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Article

18 Feb 2019

Author:
Global Witness

Experts discuss the erosion of civic space and possible solutions to the problem

"Civic space is being eroded around the world – can we respond?", 15 February 2019

Civic space – conditions that allow civil society and individuals to organise, participate and communicate freely and influence the political and social structures around them – is being eroded in countries around the world. Much ink has been spilled on the idea of this being a global trend. But agreement on its main characteristics, what it means, and what to do about it, is more elusive. Based on recent discussions with a range of experts, as well as some of those on the front line, here’s a snapshot of some of the main strands to the debate right now...

Legal restrictions – according to the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), from 2004 to 2010 over 50 countries considered or enacted measures restricting civil society. From 2012-2015, moreover, “more than 120 laws constraining the freedoms of association or assembly have been proposed or enacted in 60 countries”. Despotic regimes around the world are imposing regulatory measures to restrict civic space. But they are actually out-numbered by governments of ‘partially free’ countries that are doing the same thing. In other words, elected strongmen in the mould of Rodrigo Duterte and Viktor Orban are amongst the most avid assailants of civic freedoms...

Digital surveillance and censorship – this is increasingly prevalent, with some governments riding on the ‘fake news’ narrative expounded by President Trump as a means of justifying their actions. The crackdown on media and CSOs launched by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ahead of the election he rigged last year is just one illustrative example...

Physical attacks – Global Witness’ own work on attacks on land and environmental defenders – those on the front line in the fight against seizure of communities’ land, forests and other natural resources – provides a grim illustration. In 2017, 201 defenders were murdered, with the greatest number of killings occurring in Brazil, where the policies of new president Jair Bolsonaro are now intensifying the already severe perils they face...