The problem with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), was that no one ever lost their job for failing to meet an MDG target.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 State of Civil Society Report on the theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic governance, the challenges they encounter in doing so, and the victories they score.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 State of Civil Society Report on the theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score in doing so.
Featured
Politics and art have always been deeply connected.
Submissions on civil society space– Afghanistan, Chile, Eritrea, Macedonia, Vietnam & Yemen
The #UN is conducting human rights reviews for #Afghanistan, #Chile, #Eritrea, #Macedonia, #Vietnam & #Yemen.
Ten good reasons for the #US to leave the UN Human Rights Council.
English
En vistas de la publicación del Informe 2018 sobre el Estado de la Sociedad Civil, que girará en torno del tema “Reimaginar la Democracia”, estamos dialogando con líderes, activistas y especialistas de la sociedad civil para comprender su labor en la promoción de prácticas y principios democráticos, los desafíos que enfrentan y los logros alcanzados.
CIVICUS & @karapatan call for immediate & unconditional release of all detained #humanrights defenders & development workers, & for authorities to investigate & prosecute police & military members responsible for this gross abuse of power https://t.
38th Session of the Human Rights Council
End of Session Joint Civil Society Statement
Our organisations welcome the adoption of the resolutions on civil society space, peaceful protest, on violence against women and girls and on discrimination against women and girls and the Council’s rejection of attempts to impede progress on protecting civil society space, peaceful protest and the rights to sexual and reproductive health.
38th Session Human Rights Council
Joint Statement*
We want to highlight key features for the next High Commissioner – one of the world’s premier human rights defender – whose mandate includes providing technical assistance and capacity building to States, as well as standing up for universal human rights and those who defend them.
Today I asked President of the UN Security Council Olof Skoog on behalf of @CIVICUSalliance member @Awwad_Nouhad what the council is doing to protect civilians in Gaza.
The 2018 High Level Political Forum will be held at UN headquarters in New York from Monday 9 to Wednesday 18 July.
By Inés Pousadela
In a study released earlier this month, researchers from El Colegio de México (Colmex) were emphatic about what they found to be the biggest challenge facing Mexico, as voters prepared to go to the polls on July 1.
Re-Imagining Democracy: in search of silenced voices
Call for Submissions
Johannesburg, 3 July 2018 – What does democracy mean to you? How are youth in your community putting democracy into action? What do you see as threats to democracy today? What does your ideal democracy look like?
‘Through Arts and Imagination’ is a global contest seeking bold and original creative arts submissions – music, poetry, art, multimedia – that present youth perspectives on Re-imagining Democracy.
Re-imaginar la democracia: en busca de voces silenciadas
Convocatoria
Johannesburgo, 3 de julio de 2018 - ¿Qué significa para ti la democracia? ¿Cómo están poniendo en práctica la democracia los jóvenes en tu comunidad? ¿Qué consideras que supone una amenaza a la democracia de hoy en día? ¿Cómo es tu democracia ideal?
'Through Arts and Imagination' es un concurso internacional que busca recoger piezas artísticas, originales y creativas, de música, poesía, arte y/o multimedia, en las que se muestre el punto de vista de la juventud en torno al tema Re-imaginar la democracia.
Ré-imaginer la démocratie: à la recherche de voix réduites au silence
Appel
Johannesburg, 3 juillet 2018 - Que signifie la démocratie pour vous? Comment les jeunes mettent-ils la démocratie en pratique dans votre communauté? Que considérez-vous comme une menace pour la démocratie aujourd'hui? Comment est votre démocratie idéale?
'Through Arts and Imagination' est un concours international qui vise à collecter des morceaux artistiques, originaux et créatifs de musique, de poésie, d'art et/ou de multimédia, dans lesquels le point de vue de la jeunesse est présenté autour du thème Ré-imaginer la démocratie.
By Teldah Mawarire
Immediately after his 2015 election, Tanzanian President John Magufuli appeared poised to lead one of Africa’s most stable democracies to a bright future.
38th Session of UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of Burundi
Mr.
38th Session of UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of the Republic of Serbia
The Human Rights House Belgrade (Lawyer’s Committee for Human Rights, Belgrade Center for Human Rights, Civic Initiatives, Helsinki Committee for Human Rights and Policy Center), the Human Rights House Foundation and CIVICUS welcome the Government of Serbia's engagement with the UPR process.
38th Session of UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of Israel
Mr.
38th Session of UN Human Rights Council
Adoption of the UPR report of the United Arab Emirates
The Gulf Centre for Human Rights, the International Service for Human Rights and CIVICUS welcome the chance to engage in the process of the UAE’s UPR.
