As reported by EU SEE network members from across the globe in April, the environment in which civil society operates continues to face significant challenges, including legal pressures, funding cuts, harassment of activists and journalists, and censorship.
In countries like Pakistan and the Republic of Congo, physical attacks and legal charges against journalists, represent a serious threat to media freedom. In Pakistan, amendments to cybercrime laws are further restricting free speech.
Additionally, there are several contexts to watch, such as appeal hearings for 11 environmental defenders in Peru and the recent withdrawal of charges against protest coordinators in Malaysia. Early warnings highlight potential regulatory changes that could further impact civil society, such as new laws in Sierra Leone and Zambia.
There are also positive signs: Chile is advancing gender equality legislation, Timor Leste has taken steps to include civil society in national reconciliation efforts and the Human Rights Defenders Bill passed a second reading in Nigeria. These instances of progress highlight the resilience and ongoing efforts of civil society actors worldwide, despite mounting challenges.
See all EU SEE alerts here: https://eusee.hivos.org/alerts