OUT NOW!! The 2024 State of Civil Society Report!
Featuring over 250 interviews and analysis on civil society's biggest struggles and victories in 5 chapters on
📍Conflict and Crisis
📍Global Governance
📍Climate
📍Democracy
📍Gender
➡️
#SOCS2024
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: Ahead of the special
@ASEAN
summit (🇧🇳🇰🇭🇮🇩🇱🇦🇲🇾🇵🇭🇸🇬🇹🇭🇻🇳) on the crisis, we call on the regional body to address gross violations by the military and engage with the legitimate
@NUGMyanmar
government: |
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
:
@ASEAN
’s weekend summit failed thousands of political prisoners & undermined a transition back to democratic civilian rule.
Any genuine dialogue must start with the release of peaceful protesters, activists & journalists behind bars:
#Tanzania
: 65 rights groups urge government to end attacks on activists, journalists and members of the opposition party.
#Civicspace
in rapid decline
Civic space in 🇪🇹
#Ethiopia
’s
#Tigray
region has dramatically declined.
🔸media restrictions continue
🔸women & girls have been raped, kidnapped & killed
🔸Thousands have been displaced
We call for urgent action to address these violations:
#HRC49
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: CIVICUS strongly supports the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and calls for urgent action to hold perpetrators of rights abuses accountable & ensure justice for all victims of crimes against humanity.
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
The conflict in the northern Ethiopian state of Tigray is under-reported.
#Ethiopia
further limits reporting by arresting journalists and media workers covering the conflict, including four recently arrested
#Tigray
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: The military junta has ignored the
@ASEAN
consensus to end the violence. Instead, the military has launched air strikes against civilians & continued with mass arrests. Listen to this message from
@DebbieStot
, Founder of
@Altsean
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: "The military turned medical workers from heroes to criminals overnight”
Interview with Dr. Nay Lin Tun on the risks facing doctors & nurses who support the protest movement against the
#militarycoup
: |
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
🇹🇿🗳️With national elections in
#Tanzania
on 28 October, over 65 civil society organsations from across the world have called on President,
@MagufuliJP
, to end the systematic restrictions on political and civic freedoms:
📣Attention
#artivists
, activists-storytellers‼️
We are looking for 5 grassroots activists with experience producing powerful video stories for the
#GrassrootsSolidarityRevolution
.
Selected activists will receive USD 5,000 to produce the video.✊
Apply:
🇧🇩
#Bangladesh
: We are extremely concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and excessive force against opposition activists. The authorities must release all those arrested for exercising their right to protest🪧. Read our joint statement:
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: "Nearly everyone detained tells us they were beaten”
Read our interview with
@mannymaung
, researcher for
@hrw
about the situation in the country following the coup and abuse of protesters that have been arrested
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
🇺🇬
#Uganda
: Over 40 activists have been arrested ahead of today's presidential inauguration of
@KagutaMuseveni
Our statement on the arrests and the continued targeting of opposition leaders:
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: Human rights groups urge the
@ASEAN
regional bloc & international community to move beyond the 5 Point Consensus, as the agreement has failed to achieve progress a year on. Humanitarian situation remains dire
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
➡️
🇱🇰
#SriLanka
: The gov't must immediately release youth activist & stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya & drop charges against her. Her arrest & detention go against the country’s int'l human rights obligations & is a clear attack on artistic expression
OUT NOW! New State of Civil Society Report looks at where people have mobilised to demand more just, equal & sustainable societies during the pandemic.
Learn more about the key movements & breakthroughs:
|
#CivilSocietyInAction
🇸🇿
#Eswatini
: Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube have been in detention for at least 8 months for demanding democratic reforms.
Today is their bail hearing. We call for their immediate and unconditional release.
#StandAsMyWitness
WE ARE HIRING!
4 open positions on the Digital Democracy Initiative!
1. Finance and Compliance Coordinator
Closes: 29 June 2023
2. Impact and Accountability Projects Officer
Closes: 29 June 2023
1/2
#CIVICUSJobs
We are saddened to hear about the death of
#Papuan
human rights activist Filep Karma. He spent a decade in prison for simply raising a pro-independence flag. The authorities must ensure a full and independent inquiry into his death
The CIVICUS Board of Directors is pleased to announce that following an extensive international search and selection process,
@lysajohn
will be joining CIVICUS as the new Secretary General (SG) of the alliance from January 2019! Please join us in welcoming Lysa to CIVICUS!
