Resources by Theme

ICNL receives frequent requests for resources on a variety of subjects related to civil society law. Below, we provide links to selected collections of key resources on ten topics.

Defending Civil Society

Defending Civil Society Report, second edition 2012

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

Foreign Funding

Featured Publication: International Investment Treaty Protection of Not-for-Profit Organizations

These resources focus on developments, rights and best practices in foreign funding. More

Freedom of Assembly

Global Trends in NGO Law - Freedom of Assembly

This compilation of publications, reports and court cases focuses on the freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest. More

UN Special Rapporteur

Photo of UN Building Geneva Switzerland

These are key documents related to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association. More

Counter-Terrorism

Nonprofit Organizations and the Combatting of Terrorism Funding

This compilation synthesizes counter-terrorism measures affecting civil society. More

Aid Effectiveness

The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action

These documents address the enabling environment for civil society within the context of the aid effectiveness debate. More

Regional and Global Overviews

Featured Publication: Survey of Arab NGO Laws

These publications synthesize key aspects of the civil society legal framework in the Middle East/ North Africa, Central/Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific. More

Assessment and Monitoring Tools

Featured Tool: The NGO Law Monitor

These publications include tools for assessing and monitoring the legal enabling environment for civil society. More

Volunteerism

Featured Publication: Laws and Policies Affecting Volunteerism Since 2001

These resources focus on laws and policies that facilitate volunteerism, in particular, efforts to improve the legal environment for volunteers since the "International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001." More

NGO/Government Cooperation

Featured Publication: Comparative Overview of European Standards and Practices in Regulating Public Participation

These resources focus on laws, policies, and institutional mechanisms for promoting cooperation between civil society organizations (CSOs) and governments. More

Post-2015 Development Agenda

Featured Publication: Comparative Overview of European Standards and Practices in Regulating Public Participation

These resources address the development framework that will succeed the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015. More

Digital Freedom

Featured Publication: Comparative Overview of European Standards and Practices in Regulating Public Participation

These resources discuss the framework that will succeed the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015. More