In March 2025, we observed a significant decline in conditions for civil society across various regions. Key issues include harassment of activists & journalists, and threats to the autonomy and sustainability of civil society. Specific concerns involve the use of punitive legal measures, arrests, and intimidation tactics to suppress dissent and restrict freedoms.
For example, in Hong Kong, there have been multiple instances of harsh sentences, including the conviction of pro-democracy activists and the disbandment of advocacy groups. In Indonesia, the structural reduction of Dutch spending on international development and revisions to military law pose serious threats to civil society and democracy. Sierra Leone has seen arrests of journalists and activists, highlighting ongoing media freedom concerns.
In addition to these deteriorations, there are several contexts to watch, such as statements undermining press freedom and threatening the autonomy of CSOs in Peru, and the deportation of Uyghurs in Thailand. Early warnings highlight potential regulatory changes and investigations that could further impact civil society, such as the draft restrictive NGO laws in Sri Lanka and Paraguay.
On a positive note, there are opportunities for improvement, like Chile’s progress in transparency in extractive industries through the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and Uganda’s Supreme Court ruling against trying civilians in military courts.