Archives: Alerts
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USAID funding freeze sends shockwaves through Ugandan civil society
On 28 January 2025, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) formally notified all its implementing partners about the suspension of funding for foreign assistance programs. This action was taken following President Trump’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, reflecting a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy objectives. The decision has…
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Journalists attacked while investigating a worksite run by a state-contracted company
On 21 February 2025, journalists from MCRTV-NF were verbally and physically assaulted by security agents from the company China State Construction Engineering Corporation Congo (CSCEC) while reporting in Pointe-Noire’s Siafoumou neighbourhood. The team was investigating whether construction on a drainage project had ceased, following a suspension order by the Minister of the Environment. Despite the…
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Appeal hearings for 11 environmental defenders and leaders sentenced in 2024
In 2024, eleven leaders of peasant communities and environmental defenders from the provinces of Cotabambas and Grau, in the Apurímac region, were sentenced in the first instance to eight and nine years in prison. The charges included aggravated property damage, civil disturbance, and obstruction of public services, in the context of protests against the Las…
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Arrest of human rights defender Dr. Mahrang Baloch and violent crackdown on Baloch protesters in Quetta
Between 20 and 22 March 2025, security forces in Quetta violently suppressed peaceful protests led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and other civil society actors. The demonstrations were triggered by the burial of 13 bodies—believed by families to be forcibly disappeared individuals—without proper identification procedures. Protesters demanded transparency and justice. The crackdown involved police violence,…
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Investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani charged under cybercrime law, his Brothers abducted
Pakistani investigative journalist Ahmad Noorani, and co-founder of FactFocus, has been at the center of escalating tensions between the press and the military establishment over the last three years. Noorani is a fact-based investigative journalist who has always provided factual reports to check state power and expose the wealth, power and influence that top military…
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Charges against ‘Gempur Rasuah Sabah’ protest coordinator withdrawn
On 21 February 2025, student activist and Gempur Rasuah Sabah protest coordinator Fadhil Kasim was summoned at Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters. He was charged under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act for organising the protest without ‘complying with notification procedures’ and Section 509 of the Penal Code for his protest speech criticising the…
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Parliament passes counter terrorism act despite clauses threatening civic space
On Tuesday, 11th March 2025, the Parliament of Sierra Leone passed the National Counter-Terrorism Act 2025 which is currently awaiting the President’s signature. This Act aims to contribute to global efforts to combat terrorism. However, many critics argue that once this bill is signed into law, it is prone to be weaponised to further clamp…
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Critiziced cyber security and cyber crimes bills could soon become law
On 28 March 2025, the Zambian Parliament passed the Cyber Security Bill, 2024, and the Cyber Crimes Bill, 2024, during the Third Reading, despite strong opposition from civil society organizations (CSOs). These bills are now awaiting the President’s signature to become law. The Ministry of Technology and Science reported that extensive consultations with stakeholders, including…
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Legislative momentum for gender equality during 8M protests
In light of recent developments during the 8M (March 8) mobilizations, there is a window of opportunity for gender justice advocacy in Chile. The government, under President Boric, has proposed significant gender equality reforms, including a National Care System, a constitutional reform for gender parity in elections, and a free abortion bill. Despite political uncertainties,…
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Authorization of theatre play revoked after pressure
After initially approving the play María Maricón for performances on 30–31 January 2025 at the Cultural Center of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture revoked its authorisation, citing non-compliance with Law 30870, which requires cultural content to align with community traditions. This led to the festival’s cancellation . The mayor…