Democracy's crisis is linked to the dominant economic system. Simon Ticehurst argues: transformation requires rethinking growth, wellbeing and ecological limits. Read more: web.civicus.org/Simon-Ticehurst_EN #CIVICUSLens

#Hungary's new government opens space for civil society recovery. Márta Pardavi warns: ensuring restoration is genuine and inclusive will take sustained effort. Read more: web.civicus.org/Marta_Pardavi#Hungary#CIVICUSLens

#Iran's regime is executing political prisoners under cover of war and internet blackout. Narges Mohammadi and others face grave dangers. Urgent priority must be given to protecting human rights activists. Read more: web.civicus.org/Iran-political-prisoners#Iran #CIVICUSLens

#Bahrain is seeking the death penalty for peaceful protest. Sayed Yusuf Almuhafdha warns: the death penalty is a tool of political suppression. Read more: web.civicus.org/Sayed-Yusuf-Almuhafdha#Bahrain#CIVICUSLens

#Myanmar's military leader faces genocide charges in Indonesia. Nay San Lwin warns: the complaint sends a message that power doesn't guarantee immunity. Read more: web.civicus.org/Nay-San-Lwin#Myanmar#CIVICUSLens

Four countries have banned children from social media, and 40 more are considering it. Bans restrict rights and shift responsibility away from tech companies. States should listen to young people instead. Read more: web.civicus.org/child-social-media-ban #CIVICUSLens

The killing of a far-right activist in #France sparked demonstrations and attacks on left-wing offices. Aldo Rubert warns: violence is being weaponised to normalise extremism and polarise society. Read more: web.civicus.org/Aldo-Rubert#France#CIVICUSLens

A fossil fuel transition summit bypassed UN climate deadlock. 57 states committed to renewable energy roadmaps with civil society and Indigenous leaders playing central roles. Now comes implementation. Read more: web.civicus.org/Fossil-fuel-transition #CIVICUSLens

#Venezuela's political prisoners remain detained despite an amnesty law. Manuel Virguez credits families and human rights organisations for resistance. Read more: web.civicus.org/Manuel-Virguez_EN#Venezuela#CIVICUSLens

The UN NGO Committee obstructs civil society access through delays and manipulation. Maithili Pai calls for urgent reform to facilitate rather than block participation. Read more: web.civicus.org/Maithili-Pai #CIVICUSLens

#Afghanistan's Taliban enacted a Criminal Procedure Code entrenching control over society. Wahida Omari warns: it formalises discrimination and extends Taliban authority into private life. Read more: web.civicus.org/Wahida-Omari#Afghanistan#CIVICUSLens

#USA faces a crisis of electoral trust. Lauren Prather warns: challenges to democracy are greater than ever, but civil society capacity to resist is also at peak levels. Read more: web.civicus.org/Lauren-Prather#USA#CIVICUSLens

Governments are banning children from social media. Goran Rizaov warns: the solution isn't exclusion but holding platforms accountable and making spaces safer. Read more: web.civicus.org/Goran-Rizaov #CIVICUSLens

#Israel expanded the death penalty, applying it primarily to Palestinians. Carol Daniel-Kasbari warns: the law entrenches apartheid and violates international norms. Read more: web.civicus.org/Carol-Daniel-Kasbari #CIVICUSLens The Carter Center

#Djibouti's election was a ritual confirmation of power. Adam Daud Ahmed warns: the constitutional amendment and boycotts reveal a system designed to entrench authoritarian rule. Read more: web.civicus.org/Adam-Daud-Ahmed#Djibouti#CIVICUSLens

#PacificIslands are pushing for an ICJ climate ruling to become law. Vishal Prasad warns: they're demanding major emitters meet obligations, not charity. Read more: web.civicus.org/Vishal-Prasad#PacificIslands#CIVICUSLens

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall is among the candidates vying to become the next UN Secretary-General. What is his vision for the UN and its role in addressing today’s global challenges? Explore the tracker: https://passblue.com/sg-candidates-home/ #1For8Billion

🇮🇷 #Iran’s temporary release of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi (@nargesfnd.bsky.social ) for urgent medical treatment highlights the authorities’ ongoing repression of human rights defenders. CIVICUS calls for her immediate and unconditional release. #StandAsMyWitness

Opportunity: Research Internship (Part-time) Closes 18 May 2026 Full details: web.civicus.org/ResearchIntern0526 Support CIVICUS research through desk research, interviews, writing, and simple data visuals. Gain practical research & comms experience and insight into global civil society trends.

