Bahrain added to human rights watchlist amid sweeping crackdown on dissent More than 200 people detained for social media posts and peaceful protests amidst the regional conflict Authorities accused of secret detentions, enforced disappearances and torture of critics Government expands crackdown on civic freedoms under the guise of national security 29 July 2026 – Bahrain has been added to the latest CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist following a sharp escalation in violations of civic freedoms in the midst of the conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran.

Burkina Faso added to international human rights watchlist as military authorities dismantles civil society organisations and political opposition More than 1,100 civil society organisations have been suspended or dissolved Military authorities have dissolved all political parties Critics of the military authorities face arrests, censorship and enforced disappearances 29 July 2026 – Burkina Faso has been added to the latest CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist as military authorities escalate restrictions on civil society organisations, dismantle all political parties and intensify reprisals against critics.

Ecuador remains on the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist as the government extends and expands its emergency powers Emergency security powers introduced in 2024 continue to expand, raising concerns about impunity and military overreach Human rights and environmental activists and journalists face escalating violence, intimidation and criminalisation Civil society groups face growing restrictions and financial controls 29 July 2026 - Ecuador remains on the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist as the government expands its emergency powers in response to organised crime, fuelling a broader crackdown on civic freedoms and exposing activists, journalists, and civil society organisations to escalating violence, criminalisation and intimidation.

Georgia remains on human rights watchlist as government enforces sweeping new restrictions on protest and dissent Protesters jailed and hit with massive fines Authorities expand powers to prosecute critics and monitor online speech Devastating toll of funding restrictions on civil society 29 July 2026 – Georgia remains on the latest CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist as authorities expand their crackdown on civic freedoms amid the ongoing political crisis.

India added to human rights watchlist as repression intensifies in Modi's third term A range of legal measures are being used to jail activists, protesters, journalists and critics of the government Authorities are expanding censorship and surveillance powers NGOs face tighter funding restrictions and unprecedented government control over their operations 29 July - India has been added to the latest CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist due to a rapid deterioration in civic freedoms during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.

Benin added to human rights watchlist as repression intensifies ahead of April elections Available languages:English Read more

Philippines added to human rights watchlist as repression of dissent intensifies Available languages:English Read more

Georgia added to human rights watchlist as sweeping new laws come into force Available languages:English | Georgian Read more

Iran added to human rights watchlist amid violent crackdown and regional conflict Available languages:English Read more

Ecuador added to human rights watchlist as repression of dissent intensifies Available languages:English | Spanish Read more

The CIVICUS Monitor has downgraded the United States of America’s civic space rating, reflecting a sharp deterioration of fundamental freedoms in the country.

The CIVICUS Monitor has downgraded Argentina’s civic space rating, reflecting a sharp deterioration of fundamental freedoms in the country.