Countering Authoritarianism in Asia During COVID-19: Findings & Resources
April 30, 2025
From 2020 to 2024, ICNL worked with FORUM-ASIA, Media Defence and over a dozen local civil society organizations to address authoritarian measures enacted throughout the Indo-Pacific region in response to COVID-19.
Safeguarding Civic Space During Public Emergencies
August 21, 2024
On August 21, 2024, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and FORUM-ASIA, with logistical support from the Asia Centre, convened a one-day workshop exploring governance practices during public emergencies.
National Relief Funds in Asia During COVID-19
February 5, 2024
This paper explores government-run relief funds established for the purpose of COVID-19 pandemic response, and how these funds impacted civil society in countries in Asia.
Pandemic Governance & Civic Freedoms
January 31, 2024
Japan stands out among the Asian nations for it's response to COVID-19 for adeptly utilizing its legal framework without compromising fundamental rights. This ICNL report looks at both successes and areas for improvement in pandemic governance.
Trends in Digital Laws in Asia and the Pacific
January 10, 2024
This updated monitoring assessment from a working group of local Myanmar civil society organizations (CSOs) and networks explores the challenges and threats encountered by both registered and non-registered CSOs in the post-coup period.
Moving Beyond COVID-19 Restrictions in Southeast Asia
May 26, 2023
The Asia Centre policy briefs Moving Beyond COVID-19 Restrictions in Southeast Asia: Pushing Back Against Authoritarian Pandemic Governance
Guiding Principles on Government Use of Surveillance Technologies
March 30, 2023
To empower parliamentarians (MPs) to advocate for internet freedoms, APHR & ICNL presents this Toolkit for Parliamentarians: Promoting Internet Freedoms in Southeast Asia.
The Law Affecting Civil Society in Asia
April 21, 2020
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.
Globalization, Glocalization, and Galápagos Syndrome: Public Interest Corporations in Japan
May 1, 2016
For optimal readability, we highly recommend downloading the document PDF, which you can do below.
Tax Incentives Under the New Public Interest Corporation System
May 21, 2013
Non -Profit Type Others Taxable Income from 34 Specified for -profit activities taxable ◇ Even for -profit activities are tax -exempt if included in authorised […]
Law to Promote Specified Nonprofit Activities
November 4, 2012
A Note: Major revisions marked in bold print [UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION] Law to Promote SpeciÞed NonproÞt Activities Promulgated on March 25, 1998 (Including all revisions with […]
Cabinet Order 141 Amending in Part the Special Tax Measures Law
December 1, 2011
This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]
Act on Authorization of Public Interest Incorporated Associations and Public Interest Incorporated Foundations (Act No. 49 of 2006)
December 1, 2011
This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]
Consumption Tax Overview
December 1, 2011
This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]
Outline of Tax Treatment of Donors of Charitable Contributions
December 1, 2011
This document has been provided by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL). ICNL is the leading source for information on th e legal environment […]
NGO Responses to Counterterrorism Regulations After September 11th
November 1, 2010
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 12, Issue 4, November 2010 By Elizabeth A. Bloodgood1 and Joannie Tremblay-Boire2 We examine variations in nongovernmental organizations’ […]
ICNL Co-Organizes Comparative Seminar on International Charity Law in Beijing, China
December 15, 2004
PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 15, 2004 In October 2004, the China Charity Federation organized a comparative seminar on international charity law. Co-organizers included ICNL, the Brigham Young […]
Legal Changes Affecting Not-for-Profits in Japan
November 1, 2004
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 7, Issue 1, November 2004 By Hana Heineken, University of Tokyo, and Robert Pekkanen, University of Washington After […]
The State of Civil Society in Japan
February 1, 2004
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 6, Issue 2, February 2004 Edited by Frank J. Schwartz and Susan J. Pharr Japan, with its homogeneity […]
Reform Plan for Public Interest Juridical Persons in Japan
August 6, 2003
In recent times, scandals involving some public benefit juristic persons in Japan have served to erode public perceptions of these persons.
Country Reports: Asia Pacific
September 1, 2002
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 […]
Country Reports: Asia Pacific
June 1, 2002
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 4, June 2002 Regional Conference on Legal Enabling Environment for NPOs in East and Southeast Asia In […]
Country Reports: Asia Pacfic
March 1, 2002
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 4, Issue 2-3, March 2002 China In China, the Public Welfare Donations Law has been on the books […]
Country Reports: Asia Pacific
March 1, 2001
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 3, March 2001 Regional NGO Capacity Building in the Pacific Region– Towards Greater Inter-Agency Cooperation Regional […]
Cross-Border Philanthropy: An Exploratory Study of International Giving in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany and Japan
September 1, 2000
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 3, Issue 1, September 2000 By Helmut K. Anheier and Regina List Editors Reviewed by ICNL Staff […]
Country Reports: Asia Pacific
December 1, 1999
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 2, Issue 2, December 1999 Australia In a bid to encourage corporate and personal philanthropy, the Prime Minister, […]
Country Reports: Asia Pacific
December 1, 1998
The International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law Volume 1, Issue 2, December 1998 Regional CIVICUS Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly CIVICUS held its second Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly in […]