#India
: Human rights defender & lawyer
#SudhaBharadwaj
has now spent 800 days in detention on baseless charges. Her continued detention highlights how the Modi government is misusing anti-terror legislation to persecute activists
#StandAsMyWitness
We join more than 700 human rights organisations in urging
@ASEAN
to include
@NUGMyanmar
, EAOs, & all related parties in developing cross-border humanitarian assistance for 🇲🇲
#Myanmar
.
The weaponisation of humanitarian aid by the junta must be stopped:➡️
Dahlia's story is an eye-opener!👀
@helpmorras
❌Activists are NOT superheroes!
💲Activism should be paid & protected as any other job
🔓Donors' excessive funding barriers make activism +difficult & precarious.
Full story📽️
#GrassrootsSolidarityRevolution
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: Civil society calls on
@ASEAN
to explore cross-border humanitarian assistance without the junta’s interference. The inclusion of NUG & civil society is essential to meaningfully address the
#humanitarian
crisis in the country.
Read more➡️
#Belarus
: The decision by the government to liquidate the Belarusian Association of Journalists (
@baj_by
) is a major blow for independent press.
BAJ has worked tirelessly to protect the rights of journalists for over 25 years. Overview by
@CPJ_Eurasia
:
🇲🇾Malaysia: Civil society groups call on the authorities to take immediate measures to ensure protection and accountability for
#Rohingya
human rights defender Zafar Ahmad from harassment and threats that have persisted for more than two years
Learn more▶️
OUT NOW! The 2020 State of Civil Society Report includes analysis on 🌴climate, 🏳️🌈LGBTQ rights, ✊democratic freedoms, international cooperation, the rise of collective action and
#COVID19
. Read it at:
#SOCS2020
📣Attention
#artivists
, activists-storytellers‼️
We are looking for 5 grassroots activists with experience producing powerful video stories for the
#GrassrootsSolidarityRevolution
.
Selected activists will receive USD 5,000 to produce the video.✊
Apply:
🇪🇹
#Ethiopia
|
#Tigray
: We are concerned about reports of:
🔴Extrajudicial killings
🟠Widespread sexual violence
🟤Destruction of crops & refugee camps
⚫️Obstruction of humanitarian assistance
Urgent action is needed to address these violations:
GOOD NEWS: We welcome the news today that the courts have granted bail to human rights defender & lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj who has spent more than 3 years in detention. We continue to call for trumped up charges against her to be dropped
#StandAsMyWitness
OUT NOW! The 2022 edition of the State of Civil Society Report!
This years' report includes analysis of 5 key global trends:
💰the Economy | ⚖️ Democracy | ⚧️ Challenging exclusion |🌍Environment |🇺🇳Global governance
Read the full report at |
#SOCS2022
🇵🇭The
#Philippines
is one of the most dangerous countries to be an activist. We call on the
#UN
Human Rights Council (
#HRC45
) to set up an investigation into the rampant rights violations.
#StopTheKillingsPH
A message for the Global Day of Action from
@lysajohn
🇺🇬
#Uganda
must protect equality & non-discrimination & other fundamental human rights of all people in the country. Endorse our letter calling on
@KagutaMuseveni
to immediately withdraw the anti-LGBTI+ Bill.
➡️
🇪🇷
#Eritrea
is one of the most repressive countries in the world.
As human rights violations continue unabated & in the face of violations by Eritrean forces in
#Tigray
, we call on the
@UN_HRC
to renew the critical mandate of the
#UN
Special Rapporteur:
#Tanzania
: Activists & journalists are experiencing a rapid decline in
#civicspace
. 38 rights groups call on
#UN
Member States to take action at the Human Rights Council (
#HRC
). Joint letter:
BREAKING NEWS: 11 activists & journalists in
#Ethiopia
, including
@eskindernega
@befeqe
, have been released from prison. We urge the government to release the many other political prisoners detained for exercising their democratic rights
We are deeply saddened by the murder of an ally and close friend, Thulani Maseko.
Thulani, a formidable human rights lawyer & activist, has always been vocal about persistent civic space challenges in
#eSwatini
and his experiences as a victim of the actions of the monarchy.
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: We have joined over 130 organisations calling on the
#UN
Security Council (
#UNSC
) to coordinate a global arms embargo in response to the
#militarycoup
.
🇪🇷
#Eritrea
remains one of the most repressive countries in the world.
At
#HRC49
we expressed grave concern over the situation of
#humanrights
in Eritrea and its lack of cooperation with international mechanisms.
Our statement with
@emdhrorg
:
READ ALL ABOUT IT: Annual State of Civil Society Report OUT NOW! This year includes a Year in Review Timeline, Top 10 Civil Society Trends of 2017 by
@civicusSG
and month by month analysis of 2017
#SOCS2018
#ReimaginingDemocracy
📢📢This
#NelsonMandelaDay
we are calling for the release of rights defenders and prisoners of conscience. Join this global call today!.