The #USA withdrew from 66 international bodies, signalling coercion over cooperation. Waheguru Pal Sidhu warns: the international order could collapse or be reshaped. Read more: web.civicus.org/Waheguru-Pal-Sidhu#USA#CIVICUSLens

📡🪧 How can activists protect themselves in an age of mass surveillance? 🎧 Dive into the latest #CIVICUSVoices episode on protest, technology, and civic freedoms: web.civicus.org/civicusvoices

🇰🇭 #Cambodia: In recent months, scores have been convicted for their 2024 protests and criticism against the CLV-DTA, a regional economic agreement. At the same time journalists, activists and the opposition continue to be targeted New country update: web.civicus.org/CambodiaMay2...

The #UN development system is shaped by a handful of donors while Global South countries have little say. Philipp Schönrock explains the power dynamics and calls for reform. Read more: web.civicus.org/Philipp-Schonrock_EN#UN#CIVICUSLens

#Myanmar's military leader faces genocide charges in an Indonesian court under universal jurisdiction. This landmark case challenges immunity for atrocities. Read more: web.civicus.org/Myanmar-ICC#Myanmar#CIVICUSLens

🇵🇰 #Pakistan: In recent months, human rights lawyers and activists have been criminalised, a women’s rights day march disrupted and journalists targeted for their reporting and tweets. Our latest country update: web.civicus.org/PakistanMay2...

#US civil society faces funding cuts and attacks on advocacy work. Christopher Einolf warns: organisations are holding the line and not hiding. Read more: web.civicus.org/Christopher-Einolf#US#CIVICUSLens

🇺🇸 #USA: Immigration raids and protester deaths have sparked nationwide mobilisations, met with law‑enforcement crackdowns and further restrictions on the media. Our latest country update also covers how Congress is targeting nonprofits: web.civicus.org/USA0426

🇮🇩 #Indonesia: Civic space is under pressure. From restrictive laws to digital repression, civil society faces growing barriers—while funding gaps add further strain. New #EUSEE report explores the challenges and solutions 👇 👉 eusee.hivos.org/document/ind... #HumanRights #CivilSociety

The #UN #NGO Committee is controlled by states hostile to civic space. 13 of the 19 elected states have closed or repressed civil society. Read more: web.civicus.org/NGO-Committee_EN#UN#NGO#CIVICUSLens

The Protest Lab EMBERA event sparked a renewed fire for social movements in Nairobi ✊ Gen Z–led movements are reshaping protest, shifting power to communities, embracing protest as culture & joy and placing digital organising at the core Grounded in justice ⚖️ Creative 🎨 Collective 🤝 Powerful 💥

#Hungary's new government won a supermajority, ending Orbán's 16-year rule. Civil society now has a chance to recover freedoms and push back against anti-LGBTQI+ policies. Read more: web.civicus.org/Hungary-elections#Hungary#CIVICUSLens

#WorldPressFreedomDay: In pursuit of truth & facts, the work of journalists has become increasingly dangerous. In 2025, we documented physical attacks against journalists in at least 54 countries - the 4th most common violation to civic freedoms we monitor🟢🟡🔴 #WPFD2026

#Lesotho: Civic space under pressure. From excessive force against protesters to limits on participation and funding challenges, civil society faces growing barriers. New #EUSEE report breaks it down 👇 👉 eusee.hivos.org/document/les... #CivicSpace #HumanRights #CivilSociety

🇰🇭 #Cambodia: More than 30 activists were sentenced to two years in prison after a mass trial for incitement linked to social media posts and planned protests against the Cambodia–Laos–Vietnam Development Triangle (an economic initiative). Our statement:

