Association of Nigerians protest with locals against Boko Haram actions that claimed responsibility for abducting over 200 girls from a school in Chibok, Nigeria. Spain, 2014. Editorial credit: rSnapshotPhotos / Shutterstock.com.

Strengthening Civil Society

Civil society organization play an important role in democratic societies, working to identify abuses and advocate for vital reforms.

When governments fail to act in the public interest, and opposition parties are unwilling or unable to offer a credible alternative, it is up to civil society organizations to identify abuses and advocate for reforms. Freedom House works around the world to provide local civic groups with the tools they need to advance democratic governance in their own countries.

In collaboration with dozens of partner organizations around the world, Freedom House supports the initiatives of local groups to counteract restrictions and protect space for civil society. We also lead the Lifeline consortium of seven international organizations that provides emergency assistance to civil society organizations under threat or attack and advocacy support to respond to broader threats to civil society. To learn more about Freedom House programs, supporting civil society please visit our Regional Programs page. If you would like to interview a Freedom House expert on this topic, please email [email protected].

Freedom Under Threat Africa Anti-NGO Zimbabwe Photo

Understanding Anti-Civil Society Measures in Africa

Over the last 15 years, 11 African countries have adopted legislation or policies that improperly constrained nongovernmental organizations. These laws and policies seek to impose state control over civil society, particularly NGOs that work on human rights and governance issues.

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