Strengthening Civil Society
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].
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.
Featured Analysis:
Featured Freedom House Programs:
Lifeline Emergency Assistance Program
Freedom House administers several funds which offer emergency assistance to organizations and individuals around the world who are under threat because of their human rights work.
Our Work in Myanmar
Currently, Freedom House is supporting the efforts of civil society groups and networks to increase public participation in and advocacy on constitutional and legislative reform in Myanmar.
Our Work in Tanzania
Freedom House’s Data Driven Advocacy program works to build the ability of Tanzanian civil society to advocate for, and influence policy on, key national-level human rights issues using better data and information to drive results.
Freedom House in the Media:
News & Perspectives:
Improving Transparency, Empowering Citizens: Ecuador’s Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo
Perspectives
February 24, 2022
Eswatini: Freedom House Condemns Arrests of Student Leaders, Persecution of Activists
Press release
February 3, 2022
Freedom House, Afghan and International NGOs Launch the Afghanistan Human Rights Coordination Mechanism
Press release
January 27, 2022
Throwing the Book at Civil Society: Antidemocratic Regimes in the Americas Are Using the Law to Narrow Civic Spaces
Perspectives
December 15, 2021