Following protests across Iran, an unprecedented wave of state violence has deepened a crisis of legitimacy. What began as economic grievances evolved into broader anti-regime mobilisation. Read more: web.civicus.org/anonymous-Iran #CIVICUSLens

🇧🇩🗳️ #Bangladesh will be holding elections on 12 February, following the 2024 protests that removed the previous regime. We highlight the state of civic space in the country which the new government must address when it comes to power: web.civicus.org/BGD

❄️ Civic freedoms are on thin ice in far too many countries competing at the Winter #Olympics. 🥇Explore how competing nations score when it comes to protecting fundamental rights 🔴🟡🟢 monitor.civicus.org

After a US military intervention, Venezuela’s repressive system remains largely intact. In this interview, Luz Mely Reyes reflects on whether a narrow opening for democratic change can be sustained. Read more: web.civicus.org/Luz-Mely-Reyes-EN #CIVICUSLens

The #ICJ #genocide case against #Myanmar marks a critical moment for #Rohingya justice. In this interview, Mohammed Nowkhim reflects on what accountability could mean for survivors. Read more: web.civicus.org/Mohammed-Nowkhim#ICJ#genocide#Myanmar#Rohingya#CIVICUSLens

🇯🇵🗳️ #Japan is holding elections on 8 February to elect all 465 seats of its House of Representatives. While the country's #civicspace is rated 'open', there are still issues to address. Read more here: web.civicus.org/Japan

The #UN Security Council faces a growing crisis of legitimacy, with veto powers blocking action on major conflicts. Calls for structural reform are intensifying. Read more: web.civicus.org/UNSC-reform_EN#UN#CIVICUSLens

Economic hardship sparked mass protests in #Iran, followed by severe repression as international attention waned. In this interview, the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights documents state violence, mass arrests and internet shutdowns. Read more: web.civicus.org/HOHR_Iran#Iran#CIVICUSLens

A #US military intervention in January bypassed #Venezuela’s democratic opposition and reinforced an entrenched authoritarian system. With civic space under pressure, hopes for democracy remain distant. Read more: web.civicus.org/Venezuela_EN#US#Venezuela’s#CIVICUSLens

A fragile ceasefire in Gaza has raised concerns about externally imposed governance and continued violence. In this interview, Karam Dana explains why dismantling colonial power structures is key to Gaza’s political future. Read more: web.civicus.org/Karam-Dana #CIVICUSLens

#Venezuela is undergoing an economic transition without a democratic one. In this interview, Guillermo Miguelena explains how power remains concentrated within the ruling elite, dimming hopes for democratic change. Read more: web.civicus.org/Guillermo-Miguelena_EN#Venezuela#CIVICUSLens

In December 2025, femicide cases sparked mass protests in Brazil against impunity and misogyny. In this interview, Beatriz Souza examines the structural roots of gender-based violence. Read more: web.civicus.org/Beatriz-Souza_EN #CIVICUSLens

Since the coup, Myanmar’s garment workers have faced repression, collapsing labour protections and growing exploitation. In this interview, the Business and Human Rights Centre explains how employers work with the military to silence organising. Read more: web.civicus.org/BHRC_Myanmar #CIVICUSLens

Uganda’s presidential election extended Yoweri Museveni’s four-decade rule amid repression, violence and a hollowed-out civic space. While democratic forms remain, dissent is increasingly neutralised. Read more: web.civicus.org/Uganda-elections #CIVICUSLens

A ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand has reduced violence, but tensions persist. In this interview, Eugene Mark explains why the deal is only a temporary de-escalation rather than a path to lasting peace. Read more: web.civicus.org/Eugene-Mark #CIVICUSLens

Protests against corruption have spread across African countries as living costs rise and public services fail. In this interview, Ruth Kolevsohn explains why global systems struggle to confront grand, political corruption. Read more: web.civicus.org/Ruth-Kolevsohn #CIVICUSLens

Belarus has seen limited political prisoner releases amid ongoing repression. In this interview, Mikola Dziadok reflects on why freedom must be defended consistently, as many detainees remain behind bars. Read more: web.civicus.org/Mikola-Dziadok #CIVICUSLens