#StandAsMyWitness
Do you have a great idea to help achieve the
#SDGs
? New opportunity launched at
#goalkeepers2018
to provide young innovators with technical support & resources. Apply by 31 October:
🇺🇦 With a patchy response from
@UN
Security Council to Russia’s invasion of
#Ukraine
, the international system failed its greatest test in years. On the ground, Ukrainian CSOs highlighted the absence of international organisations.
#CIVICUSLens
📣OUT NOW! State of Civil Society Report 2023!
It shines a light on a time of immense upheaval and regression, but finds hope in the multiple forms of civil society action pushing for change all over the world.
Read the full report at
#SOCS2023
🇦🇫
#Afghanistan
: Human rights defender & education rights activist Matiullah Wesa was arbitrarily arrested by the
#Taliban
and has spent a month in detention
The international community must increase pressure for his release
#FreeMatiullahWesaSoon
🇮🇩
#Indonesia
: The use of excessive force by security forces against peaceful protesters demonstrating over plans to divide provinces in
#Papua
is alarming.
Violence against protesters should not be tolerated & their rights to assemble must be protected
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
: Protest leader Ko Wai Moe Naing is behind bars.
He was arrested in Monywa, Sagaing Region, he was beaten, and dragged away by junta forces after his motorcycle was rammed on 15 April 2021. |
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
#ReleaseMyanmarActivists
🇮🇳 After almost 2 months of being arbitrarily detained for raising his voice against human rights violations, the hearing of
@KhurramParvez
is on Jan 21.
📢CIVICUS calls for his immediate release & to stop the harassment of activists in
#Jammu
&
#Kashmir
.
@freekhurram2021
🇺🇬
#Uganda
: Human rights lawyer, Nicolas Opiyo (
@nickopiyo
), Director of Chapter 4 Uganda has been arrested and taken to an undisclosed location. These are the actions of a desperate regime ahead of elections. We call on the authorities to release him immediately & unconditionally
145
#grassroots
activists shared their main barriers to accessing
#funds
.
Donors could help reduce 80% of these barriers by making reasonable changes in their grantmaking practices!
Share below what changes you think
#donors
should make.👇
Survey:
40 civil society organisations call on incoming Prime Minister of
#Ethiopia
to immediately release all human rights defenders & journalists, including 11 arrested this week
🎙️📷✏️On
#WorldPressFreedomDay
, we recognize the resilience & determination of women journalists across the world who endure online harassment & abuse to do their jobs, writing about human rights violations. 🧵A thread of powerful testimonials:
We continue to call for Bahrain to drop all charges against Bahraini footballer & human rights advocate Hakeem al-Araibi who's been detained in Thailand unjustly since November 2018 & call for Thailand to cease all efforts to extradite him
#SaveHakeem
🇲🇲Grave human rights violations continue to happen in
#Myanmar
at the hands of the Junta. Minorities in the country are subject to atrocity crimes.
We call on
#HRC50
and member states to hold the military
#accountable
.
Joint statement with
@BHRNUK
#Pakistan
: We are seriously concerned that CIVICUS partner and human rights defender Professor Muhammad Ismail was detained by the counter-terrorism department in Peshawar today after his bail was rejected. We call for his immediate release
The
@UN
has noted the 'horrifying surge' in domestic violence during COVID19 lockdown! How can civil society respond to this pandemic within a pandemic? Let's come together at the
#CIVICUSDIGNA
webinar & discuss solutions! 14 May 2020, 1pm GMT+2. Register:
🇵🇰
#Pakistan
: Tomorrow activist Muhammad Ismail will appear before the Cyber Crimes court in Peshawar on fabricated charges from 2019 of hate speech & spreading fake news. We urge the govt to drop the charges & end the harassment against him and his family
🇵🇭 The
#Philippines
is one of the most dangerous countries to be an activist. We call on the
#UN
Human Rights Council (
#HRC45
) to set up an investigation into the rampant rights violations.
#stopthekillingsph
#Afghanistan
: It has been 6 months since human rights defender & education rights activist Matiullah Wesa was arrested & detained by the
#Taliban
without charges. The international community must do more to secure his release.
#ReleaseMatiullahWesa
🇲🇲
#Myanmar
:
#HRC46
sends a strong message that the whole world is watching with a resolution that ramps up monitoring & reporting on the country. A crucial step towards accountability & justice for the people.