On Friday 22nd June 2018, the UN NGO Committee convened consultations with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in consultative status with the United Nations.
In our Universal Periodic Review submission, we documented that since its last review, France only partially implemented one of the two recommendations it received relating to civic space.
38th Session of UN Human Rights Council
Dialogue with UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea
On behalf of CIVICUS, Reporters without Borders, the Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights, the Eritrean Law society, Eritrea Focus, Network of Eritrean Women, Amnesty International, and the Horn of Africa Civil Society Forum, I would first like to express our deepfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Special Rapporteur for her unwavering support to Eritrean victims of human rights violations.
38th Session of the Human Rights Council
General Debate – civic space in Egypt, Tanzania and Vietnam
CIVICUS is concerned about the situation in Egypt where authorities have arrested, interrogated and detained several activists, bloggers and journalists over the last few weeks, indicating a significant escalation in the crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly in the country.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 State of Civil Society Report on the theme of ‘reimagining democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic governance, and the challenges they encounter in doing so.
It is with a mix of sadness and appreciation that the CIVICUS Board of Directors announces that Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah will be stepping down from his role as Secretary General at the end of 2018.
By Teldah Mawarire and Laura Miti
The African Union (AU) will host a heads of state summit in Mauritania on June 25, under the theme Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa's Transformation.
A new proposed policy by the government of Nepal would further curtail the work of international and national non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the country by tightening the state’s control over them.
By Rawand Boussama, Afrika Youth Movement
The day I arrived to Ghana, I had the opportunity to network with people from Greece, Sudan and Nigeria.
By Elena Ceban, Center for Intercultural Dialogue
Imagine a space where over 8000 young people would come together to discuss, debate, share their opinions on political, social and cultural issues and have a dialogue with policy makers on how the life of young people can be improved.
President Muhammadu Buhari
Aso Villa, Yakubu Gowon Crescent,
The Three Arms Zone, Asokoro,
Abuja, FTC, Nigeria
Dear President Muhammadu Buhari,
We at the Committee to Protect Journalists, a non-profit organization that champions press freedom internationally, and 18 other organizations, are writing to call for the release of journalist Jones Abiri, who has been held by Nigeria's Department of State Security (DSS) for nearly two years, and to call for DSS to be held accountable for its attacks against journalists in Nigeria.
Following the announcement of the United States withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), a number of civil society organisations with offices in Geneva, the headquarters of UNHRC, offer their opinions on the resulting impact on the work of the Human Rights Council.
By Alex Farrow
Youth movements and organisations are always at the forefront of campaigning for human rights and social change.
Some months ago, a call was sent to CIVICUS members inviting them to apply to attend the European Commission’s partnership forum to be held on 25th and 26th June 2018.
38th Session of the Human Rights Council
Update of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
CIVICUS welcomes the High Commissioner’s final update and thanks him for his continued support for human rights defenders and for speaking the truth to power in this August room for the last four years.
See who SCORES the highest #civicspace rating amongst the 32 countries competing in the #WorldCup: https://t.
38th Session of the Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity
CIVICUS welcomes this occasion to dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association and the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity.
What the Resilient Roots accountability pilot project application process has taught us so far
By Jack Cornforth
The Resilient Roots initiative recently launched two open calls to find pilot projects around the world which will test the hypothesis that organisations that are more accountable and responsive to their roots - namely, their primary constituencies - are more resilient against external threats.
Por Inés Pousadela
Lo que en cualquier democracia “normal” sería considerado un dato rutinario devino recientemente en Colombia un hecho de significación histórica: las elecciones legislativas de marzo de este año, en las cuales las ex guerrillas FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) debutaron como partido político, se desarrollaron sin incidentes graves.
By Marina Cherbonnier, CIVICUS membership engagement specialist
CIVICUS Board and Staff annual meetings were held recently.
Featured
The 38th session of the UN Human Rights Council, from 18 June to 6 July 2018, will consider core civic space issues of freedom of association, assembly and expression.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 State of Civil Society Report on the theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists and leaders about their work to promote democratic governance, and the challenges they encounter in doing so.
One month after a horrific massacre of protesters in the occupied Palestinian territory, global civil society alliance, CIVICUS is urging accountability for the unacceptably high levels of lethal violence employed by Israeli security forces against demonstrations.
Inglés
CIVICUS y @CoordinadoraCC exigen al presidente de #Nicaragua
el cese inmediato de la violencia contra las protestas pacíficas que se están desarrollando en el país desde el pasado mes de abril.
