CIVICUS - CIVICUS launches Crisis Response Fund

Contrary to the optimistic post Cold War projections of many, civil society now finds itself more constrained than ever. The so-called war on terror has been used to justify old-fashioned repression not only by undemocratic regimes but, even more disturbingly, by self-proclaimed champions of democracy.

Since 2007, CIVICUS has identified more than 85 countries where governments have carried out systemic actions aimed at curbing the space and activities of civil society. These include legislation that prohibits the registration of CSOs or restricts funding to civil society; identifying and targeting human rights advocates and activists; imposing restrictions on travel; and closing down CSOs.