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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

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.

Learn More

Featured Analysis:

Civic_Mobilizations_Vietnam_Formosa_Protest

Civic Mobilizations Case Study: Vietnam

Special Report

Civic_Mobilizations_Ethiopia_Protest

Civic Mobilizations Case Study: Ethiopia

Special Report

Civic Mobilizations: Sudanese Protest

The Spread of Non-Violent Action: The Case of the 2018–2019 Revolution in Sudan

Special Report

Featured Freedom House Programs:

Azerbaijan protesters and police

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.

Reporters hold banners as they attend a demonstration march for press freedom. Yangon, Myanmar. 7 January 2014.  Editorial credit: Ye Aung Thu/AFP via Getty Images

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. 

Tanzania protest civil society

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:

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Opinion Raise your Indian flags high: There’s much injustice to cover up opens in new tab

August 17, 2022

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India and Pakistan at 75: partition remains an open wound as new friction points arise opens in new tab

August 15, 2022

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Opinion|Raise your Indian flags high: There’s much injustice to cover up opens in new tab

August 14, 2022

News & Perspectives:

Freedom House

Freedom House Affirms Ukraine’s Sovereignty, Right to Liberty on the One-Year Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion

Press release

February 24, 2023

Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica demonstrate against the government of President Daniel Ortega in 2021. (Image Credit: EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Nicaraguans Risk Losing Their Last Havens as Regime Targets Their Churches

Perspectives

August 22, 2022
Freedom House

Joint Statement on Egypt Civic Space ahead of COP27

Joint statement

July 14, 2022

Taliban fighters in Kabul in August, 2021

“A Constant State of Fear”: An Afghan Human Rights Defender Describes Her Life Under Taliban Rule

Perspectives

June 30, 2022
Freedom House

Freedom House Announces Tiseke Kasambala to Lead Africa Programs; Alessandra Pinna to Lead Latin America and the Caribbean Programs

Press release

June 15, 2022

Freedom House

Freedom House Experts Join Executive Leadership Team

Press release

April 4, 2022

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