May 3, 2022Localization and Civic Space

Localization—giving local partners more control and ownership of development initiatives—is a priority for the international development community. Local civil...

April 28, 2022Stopping the Over-Penalization of Civil Disobedience at Protests in the U.S.

In an article in Cornell Law Review, ICNL’s Nick Robinson and Elly Page argue for more robust constitutional protection...

April 21, 2022Extractive Industries and Civic Space

In January and February 2022, ICNL worked with NRGI, PWYP, Oxfam USA, and the Institute of Development Studies to...

April 13, 2022A Pandemic of Silence

Written by ICNL consultant Meghna Sharma, this briefer examines how authoritarian COVID-19 policies in the Indo-Pacific region have affected...

April 13, 2022Resilience in Southeast Asia

Authored by ICNL consultant Kirana Anjani, this briefer dives deep into the challenges faced by civil society in Southeast...

April 12, 2022The Triple Threat to Civil Society in India

This working paper, by Ingrid Srinath, the Director of the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy at Ashoka University,...

April 8, 2022Enhancing the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938

On April 5, 2022, the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary's subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil...

March 28, 2022The Regulatory Regime Debilitating India’s Nonprofit Sector

Throughout the COVID pandemic, India's nonprofit sector filled crucial gaps by providing essential social services and humanitarian relief. And...

March 10, 2022ECNL: International Standards Protecting the Climate and its Defenders

This guide, created by ECNL, explores the key standards that protect climate activists’ civic freedoms.  It maps out the...

March 3, 20224 Things to Know About Thailand’s Updated Draft NPO Bill

On January 4, 2022, the Thai Cabinet approved a revised draft non-profit organization (NPO) bill drafted by the Office...

February 16, 2022U.S. Program Comments: FARA’s Impact on Civil Society

These comments, written by ICNL's U.S. Program team, are in response to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) from...

February 8, 2022Keeping Guns Away from Protests in the US

Armed individuals intimidate and discourage people from exercising their rights to speech and assembly, and they have interfered with...

January 25, 2022Natural Resources Governance in the Philippines

Bantay Kita, an organization in the Philippines, has been a leader in developing inputs on civic space for submission...

January 10, 2022Civic Space and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration

This ICNL White Paper explains why the GCM’s failure to meaningfully include considerations of migrants’ civic freedoms and civic...

January 3, 2022Bread&Net: Let’s Keep AI on Our Agenda

During the 2021 Bread&Net, ICNL held a workshop on the importance of civil society involvement in the development of...

December 28, 2021Good Governance and Civic Space

Understanding the essence and practical value of human rights helps citizens enjoy and assert their rights when these rights...

December 28, 2021Civic Engagement and Lawmaking in the Kyrgyz Republic

These guidelines are intended to become an information resource for representatives of civil society organizations and citizens of the...

December 23, 2021Comparative Overview of CSO Reporting Requirements in Eurasia

This ICNL comparative overview of various Eurasian countries presents international standards and comparative international practices on CSO reporting.

December 21, 2021Rapid Response Support

Throughout the year, ICNL rapidly developed legal analyses to support civil society under pressure, including practical resources to navigate...

December 21, 2021Protecting the Right To Protest

ICNL is working with a broad coalition of civil liberties, racial justice, environmental, and other groups to address anti-protest...

December 21, 2021Navigating COVID in Kyrgyzstan

COVID hit Kyrgyzstan hard, overwhelming an already fragile healthcare system. In the face of these challenges, Elim Barsynby, a...

December 21, 2021Promoting Public Participation in Lebanon

ICNL partnered with the Lebanese Oil and Gas Initiative (LOGI), a civil society organization promoting transparent management of oil...

December 21, 2021What Happens to Civic Space After COVID?

In early 2020, as COVID began to spread globally, ICNL recognized the repercussions of states’ emergency responses on fundamental...

December 21, 2021Reform Initiatives to Protect Activists from Abusive Litigation

This ICNL briefer outlines SLAPPs related projects, activities, and impacts and presents a pathway forward for protecting civil society...

December 21, 2021The Passing of Muatar Saidmuradovna Khaidarova

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Muatar Saidmuradovna Khaidarova on December 20, 2021. Muatar...

December 20, 20212020-2021 Annual Report

The ongoing COVID crisis has emboldened authoritarian leadership and given rise to misuse of emergency powers, on top of...

December 16, 2021FATF Toolkit for Kenyan Non-Profit Organizations

This toolkit is designed to provide information on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for non-profit organizations (NPOs) in...

