This year has indeed begun with a bang which makes our work ever more relevant. Even if cherished civic freedoms are under threat, the spirit of resistance against political oppression, economic deprivation and misogyny fueled gender-based violence remains strong.
When civil society colleagues speak to us, they tell us of another better world being possible: one where peace, dignity and justice can prevail through citizen action.
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Bangladesh will be holding elections on 12 February, following the 2024 protests that removed the previous regime. We highlight the state of civic space in the country which the new government must address when it comes to power. Read more
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CIVICUS condemns the harsh sentencing of human rights defenders in both Iran and Hong Kong. In Iran, Narges Mohammadi continues to face repeated imprisonment, highlighting the government’s crackdown on civil society, women’s rights advocates, and fundamental freedoms. In Hong Kong, the 20-year prison sentence for pro-democracy activist and media figure Jimmy Lai represents a serious assault on press freedom and civic space, underscoring the ongoing erosion of independent expression under the national security law.
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Myanmar: Military Junta has Crushed Civic Space Five Years Since its Takeover
CIVICUS calls on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the international community to step up and do more to resolve the human rights crisis in Myanmar as well as reject the sham election results. Five years after the 1 February 2021 coup, there has been a serious failure to take effective action to deter the ongoing repression of activists in the country, attacks on civilians by the junta, and to restore democracy and civilian rule. Read more
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ICE Enforcement, FBI Raid Show Government is Afraid. Democracy is in Trouble
In a powerful new opinion, Susan Marx (Chief Programmes Officer) warns that recent ICE enforcement and an FBI raid reveal a government fearful of public dissent. From Minneapolis streets to national debates, she highlights how ordinary people are resisting with conscience and courage — and why standing up for protest rights and civil liberties is fundamentally constitutional.
Read more
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2025 Unwrapped: Democracy and the In‑Between
In this op‑ed, CIVICUS' Vincy Mighulo Masaka and Seun Akinyemi reflect on how 2025 was officially an election year — yet civil society bore the brunt of shrinking civic space, digital surveillance and criminalisation of dissent, leaving democratic gains in name but not in lived reality. The piece highlights structural trends that outpace support systems, and the urgent need for flexible, anticipatory support for civil society. Read more
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Celebrating 100 Years: CIVICUS Joins Mott Foundation’s ‘100 Voices’
In January 2026, the Mott Foundation announced the start of its centennial year – with a webpage devoted to its 100th anniversary. On the page is 100 Voices – in which our Secretary General, Mandeep Tiwana's video interview is featured under the Civil Society Issue helping Mott celebrate 100 years of promoting a just, equitable and sustainable society.
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Feminst Pathways in Civic Space
The VUKA! coalition has launched the “Feminist Pathways in Civic Space: A Vuka! Global Enquiry” to better understand how shrinking civic space is affecting feminist and gender-justice movements worldwide and how those movements are responding through organising, care, resistance, and leadership.
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CIVICUS Lens stories are directly informed by interviews with civil society activists, leaders, and change-makers. You can click on the stories below to read our analysis. You can also head to the platform and navigate the themes, stories, articles, and interviews - articles are available in multiple languages. Subscribe to the CIVICUS Lens newsletter mailing list for monthly updates on interviews and articles.
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Power Civil Society’s Future — Get Involved in 2026
The International Civil Society Centre is rolling out its 2026 programme to strengthen civil society’s resilience, leadership and impact in a changing world — from defending civic space and anticipating future challenges to empowering marginalised communities and fostering collaboration across regions. Now is the moment to join collective efforts, connect with peers, and take part in shaping a more equitable, agile and future‑ready civil society.🔗 Read more
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African Journalists: Apply Now!
Your reporting shapes how the world understands Africa. The Wikimedia Open the Knowledge Journalism Awards recognise journalists who help volunteers create accurate, complete Wikipedia articles. Winners receive $2,000 and a chance to attend the Wikimedia Volunteer Conference in 2026.
📅 Deadline: 1 March
🔗Apply Now
Global Human Rights in Peril: HRW World Report 2026
Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2026 warns that the global human rights system is in grave peril as authoritarian trends escalate and democratic norms erode. The annual report highlights that a growing share of the world’s population now lives under autocratic regimes, with major powers such as the United States, China and Russia exerting pressure that undermines the rules‑based international order and weakens protections for civil society, free expression and the right to protest.
🔗Read more
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Call for independent experts
The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) has opened applications for the mandate of Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression. The independent expert will be appointed during HRC62 (15 June–10 July 2026) and will play a vital role in monitoring and promoting freedom of expression worldwide.
⏰ Deadline: 24 March 2026, 12:00 (Geneva time)
🔗 More details and applications
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Research and Communications Officer
CIVICUS is recruiting a Research and Communications Officer to support the CIVICUS Lens initiative and State of Civil Society Report. The role combines research, media strategy and outreach — conducting interviews and desk research, developing media and social media strategies, producing visual content and managing publications and multilingual content with designers and translators. Apply here
Human Rights Intern
CIVICUS is looking for a Human Rights Intern to support its advocacy priorities, UN engagement, member support and research on civic freedoms and civil and political rights. This remote internship offers practical experience in global human rights advocacy, event coordination, communications and network engagement. Apply here
Digital Democracy Initiative: Calls for Partners and Experts
The CIVICUS Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) is inviting applications for multiple opportunities to strengthen digital rights, civic space advocacy and efforts to counter mis‑ and disinformation:
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