Defending Civil Society

Our first compilation focuses on measures that constrain civil society, civic space, and philanthropy around the world.

Featured Publication: Defending Civil Society

This report: (1) surveys constraints impeding civil society, (2) discusses governmental justifications for these constraints, and (3) presents international principles to protect civil society. The report is based on a global consultative process and is endorsed by an Eminent Persons Group that includes Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Vaclav Havel, the Dalai Lama, and other civil society notables.

Investment Treaty Protection of Not-for-Profit Organizations

In this paper, two internationally-renowned experts analyze the protections that civil society organizations receive under international investment treaties. (Read more)

Safeguarding Civil Society in Politically Complex Environments

This article, from ICNL's quarterly journal The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law, examines strategies and tools to protect civil society and freedom of association in politically complex environments. (Read more)

UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Freedom of Assembly and Association

On September 30, 2010, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution creating a Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association. Read the resolution. Read the interview with ICNL's President on the process leading to the Resolution.

Legal Framework for Global Philanthropy: Barriers and Opportunities

Authored by ICNL and commissioned by the Council on Foundations, this report surveys legal barriers to cross-border philanthropy and potential options to address these barriers. (Read more)

Global Philanthropy in a Time of Crisis

Drawn from the second issue of Global Trends, this report examines legal developments affecting global philanthropy and foreign assistance. (Read more)

Barred from the Debate: Restrictions on NGO Public Policy Activities

The third issue of ICNL's Global Trends in NGO Law analyzes legislative initiatives affecting the ability of NGOs to contribute to discussions of public policy. (Read more)

The Role of Legal Reform in Supporting Civil Society

This primer, commissioned by UNDP and authored by ICNL, provides (1) an introductory overview of the legal environment for civil society, and (2) a general orientation to international actors interested in promoting a more conducive environment for civil society. (English | Français | Español)

Global Trends in NGO Law: 2007 - 2009

The inaugural issue of Global Trends provides an overview of five major themes that have emerged with respect to laws affecting NGOs proposed or enacted from 2007 - 2009. (Read more)

"The Associational Counter-Revolution" (from @lliance Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 3)

This 2006 article written by ICNL's President and Vice President summarizes the actions undertaken by countries around the world to constrain civil society. (Read more)