December 16, 2021Toolkit on the Rights of Women and Girls to Peaceful Assembly and Association

This ICNL-UNSR toolkit supports civil society efforts to advocate for women's full enjoyment of the rights to freedom...

December 15, 2021Assessing India’s Legal Framework on the Right to Peaceful Assembly

This report maps the Indian legal framework governing the right to freedom of assembly and the right to protest,...

December 13, 2021Climate and Terrorism at the UN Security Council

This Just Security article provides a warning of the securitization of the climate crisis and links to terrorism, while offering...

December 13, 2021Experts Urge States to Protect At-risk Civil Society Actors

UN and regional human rights experts issued a joint declaration calling on States to strengthen international efforts to support...

December 7, 2021Legal Frameworks for Civic Space: A Practical Toolkit

This toolkit, created in collaboration with the UNDP and ICNL, provides an overview of the human rights standards that...

November 16, 2021Solving the Climate Crisis Together

This article, written by ECNL, highlights that restrictions on civil society undermine climate mitigation efforts and impede the collaboration...

November 1, 2021Analysis of Counter-Extremism and Anti-Nazism Laws in Belarus

ICNL analysis of the laws of the Republic of Belarus on countering extremism and prevention of the rehabilitation of...

October 30, 2021What to Expect From Taliban Governance of NGOs

This Just Security article, written by ICNL's Vice President of Legal Affairs David Moore, highlights, the importance for donors...

October 27, 2021Protecting Civic Space for Climate Activists

This briefer ECNL and ICNL briefer presents key findings and recommendations from the UNSR report on protecting civic space for...

October 13, 2021Freedom of Expression Handbook

This handbook that supports lawmakers and law reform advocates to assess a domestic law’s compliance with international legal standards...

October 12, 2021Opening Civic Space Through the Open Government Partnership in Kenya

This ICNL toolkit designed to provide information on the Open Government Partnership (OGP) for civil society organizations (CSOs) in...

October 8, 2021FATF Standards and Their Misuse in Africa

This ECNL and ICNL briefer, gives an introduction to FATF, why its standards matter for civil society in Africa,...

October 4, 2021What Can Donor Countries Do to Expand Civic Space?

This OECD Recommendation identifies key principles that donor governments should follow to respect, protect, and promote civic space; support...

September 16, 2021Assessing Civil Society Engagement in the EITI Process

ICNL guide for how civil society partners can provide inputs into the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global...

September 10, 2021Overseas NGOs, Foundations, and COVID in China

This article, published by EURICS, explores China's tumultuous past of navigating overseas funding and aid during times of crisis....

September 9, 2021The Right to Protest Is Sacrosanct

In this San Francisco Chronicle article, written by ICNL's Senior Legal Advisor Nick Robinson with UC Berkeley School of...

September 3, 2021U.S. Current Trend: Bills Provide Immunity to Drivers Who Hit Protesters

Following a swell of racial justice protests that have taken to the streets, politically charged bills are being introduced...

August 24, 2021US Counterterrorism Measures May Block Aid to Afghans

This Just Security article, written by ICNL CEO Doug Rutzen and Senior Legal Advisor Nicholas Miller, calls on the...

August 13, 2021Risks for International Business in Hong Kong

This Harvard report analyzes the impacts of Hong Kong's National Security Law on the domestic legal system and its...

July 30, 2021Climate Change and Civic Space in MENA

This study maps laws and regulations that impact civic spaces, participation, and assembly specifically as it relates to climate...

July 30, 2021Civic Space, Surveillance, and COVID-19

On July 28, 2021, ICNL hosted an online discussion for civil society organization (CSO) representatives from around the world...

July 28, 2021HRC 47: Civic Space On and Offline

In this article, the European Center for Not-for-Profit law analyzes the extent to newly adopted HRC resolutions provide safeguards...

July 23, 2021Analysis of US Anti-Protest Bills

Since 2017, ICNL has tracked introduced anti-protest legislation in the United States. This page uses data from ICNL's US Protest Law Tracker to...

July 21, 2021Freedom of Assembly, Association, and Climate Defenders in Africa

On May 13, 2021, ICNL, in collaboration with CIVICUS, convened civil society organizations that work on climate justice from...

July 20, 2021Civic Space, Corruption, and COVID-19

On June 30, 2021, ICNL hosted an online discussion for civil society organization representatives from around the world to...