CIVICUS speaks to Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo, a human rights defender and the ex-ecutive director of Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) in Malawi.
By Kumi Naidoo
Not since 1951 has the international community produced a treaty to protect the legal status of the world's refugees.
Ahead of the publication of the 2018 State of Civil Society Report on the theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’, we are interviewing civil society activists, leaders and others about their work to promote democratic practices and principles, the challenges they encounter and the victories they score in doing so.
By David Kode
Across Africa, major advances in democracy have been affected by restrictions on civic space and on the activities of civil society organisations (CSOs), the media and individual activists.
By Andrew Firmin
In one of the world’s most powerful countries, merely wanting to speak your own language can be risky.
5 June 2018
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha Government House Pitsanulok Road, Dusit Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Re: Concerns regarding arrest and prosecution of peaceful protesters
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing to you with regards to the recent arrest and charging of pro-democracy activists for their participation in a peaceful protest in Bangkok on 22 May 2018, the fourth anniversary of the military coup in Thailand.
By Nadia Sanchez, She Is Foundation.
To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland
Excellencies,
Ahead of the 38th session of the UN Human Rights Council (“HRC” or “the Council”), we write to you as a cross-regional group of non-governmental organizations to share our serious concerns over the systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations that continue to be committed with impunity in Eritrea.
By Esther Kariuki
Every active citizen would by now have heard of "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" or, simply, the SDGs.
By Josef Benedict
The change of government on May 9 has offered a real opportunity for Malaysians to fix the gaps and problems that currently plague the various state institutions in the country.
#Niger: This 25 May marks two months in detention of 26 activists and civil society members https://t.
Malaysia’s May election saw the ruling party defeated for the first time in 61 years, amid widespread public anger about corruption.
Tibetan language education activist Tashi Wangchuk jailed for advocating cultural rights https://t.
Special session of the UN Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem
Oral Statement
CIVICUS, the Palestinian NGO Network and the Arab NGO Network for Development condemn the atrocities committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces against peaceful Palestinian protesters in Gaza.
"The use of unnecessary and excessive force during protests or peaceful gatherings in #Djibouti strengthens the prevalent climate of repression in the country" - @ClementineDM https://t.
By David Kode
Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza has intensified his brutal campaign to stay in power by stifling international news reporting of his government’s repressive actions, events ahead of his controversial referendum to extend presidential term limits.
CIVICUS speaks to Amjad Al Shawi about the disproportionate use of force and extreme violence against peaceful protesters in Gaza and the reasons why the world cannot remain silent about these monstrous acts.
Ahead of the controversial referendum scheduled to take place in Burundi on 17 May 2018, CIVICUS speaks to human rights lawyer and civil society activist Janvier Bigirimana about the referendum’s implications for democracy.
On May 17, six Zambia activists, civil society leader’s and a musician will appear before the magistrates in Court 3 in the capital Lusaka.
French | Spanish
The upcoming CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report, to be published in September 2018, will focus on the special theme of ‘Reimagining Democracy’.
Tanzania: 65 civil society groups call on the Tanzanian Government to address rapidly deteriorating environment for media, human rights defenders and opposition party members
#Tanzania: 65 rights groups urge government to end attacks on activists, journalists and members of the opposition party.
By Danny Sriskandarajah and Mandeep Tiwana
From attacks on human rights defenders to limits on civil society’s work, we are facing an emergency on civic space.
By Clara Bosco
Across the board, civil society groups are finding it increasingly difficult to organize in ways that pursue a radical transformation of the current social and economic structures, while also mobilizing the resources needed to keep on keeping on.
CIVICUS welcomes this celebratory discussion of a true icon of our times.
By Ines Pousadela
When looking back at 2017, it is hard to lose sight of the fact that restrictions on fundamental freedoms were imposed at an ever-growing pace, even in countries that believed themselves to be immune to authoritarian temptations.
By Teldah Mawarire and Grant Clark
In African countries where journalists are targeted with killings and beatings while traditional news outlets have been muzzled by governments and other actors unhappy with criticism, bloggers and social media users have become the new independent media by providing much-needed coverage, commentary and analysis.
In the lead up to the 14th general elections in Malaysia on 9 May, CIVICUS interviewed the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.
By Andrew Firmin
In the face of rising restrictions and brazen attacks on fundamental freedoms, citizens across the globe are responding with resolute resistance, in creative, and powerful ways.
Spanish
STATEMENT / More than 300 national and international NGOs condemn the violent repression of the demonstrations held in Nicaragua against the #INSS reforms: https://t.
