The Civil Society Watch Programme (CSW) works to protect and expand the space for civil society to operate freely around the world. CSW aims to mobilise quick principled and effective responses to events and situations that threaten the freedoms of expression, association and assembly. CSW is currently implementing two main projects:

• Early Warning System (EWS)
• Eurasia Network

The CSW Programme also critically analyses laws and policies affecting civil society, and advocates for civil society space, including with national governments and at intergovernmental forums. Check out our ‘Take Action' section and sign-up to the CSW Monthly Bulletin to stay informed about threats to civil society around the world.

CSW prioritises its work along three main areas:

1. Monitoring and disseminating information on threats to civil society,
2. Targeted and timely responses to threats, and
3. Policy-based advocacy to promote and expand civil society space and engagement at intergovernmental forums.

1. Monitoring and Disseminating Information on Threats to Civil Society

The ability of civil society to function is often threatened through laws, official policies and other practical restrictions. These may include attacks on human rights defenders, restrictions on registration or funding of organisations, arbitrary, searches, seizures or even closure of organisations, and barriers to the rights to free expression and assembly. In 2009, CIVICUS tracked threats in 75 countries.

CSW collates, analyses and disseminates information about threats to civil society around the world. Urgent high-level threats are collected from EWS and Eurasia Network partners and publicised online via the Civil Society Watch Monthly Bulletin, CIVICUS' electronic publication, e-CIVICUS, and other relevant resources.

In 2010, CSW plans to launch a Civil Society Database which will be an online platform for interested individuals and organisations to log in securely and report on threats to civil society. The database will be a dynamic way for civil society and other entities across the world to share information about threats, collaborate on responses and monitor situations.

2. Targeted Responses to Threats

Addressing threats to civil society requires targeted advocacy actions through systemised and strategic processes. Examples of actions undertaken by CSW include: press statements, analytical submissions and letters to major decision making forums, undertaking fact finding and solidarity missions, direct lobbying with key functionaries as well as coordinating civic actions such as protest marches. In 2010, CSW is evaluating its pool of advocacy actions to identify how CSW can best collaborate with its partners to respond effectively to threats.

In addition, CSW is focusing on:

• Engaging with the UN Human Rights Council and other international and regional human rights bodies,
• Working towards mainstreaming human rights obligations in official policies and projects via submissions, coalition building and case study analysis.
• Supporting prisoners of conscience through a "Civil Society Behind Bars" campaign which seeks to exert pressure on governments to free those arbitrarily detained because of their political beliefs and civil society work.

3. Expansion of Civil Society Space at Intergovernmental Forums

CSW also supports CIVICUS' continuous engagement at the global policy level to increase the space for civil society participation. To do so, CSW is developing policy positions on:

1. The role and space for civil society in regional and international human rights bodies;
2. The shortcomings of international law governing space for civil society;
3. The role and space for civil society in key international financial institutions.

Tools and Resources

The CSW has developed the Compendium of International Legal Instruments and Other Intergovernmental Commitments Concerning Core Civil Society Rights. The compendium is an important reference document for advocacy groups while framing their demands for the protection and expansion of civil society space. Other tools and resources for civil society activists can be accessed here.