July 19, 2021India’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act

In recent years, India has enacted a number of regulatory measures constricting funding for domestic non-profit organizations, the most...

July 16, 2021Briefer: Online Gender Based Violence

This ICNL briefer, provides background on online gender-based violence and describes the ongoing work of partners in pushing back...

July 13, 2021India’s 2020 FCRA Amendments Impact on Association

This ICNL legal briefer provides a brief history and context of the FCRA, followed by an international legal analysis...

July 13, 2021Nigeria’s COVID Regulations and Civic Space

This ICNL briefer outlines the civic space implications of Nigeria’s Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021, including an...

July 12, 2021Enabling Civil Society in Development and Humanitarian Assistance

This report by the OECD Development Assistance Committee provides recommendations for including and enabling civil society in development...

July 6, 2021UNSR Report: Civic Space and Climate Justice

In this report, the UNSR on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association discusses key threats...

June 30, 2021UNSR Report: Internet Shutdowns and Freedom of Association and Assembly

This report by UNSR Clement Voule, identifies a path forward for ending Internet shutdowns and will act as a...

June 24, 2021ACHPR Checklists for Law Reform Advocates

These two checklists were created by the ACHPR to deepen the understanding and compliance by States and other stakeholders...

June 17, 2021Time for a Course Correction on Counterterrorism and Civic Space

This Just Security article, written by ICNL’s Senior Legal Advisor, Nicholas Miller, and ECNL’s Executive Director, Katerina Hadzi-Miceva Evans,...

June 14, 2021The Human Rights Implications of Nigeria’s Twitter Ban

On June 4, 2021, Nigeria’s government suspended Twitter. While it is unclear which law the suspension stems from; nonetheless,...

June 3, 2021ECNL: Tax Benefits Stimulating Philanthropy

There are several ways in which governments can actively foster an enabling environment for philanthropy. Providing tax benefits for...

May 31, 2021Seven Restrictive Measures to Watch in Belarus

Recently, Belarus’s parliament adopted or is considering adopting seven laws restricting basic human rights. According to local experts, these laws are designed to suppress protest...

May 28, 20215 Things to Know About Thailand’s Proposed NPO Bill

ICNL outlines five key concerns with Thailand's draft law, which presents a highly securitized approach to the non-profit sector...

May 27, 2021FARA’s Double Life Abroad

Around the world, governments are constraining civil society and dissent. A common tactic of these governments is to enact...

May 21, 2021Tanzania: Understanding Your Right to Information

This guide from MISA Tanzania outlines the right to information for civil society and Tanzanians and how to request...

May 7, 2021Young Environmental Defenders and their Rights

This briefer from the Expert Council on NGO Law in collaboration with ECNL outlines states obligations for ensuring the...

May 5, 2021Civic Space after COVID

On May 24th 2021, ICNL and Sida are hosting a high-level virtual conversation on emergency measures, fundamental freedoms, and...

May 3, 2021Requirements for Recipients of Foreign Funds in the Republic of Kazakhstan

This analysis reviews the key provisions of Kazakhstan’s 2016 Law on Payments that have affected non-commercial organizations (NCOs), including...

April 30, 2021Cambodia: Fundamental Freedoms Monitoring Project

The Fundamental Freedoms Monitoring Project, which began in 2016, examines and evaluates the extent to which the freedoms of...

April 22, 2021Being AI-Ware: Incorporating Civil Society Into National Strategies on Artificial Intelligence

These country papers outline safeguards for fundamental rights and freedoms that need to be implemented into the development of...

April 21, 2021Forum on the Fundamental Freedoms of Kenyan Civil Society Online

ICNL, in collaboration with the Civil Society Reference Group (CSRG) and Article 19 Eastern Africa, hosted a digital forum...

April 8, 2021Guide to the Right of Peaceful Assembly in the Middle East and North Africa

A comprehensive guide on the right of peaceful assembly including what defines peaceful assembly, when is considered peaceful, states...

April 7, 2021COVID-19 and Civic Freedoms in Asia and the Pacific

To get a full picture of how COVID-19 measures have impacted civil society in the Asia-Pacific region, ICNL conducted...

March 25, 2021The Danger of the Foreign Agents Registration Act to Civil Society at Home and Abroad

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is both sweeping and vague. Recently, there have been many attempts by Congress...

March 23, 2021Creating a Truly Social Stock Exchange in India

This report written by Samhita in partnership with ICNL, reviews the social stock exchanges of Brazil, Portugal, South Africa,...

