Governments tighten grip on civil society worldwide
September 12, 2024 | Foreign Relations: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent government meeting, alarming trends regarding the restriction of civil society across the globe were highlighted, revealing a significant crackdown on civic freedoms. Over the past five years, 72 countries have enacted 270 measures aimed at limiting the operations of civil society organizations, with one-third of these measures specifically targeting the formation and functioning of nonprofits.
Notably, Venezuela's government has recently passed a law granting the regime extensive powers to determine which nonprofits may operate, further consolidating control over civil society. In Nicaragua, the closure of 1,500 nonprofits, including religious and human rights organizations, underscores the growing trend of governmental repression. Afghanistan has also taken drastic measures, issuing an order that prohibits women from working in nonprofit sectors.
The meeting also addressed the increasing barriers to resource access for civil society. In Niger, nonprofits must obtain government approval to receive donations, even from local sources, while countries like Egypt impose similar restrictions on international funding. The rise of anti-foreign influence laws was discussed, with these regulations often being overly broad and aimed at undermining defenders of democracy.
The discussion revealed a concerning pattern where 50% of restrictions affect all sectors of society, with laws such as Hong Kong's national security law and Belarus's extremism law being used to target activists across various fields. This comprehensive suppression of civic space has led some to describe the current global climate as a \"great repression,\" moving beyond a mere democratic recession.
To combat these trends, recommendations were made for the U.S. government to enhance support for civil society. Proposed measures include establishing a global program to monitor and address anti-NGO laws, increasing personnel dedicated to defending democracy, and promoting the effective use of sanctions under the global Magnitsky Act. The importance of safeguarding civil society both internationally and domestically was emphasized as a critical priority moving forward.
Notably, Venezuela's government has recently passed a law granting the regime extensive powers to determine which nonprofits may operate, further consolidating control over civil society. In Nicaragua, the closure of 1,500 nonprofits, including religious and human rights organizations, underscores the growing trend of governmental repression. Afghanistan has also taken drastic measures, issuing an order that prohibits women from working in nonprofit sectors.
The meeting also addressed the increasing barriers to resource access for civil society. In Niger, nonprofits must obtain government approval to receive donations, even from local sources, while countries like Egypt impose similar restrictions on international funding. The rise of anti-foreign influence laws was discussed, with these regulations often being overly broad and aimed at undermining defenders of democracy.
The discussion revealed a concerning pattern where 50% of restrictions affect all sectors of society, with laws such as Hong Kong's national security law and Belarus's extremism law being used to target activists across various fields. This comprehensive suppression of civic space has led some to describe the current global climate as a \"great repression,\" moving beyond a mere democratic recession.
To combat these trends, recommendations were made for the U.S. government to enhance support for civil society. Proposed measures include establishing a global program to monitor and address anti-NGO laws, increasing personnel dedicated to defending democracy, and promoting the effective use of sanctions under the global Magnitsky Act. The importance of safeguarding civil society both internationally and domestically was emphasized as a critical priority moving forward.
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