The global space for people to speak out, organize and take action against poverty, inequality and injustice is shrinking.
Almost 89 percent of the world's population are now living in countries with significant restrictions to their fundamental freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, and expression to influence the political, economic and social structures around them.
In times of crisis, space for open and constructive dialogue between governments and civil society, as well as access to prompt and reliable information, are fundamental. However, research shows that governments have taken a different path and are using the pandemic as an opportunity to introduce or implement additional restrictions on civic freedoms.
The detention of protesters and the excessive useof force against them are the most common tactics being used by governing authorities to restrict the right to peaceful assembly. Other attacks on civic freedoms include censorship, attacks on journalists, and the harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders (HRDs).
Reversals or stagnation inprogress towards addressing poverty and inequality indicate that as civic space narrows, the most marginalized and disempowered groups face a growing risk of being left behind.
Without civic space, there will be less democratic and equal societies. Take the quiz to find out why we must promote, protect and defend civic space. Real change happens when we take action.