As 🇮🇳#India marks its 77th Republic Day on 26 January, CIVICUS highlights the ongoing detention of activists on politically motivated charges under anti-terror and national security laws for their human rights work. #StandWithCivilSociety #RepublicDay

Violence continues in eastern DRC despite a peace agreement signed in 2025. In this interview, Crispin Ngakani explains how economic and strategic interests are prolonging a decades-long conflict. Read more: web.civicus.org/Crispin-Ngakani_EN #CIVICUSLens Crispin Ngakani

For 30 years we’ve tackled climate change without sufficiently confronting its root cause: fossil fuels. That’s like mopping the floor instead of turning off the tap. I sat down with @civicusalliance.bsky.social to explain why a @fossiltreaty.bsky.social Initiative is essential for our world today

HIV remains a global public health and human rights issue, with marginalised communities most affected by criminalisation and stigma. In this interview, Samuel Matsikure explains why civic space and community leadership are key to change. Read more: web.civicus.org/Samuel-Matsikure #CIVICUSLens

🇺🇸#USA: Marking one year of the #Trump administration, we’ve compiled 40+ case studies of the administration's attacks on civic freedoms and the rule of law. The country was downgraded in our latest ratings report in December: web.civicus.org/USATimeline

Renewed US claims over Greenland have intensified diplomatic pressure, raising concerns over self-determination and international law. In this interview, Rachael Lorna Johnstone examines what’s at stake for Greenland’s future. Read more: web.civicus.org/Rachael-Lorna-Johnstone #CIVICUSLens

Guinea’s military leader has consolidated power through a stage-managed election following a referendum that entrenched junta rule. Opposition figures were sidelined, media silenced and protests violently repressed. Read more: web.civicus.org/Guinea_EN #CIVICUSLens

A decade after the Paris Agreement, fossil fuel production is still rising as governments approve new coal, oil and gas projects. In this interview, Kumi Naidoo explains why tackling fossil fuels is key to a just energy transition. Read more: web.civicus.org/Kumi-Naidoo #CIVICUSLens

Chile is entering a new political chapter after far-right candidate José Antonio Kast won the presidential runoff. Civil society warns the result could reshape democracy & civic space after 4 years under a progressive government. Read more: web.civicus.org/Flavia-Liberona_EN #CIVICUSLens

Côte d’Ivoire’s elections have further confined democracy as President Alassane Ouattara secured a fourth term after opposition candidates were barred and protests banned. The results reinforce a system lacking genuine competition. Read more: web.civicus.org/Cote-dIvoire_EN #CIVICUSLens

Chad’s democratic transition is unravelling as constitutional changes abolish term limits and entrench President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s rule. Widely condemned as a constitutional coup, the move comes amid collapsing civic space and silenced dissent. Read more: web.civicus.org/Chad_EN #CIVICUSLens

Serbia has seen one of its largest protest movements in decades after a deadly infrastructure collapse exposed systemic corruption. Despite arrests and intimidation, student-led mobilisation for accountability continues nationwide. web.civicus.org/Mihajlo-Matkovic #CIVICUSLens

Despite gender equality frameworks, women in the Philippines still face restrictive laws on abortion and divorce. Civil society continues to push for reform while women human rights defenders face harassment and threats. web.civicus.org/Nica-Dumlao #CIVICUSLens

Civil society engagement in UN peacebuilding remains limited. While dialogue spaces exist, activists question whether they lead to real influence especially as civic space shrinks and grassroots groups face growing barriers to participation. web.civicus.org/Sweta-Velpillay #CIVICUSLens

Mass killings in El Fasher underline the scale of Sudan’s human rights catastrophe. As the war continues, civil society, journalists and humanitarian workers remain on the front lines while international actors largely fail to act. Read more: web.civicus.org/Sudan-update #CIVICUSLens

Kazakhstan has passed a bill banning so-called “LGBTQI+ propaganda”, threatening free expression and civic organising. Activists warn the law could still be blocked — but only with sustained international pressure. Read more: web.civicus.org/Temirlan-Baimash #CIVICUSLens

When civic space is restricted, art becomes a tool for resistance. Across Central Asia, creative practices help people organise, challenge dominant narratives and keep critical thinking alive. web.civicus.org/Daria-Cybulska #CIVICUSLens

Iraq’s 2025 parliamentary elections took place amid severe repression, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances. In such conditions, elections risk becoming tools of elite power, not democratic choice. Read more: web.civicus.org/Hasan-Ibrahim #CIVICUSLens

🔎A closer look at bright spots & positive developments from the past year. 🧵A thread of case studies where civil society proved its strength by pushing back on restrictive measures and securing real reforms (#PeoplePower2025): web.civicus.org/BrightSpots2...

