The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a parallel crisis for civic space. Many of the emergency laws and other extraordinary measures adopted in response to the virus restrict fundamental rights and freedoms.

This report assesses opportunities and obstacles in charitable donations of virtual currencies. It aims to bring civil society organizations, would-be virtual currency donors, and policymakers up to speed on emerging trends.

Made up of more than 40 countries, Asia defies easy categorization. On the one hand, many countries are home to vibrant civil society sectors. On the other hand, in too many countries, state regulatory controls on civil society are becoming increasingly restrictive.

This New York Times article looks at leaders around the world who have passed emergency decrees and legislation expanding their reach during the pandemic. Will they ever relinquish them? This article looks at the history of emergency responses and what is happening now.

In this piece for the Center for Global Development, ICNL Alliance Advisory Council Member Michael Pisa discusses how the use of digital tools to monitor the coronavirus spread raises serious questions about governments continuing to use these surveillance tools for other purposes after the crisis.

In this issue of the Civic Freedom Digest, ICNL highlights some of the key challenges and opportunities for civic freedoms across the Asia-Pacific region.

MUTUAL BENEFIT ORGAN ISATIONS ACT (CHAPTER 191) (Original Enactment: Ordinance 42 of 1960) REVISED EDITION 1985 (30th March 1987) An Act for the registration and […]

THE SCHEDULE Sections 4(1) and 33A SPECIFIED SOCIETIES 1. Any society whose object, purpose or activity, whether primary or otherwise, is to — (a) represent; […]

SOCIETIES ACT (CHAPTER 311) (Original Enactment: Act 56 of 1966) REVISED EDITION 1985 (30th March 1987) An Act relating to societies. [27th January 1967] Short […]

1 SUMMARY OF REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR CHARITIES IN SINGAPORE (September 2006) 1. CREATING NGOS Estimates on the size and economic value of the NGO sector: […]

Public Order (Composition of Offences) Regulations 2011 Enacting Formula 1 Citation and commencement 2 Compoundable offences 3 Meaning of “repeat offender” 4 Revocation No. S […]

  The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 5, Issue 1, September 2002 Regional Developments in the South Pacific – Civil Society Legal Frameworks under […]

The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 3, March 1999 Regional A review of the book Philanthropy and Law in Asia, edited by […]