CIVICUS Monitor

🔎New #civicspace watchlist looks at deterioration of rights in: 🇵🇭Criminalisation of activists 🇮🇷Thousands of protesters killed & arrested 🇬🇪Sweeping new laws come into force 🇧🇯Repression intensifies ahead of elections 🇪🇨Lethal response to protests web.civicus.org/WatchlistMarch…

Australian activists detained by Israel while aboard a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza returned to Sydney, with organizers alleging abuse, sexual assault, and beatings, some of which reportedly left detainees hospitalized. Israel's prison service has denied the allegations, which Reuters could not independently verify. reut.rs/4uurfEV

Great interview with Mother Nature #Cambodia's activist Lisa Mean about the work of the group, the need to protect the country's environment, & the urgent demand to release the #MNC5, the group's leaders who are in prison. instagram.com/reels/DVHLyOkD…

🇯🇵#Japan: Concerns have been raised by civil society on new laws proposed that could restrict #civicspace such as the Anti-Espionage Law and the Foreign Agents Registration Act More here: web.civicus.org/JapanMay2026

🇺🇳Despite being the #UN’s top leadership body, the Security Council, the majority of states have alarming records in protecting civic freedoms. Our latest index highlights the need for accountability at the highest levels

📡🪧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

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights convenes in Banjul (11–20 May - @achpr_cadhp). As states defend their records, real questions remain. Join on side event on 12 May:

🇰🇭#Cambodia: In recent months, scores have been convicted for their 2024 protests and criticism against the CLV-DTA regional agreement. At the same time #journalists, #activists and the #opposition continue to be targeted New #civicspace update here: web.civicus.org/CambodiaMay2026

The work of #journalists has become so dangerous that many, like José Rubén Zamora, face sustained persecution. Under house arrest, José faces politically motivated charges for reporting on corruption. #PressFreedom is non-negotiable. #StandAsHisWitness: web.civicus.org/FreeZamora

The #civicspace situation in @ASEAN continues to regress with 3 countries rated 'closed' & 5 rated 'repressed' As leaders meet, #Philippines as the Chair must address the backsliding of freedoms in the region, including the crisis in #Myanmar #ASEAN2026 monitor.civicus.org

🇸🇩 #Sudan: 3 years since outbreak of war in 2023, our new research brief looks at restrictions to civic freedoms: 🔴Attacks & killings of HRDs, aid workers, journalists 🔴Targeting of media & CSOs 🔴Internet shutdowns, dis/mis-information campaigns More: web.civicus.org/SudanbriefApri…

🇵🇰#Pakistan: In recent months, #humanrights lawyers and #activists have been criminalised, a women’s rights day march disrupted and #journalists targeted for their reporting and tweets. Our latest #civicspace update: web.civicus.org/PakistanMay2026

🇺🇸#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

🇧🇴 #Bolivia: Community leaders opposing extractive projects are facing criminal charges, with legal proceedings used to deter protest and local resistance. Our latest country update: web.civicus.org/Bolivia0426

#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🟢🟡🔴

Protesters in the Philippines were stopped by police as thousands marched towards the US Embassy on International Workers’ Day, or May Day. They demanded higher wages and called for an end to the war in the Middle East, which has caused spikes in prices.

🇺🇳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

📡🪧How are governments using surveillance to crack down on protests? 🎧In new episode of #CIVICUSVoices, we explore how facial recognition, geolocation tracking, and social media monitoring are being used to watch, intimidate, and silence dissent: web.civicus.org/civicusvoices

🇵🇾#Paraguay: President @SantiPenap 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

🇲🇾#Malaysia: The state of #civicspace remains 'obstructed'. In recent months, #activists have faced police harassment, peaceful #protesters have been arrested and #journalists & media outlets targeted for their reporting More here: web.civicus.org/MalaysiaApril2…