After sustained feminist pressure, South Africa declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster. Activists say the move can unlock faster action and emergency funding if it is matched with real implementation. web.civicus.org/Cameron-Kasambala #CIVICUSLens

🚨 Following major funding cuts, Uganda has stopped processing asylum claims from new arrivals. #Refugees are being pushed into legal limbo, raising urgent questions about protection gaps and global responsibility-sharing. Read more: web.civicus.org/Fabian-Kagimu#Refugees#CIVICUSLens

Benin’s failed coup attempt exposed deeper democratic erosion marked by electoral manipulation, imprisonment of opponents and shrinking civic space. Trust in democratic systems is rapidly eroding. Read more: web.civicus.org/Aisha-Dabo_EN #CIVICUSLens

🗳️ Zambia’s parliament has passed constitutional changes months before elections, despite court rulings and civil society opposition. Critics warn the rushed process weakens public participation and democratic accountability. web.civicus.org/Gideon-Musonda #CIVICUSLens

⚠️ After a toxic mining spill polluted Zambia’s Kafue River, farmers are demanding accountability. The case exposes gaps between environmental laws on paper and enforcement in practice. Read more: web.civicus.org/Christian-Geraud-Neema #CIVICUSLens

The G20 summit showed that multilateral diplomacy can continue without the US. Leaders agreed on a declaration despite a boycott, yet the lack of concrete commitments raises doubts about whether words will translate into action. Read more: web.civicus.org/G20_EN #CIVICUSLens

Independent media is under growing political and economic pressure, from disinformation to hostile state actions. In South Africa, innovative journalism is finding new ways to survive while staying accessible and accountable. web.civicus.org/Styli-Charalambous #CIVICUSLens

🇧🇬 In #Bulgaria, mass protests reflect frustration with governance shaped by informal powers, personal interests and weakened institutions, with young people at the forefront of calls for accountability and democratic renewal. Read more: https://web.civicus.org/Zahari-Iankov#Bulgaria#CIVICUSlens

✊🏽 Around the world, women are mobilising against gender-based violence, documenting abuse, supporting survivors and demanding state action. Even as some governments roll back protections, feminist movements continue to push for accountability. Read more: web.civicus.org/GBV_EN #CIVICUSLens #GBV

Thailand’s lèse-majesté law is being used to criminalise dissent and silence debate on democracy and the monarchy. Despite repression and imprisonment, activists continue to push for accountability and reform. Read more: web.civicus.org/Akarachai-Chaimaneekarakate #CIVICUSLens

Civil society has shaped global agendas for decades, from transparency to human rights. Today it faces shrinking space, budget cuts and restrictive laws, while still fighting to be recognised as a pillar of democracy. Read more: web.civicus.org/Anabel-Cruz_EN #CIVICUSLens

🇭🇹 Haiti is facing an unprecedented crisis as gangs tighten their control, paralysing daily life and forcing mass displacement. Vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of the violence as state authority continues to erode. Read the interview: web.civicus.org/Louis-Chaduc_EN #CIVICUSLens #Haiti

In Argentina, frustration with politics, economic crisis and polarisation reshaped the electoral map. We explore what Milei’s rise means for democracy and civil society. Read more: https://web.civicus.org/Carlos-Gervasoni_EN #CIVICUSLens

🇭🇳In #Honduras, stalled election results and deep political polarisation highlight a structural human rights crisis that won’t be solved by a simple change of government, say civil society voices. Read our interview: https://web.civicus.org/Expediente-Publico_EN#Honduras#CIVICUSlens