By Mandeep Tiwana
It’s tempting to lay the blame for unresolved conflicts at the UN’s door but the reality is that the UN can only deliver when it has the support of member states and the buy-in of citizens.
Media Release
The Government of the Indian Ocean island nation of The Maldives is undermining the rule of law and intensifying a brutal crackdown on its critics.
Repression in Paradise: Assault on fundamental freedoms in the #Maldives.
By Ichal Supriadi (Asia Democracy Network) and Josef Benedict (CIVICUS)
As the 10 heads of state from ASEAN gather for the group’s latest summit in Singapore this week to discuss security, trade, and tensions in the South China Sea, the state of human rights and democracy in the region will once again be sidelined.
Conditions for human rights defenders and journalists in Bangladesh are dire, and appear to be worsening according to the CIVICUS Monitor.
By Danny Sriskandarajah
As Western governments look for ways to punish Russia for its brazen attacks abroad, one idea that has been getting a lot of media attention is the possibility of state-sponsored cyberattacks on Russia.
On the anniversary of the killing of the popular Maldivian blogger and social media personality, Yameen Rasheed, Amnesty International and CIVICUS call on the Maldivian authorities to bring his killers to justice.
Youth Arts Contest Seeks Out Silenced Voices to Reimagine Democracy
Johannesburg, 18 April 2018 - What kind of country would South Africa be today if young people had not first raised their voices and taken action more than three decades ago?
And today, how can the many silenced voices of youth be heard, to express a vision for the kind of democracy they desire?
‘Through Arts and Imagination’ is a newly launched contest seeking bold and original creative arts - music, poetry, art, media – that present youth perspectives on “re-imagining democracy.
The undersigned civil society organisations express their outrage at the latest death threats targeting the Director of Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), Bahey el-Din Hassan, as a result of his human rights work on Egypt in Europe and the US.
Johannesburg, 17 April 2018 - DefendDefenders, CIVICUS and the Observatory condemn acts of reprisals against human rights defender Mr.
The three-year conviction of Somaliland poet and peace activist Nacima Abwaan Qorane this week highlights the increasingly repressive environment in Somaliland for peaceful expression, said global civil society alliance, CIVICUS.
Following the chemical attack in Syria and the subsequent airstrikes on Syria by the United States, United Kingdom and France, CIVICUS interviews a representative of The Arguendo Initiative about the humanitarian crisis and human rights violations taking place in Ghouta, Syria.
By Cathal Gilbert and Trinanjan Radhakrishnan
There has been a lot of talk of shared values ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), due to be held in London from 16th to 20th April.
By Mandeep Tiwana
Each year, CIVICUS publishes the State of Civil Society Report, which chronicles major global developments and key trends impacting civil society.
By Mouna Ben Garga (CIVICUS) and Ngozi Izuora (Innovation for Change- Hub Afrique)
Many states are known for their strategy to exploit women’s rights for political purposes.
The sentencing of the six activists yesterday for peacefully expressing their opinions, illustrates the Vietnam authorities’ utter contempt for freedom of expression, said global civil society alliance, CIVICUS.
CIVICUS and its partners have submitted joint and stand-alone UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions on eight countries to the UN Human Rights Council in advance of the 31st UPR session (November 2018).
The Philippines government recently listed activists and a UN Special Rapporteur as terrorists and has threatened to pull out of the International Criminal Court.
In a letter to the Ethiopian Prime Minister-designate, a coalition of over 40 civil society organisations express their concern regarding the recent arrests of journalists and human rights defenders
State of emergency in #Ethiopia: 11 journalists & human rights defenders arrested as new Prime Minister appointed.
In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, a coalition of more than 70 civil society organisations has put forward proposals to revitalise and enhance the process to select the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Civic Space Initiative welcomes Mr.
37th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Statement during the High Commissioner's country briefings
CIVICUS is extremely concerned about the spate of attacks against HRDs journalists and peaceful protestors that has taken place across Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras.
Our organisations welcome the adoption of the resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in reaffirming that all approaches to development must comply with the State’s international human rights obligations.
By Anabel Cruz, Chair of the Board of CIVICUS
Critics are using the recent scandals to delegitimise aid and humanitarian efforts.
We write to you regarding the upcoming elections to the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs for the 2019-2022 term, which will take place on April 16.
To Missions of UN Member States
(delivered by email on 22 March)
We are writing to you with regards to the human rights situation in Cambodia.
As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day tomorrow, 21 March 2018, it is an opportunity for the government now led by President Cyril Ramaphosa to situate human rights at the centre of all actions of the government in line with the constitution and address recent human rights violations.