Full statement:
🇲🇽 "Our criticisms are not personal or partisan attacks. The work we do is indispensable in any democracy." - Sofía de Robina, a lawyer with
@CentroProdh
on militarisation of security in Mexico & its implications for civil society
#CIVICUSLens
@SofiadeRo
BREAKING: 6 activists have been convicted in
#Indonesia
for holding a peaceful protest on
#WestPapua
. They have been sentenced to 8-9 months jail. This is an affront to justice and they should be released immediately.
📝Read their letters from jail
#Philippines
: 63 year-old human rights defender Teresita Naul has now spent 250 days in pre-trial detention on trumped up charges. She has worked her whole life for the poor and marginalised. We demand the
@DOJPH
release her!
2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the global
#16DaysofActivism
campaign. Here are 16 people-powered campaigns and movements you should know about and support this
#16Days
➡️ |
#DefendTheirRights
🇹🇿It is unequivocal:
#Tanzania
is no longer a democracy. Last week's "election", replete with internet shutdowns, killing of protesters and the arrest of political opposition members, was nothing more than an exercise in authoritarianism.
🇹🇿🗳️With national elections in
#Tanzania
on 28 October, over 65 civil society organsations from across the world have called on President,
@MagufuliJP
, to end the systematic restrictions on political and civic freedoms:
What is the health of civic freedoms where you live?
Global report by
@CIVICUSMonitor
takes the pulse:
➡️ Rating changes for 13 countries
➡️ Detention of protesters is top violation
➡️ Deterioration of
#civicspace
during
#COVID19
🔍
NEW ANALYSIS: 'SOLIDARITY IN THE TIMES OF
#COVID19
: Civil Society Responses to the Pandemic' highlights the irreplaceable role of activists, NGOs & grassroots organisations in responding to the global pandemic.
Full report here:
#SolidarityDuringCOVID
The
#civicspace
situation in
@ASEAN
states is rated 🟡obstructed to🔴closed by the
@CIVICUSMonitor
. With 🇮🇩
#Indonesia
as 2023 Chair of
@ASEAN
, we call on the bloc to seriously address the backsliding of fundamental freedoms in the region, including the ongoing crisis in🇲🇲
#Myanmar
Today in Belgrade, civil society leaders from around the world
#StandTogether
to declare: ‘Enough is enough! Stop the relentless attacks on civil society, social leaders and human rights defenders!’ read and endorse the full Belgrade Call to Action here
🇲🇲Myanmar: We join other human rights organisations in condemning the systematic internet shutdown that further erodes civic space & limits access to information in the country.
📢The junta should stop weaponizing the internet!
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
➡️
🇮🇩
#Indonesia
: We're extremely concerned about the risks facing activists in the region of
#Papua
following new counter-insurgency operations and the detention of activist Victor Yeimo. The authorities must ensure that these operations do not lead to abuses
🇬🇹
#Guatemala
: Ahead of the second round of the presidential elections scheduled for 20 August 2023, we call on Guatemalan authorities to respect the rule of law and democratic values to prevent a political crisis.
Read more➡️
Today marks exactly 1 year since the arrest of MPs/ pro-democracy activists Bacede Mabuza & Mthandeni Dube for speaking out against repression in 🇸🇿
#Eswatini
.
Join us in calling on the government to drop the charges & release them now!
#StandAsMyWitness
Do you need to improve your digital skills to promote civic space & inclusive democracy?
Join the
#DigitalActionLab
! This new 9-month programme offers coaching, up to US$30,000 grants & networking opportunities to local civil society orgs.
Apply now!
🇵🇰
#Pakistan
: Our partner Muhammad Ismail who is facing fabricated terrorism charges has been detained because he and his daughter have spoken out about human rights abuses. He must be immediately released
🇫🇯
#Fiji
: Lawyer Richard Naidu is at risk of hefty fines or imprisonment for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. The government must drop the baseless charges against him immediately and unconditionally
CIVICUS is 25 and we are marking this momentous occasion with a series of thought pieces on 25 “Big Ideas” for Reimagining Democracy". Read the first by
@civicusSG
on "The green shoots of a new civic activism"
#CIVICUS25Years
🇪🇹
#Ethiopia
: The conflict in the northern state of
#Tigray
continues to worsen.
🇺🇳
@UN_HRC
member states must establish an investigation into the serious human rights violations and possible war crimes.
#HRC48
Read our full statement here:
CIVICUS,
@NEAR_Network
&
@globalfundcf
call on donors to prioritise funding local actors in the Global South during the
#COVID19
crisis!
They have the infrastructure, knowledge & deep relationships w/groups on the ground & 1st responders:
#shiftthepower
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono will appear in court again on 2 September for a ruling on his bail application, which has been denied 3 times. We call on the government to respect his constitutional right to access bail. Read more
#FreeHopewell