🇺🇳The Committee on NGOs, a little known body made of 19 Member States, determines which NGOs can participate in #UN meetings. But how do these 19 countries treat civic freedoms and civil society at home? Our statement on the irony: web.civicus.org/NGOCommittee

Final hours to apply! Don’t miss your chance to join Digital Action Lab – Cohort 3 and take your digital impact on democracy and civic participation to the next level. Apply by 30 April 2026: web.civicus.org/DAL-Cohort3 Eligibility criteria: web.civicus.org/Digital-Action-Lab

🇳🇬 #Nigeria: Civic space is “partially enabling”—but under strain. Economic hardship, protests and systemic barriers are impacting civil society, especially grassroots groups. #EUSEE report explores what this means 👇 👉 eusee.hivos.org/document/nig... #CivicSpace #HumanRights #CivilSociety

🇵🇾#Paraguay: President Santiago Peña issued a decree in February authorising military deployment to tackle organised crime. Legal experts warn this may violate the Constitution, which restricts armed forces to national defence. Country update: web.civicus.org/Paraguay0426

🇸🇿 #Eswatini: Prolonged detention of student activist, Menzi Bongeka Bhembe, under Anti-Terrorism Law. Latest country update: web.civicus.org/Eswatini0426

#Philippines: The killing of 19 people by the military, including a community journalist and a student leader, is a serious crime. CIVICUS calls for an immediate & independent investigation into these killings to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

As #Escazú COP4 opens, governments must move beyond statements. The agreement includes vital protections for environmental defenders, but without robust implementation, attacks continue. Day 1 is the moment to show political will: ratify or implement Escazú. https://gwitness.org/4cGhcoI#Escazú

Join us for an engaging webinar that brings together evidence, dialogue, and innovative thinking on strengthening Uganda’s civil society ecosystem through locally-led development. 📅29 April 2026 📍Online (Zoom) 🔗Register at: web.civicus.org/CAPAIDS-Webinar

The killing of a far-right activist in #France sparked demonstrations and attacks on left-wing offices. Aldo Rubert warns: violence is being weaponised to normalise extremism and polarise society. Read more: web.civicus.org/Aldo-Rubert#France#CIVICUSLens

#Argentina passed sweeping labour reforms that strip worker protections. Facundo Merlán Rey warns: the law erodes decades of hard-won rights and has sparked four general strikes. Read more: web.civicus.org/Facundo-Merlan-Rey_EN#Argentina#CIVICUSLens

Russia is recruiting #African soldiers as cannon fodder in its Ukraine war. Hundreds have been killed. Some governments stay silent to maintain ties with Moscow, while economic desperation makes recruitment easier. Read more: web.civicus.org/African-soldiers_EN#African#CIVICUSLens

#Denmark's Social Democrats suffered their worst result in 120 years, while the far-right tripled its vote. The normalisation of extremism has produced a humanitarian crisis on migration. Read more: web.civicus.org/Denmark-election#Denmark#CIVICUSLens

At least 11 #African governments spent over US$2 billion on Chinese surveillance tech. Wairagala Wakabi warns: "smart city" systems are being weaponised to monitor activists and silence dissent. Read more: web.civicus.org/Wairagala-Wakabi #CIVICUSLens Institute of Development Studies (IDS)

Tech power is expanding faster than accountability. Tech, political & military interests are converging without oversight. Civil society is doing crucial work: ✔️fact-checking, litigating ✔️exposing abuses ✔️pushing for rights‑based technology governance #SOCS2026➡️ web.civicus.org/SOCS2026_Technology

#Thailand's election is a setback for reform. The conservative party won while the progressive People's Party lost seats. Youth-led movements seeking change face systematic repression. Read more: web.civicus.org/Thailand-elections#Thailand#CIVICUSLens

#Germany's CDU is passing laws with far-right AfD support. Lorenz Blumenthaler explains why resilient democracy requires building alternatives, not just resistance. Read more: web.civicus.org/Lorenz-Blumenthaler #CIVICUSLens Amadeu Antonio Stiftung