March 22, 2021Legal Obstacles to Indigenous Mobilization and Representation in Brazil

This Portuguese language report investigates the legal barriers to organization and representation of indigenous peoples in Brazil today.

March 22, 2021Malawi’s Non-Governmental Organizations Bill

Malawi's 2020 Non-Governmental Organizations Amendment Bill still contains problematic provisions for NGOs and citizens to exercise their fundamental freedoms.

March 10, 2021How Can Member States Improve the UN’s Counterterrorism Strategy?

In this Just Security article, Nicholas Miller and Jordan Street argue an updated UN approach to counterterrorism should reflect...

March 5, 2021Unlawful Edicts: Rule by Decree under the Myanmar Tatmadaw

This analysis provides an overview of the Myanmar military “Tatmadaw” orders aimed at suppressing communication and civil society resistance...

March 5, 2021Civil Disobedience: Implications for Myanmar

This analysis examines the international law of peaceful assembly, and expression protections for Myanmar's civil disobedience movement to the...

March 5, 2021Responding to the Disinformation Dilemma

While disinformation is not a new problem, the digital age has created new threats. This ICNL policy prospectus examines...

February 15, 2021Human Rights Watch Review of Free Speech During COVID-19

This Human Rights Watch report determined unlawful interference with free speech as one of the most common forms of...

February 12, 2021Myanmar: Draft Cyber Security Law and Other Threats to Fundamental Freedoms

In Myanmar, the military’s actions in early February 2021, including a recently proposed draft cyber security law, threaten fundamental...

February 11, 2021E-Consultation Mechanisms in Legislative and Regulatory Decision-Making

The COVID-19 epidemic has necessitated a shift to remote operations across society, from workplaces to schools to holiday celebrations,...

February 8, 2021Green Voices: Public Participation for Climate Activists

ECNL paper on government restrictions that restrain activists/groups from participating in decision-making processes on climate and environmental issues.

January 29, 2021Terrorism Financing Risk in Nonprofit Organizations in Latin America

This ICNL Spanish-language publication is based on survey responses submitted by 729 NPO sector representatives from 17 participating countries....

January 28, 2021ECNL Factsheet On Assemblies in Private Spaces

This ECNL factsheet covers how the protection granted by international human rights standards to protests in public spaces also...

January 15, 2021U.S. Current Trend: New Wave of Legislation Targeting Black Lives Matter Protesters

ICNL's Protest Law Tracker has identified an ongoing wave of anti-protest legislation targeting racial justice demonstrations and Black Lives...

January 8, 2021The Carter Center’s Election Obligations & Standards Database

This database from the Carter Center outlines state obligations to protect the freedom of expression during elections.

December 31, 2020Legal Responses to Covid-19 in Latin American & the Caribbean

Latin American and Caribbean country's legal responses to the COVID-19 and the impacts on freedom of association, peaceful assembly,...

December 31, 2020Responses to Covid-19 in the Amazonian Regions of Ecuador and Peru

This Pachamama Foundation report assesses the laws and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Amazonian regions of Ecuador...

December 26, 2020Statement of Support for Nicholas Opiyo, Executive Director of Chapter Four Uganda

The International Center for Not-for-profit Law (ICNL) remains deeply concerned about the continued detention of Nicholas Opiyo, the executive...

December 23, 2020Tracking Civic Space During a Global Pandemic

Responding to Covid-19, ICNLand partners tracked the impact of government responses, analyzed trends, informed the public, and supported partners.

December 23, 2020Taking a Rights-based Approach to Emerging Technology

ICNL partnered with the Global Digital Policy Incubator (GDPi) at Stanford University to host the first-ever Tech Camp for...

December 23, 2020Building a Safe Digital Space in East Africa

ICNL and the East Africa Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF), joined local partners to launch the Protection of Civic...

December 23, 2020Educating Future Civic Space Advocates in Central Asia

ICNL organized the International Workshop on Teaching Nonprofit Law to address civic space issues and education in Central Asia.

December 23, 2020Protecting Peaceful Assembly Onland and Online

This year, the UN Human Rights Committee issued General Comment No. 37 to provide guidance on the right to...

December 23, 2020Protecting Peaceful Protest in the United States

ICNL lead a coalition of groups working to protect the freedom of assembly in the US in response to...

December 18, 20202019-2020 Annual Report

In our 2019-2020 annual report, we highlight how ICNL and our partners have worked to keep civic space healthy during...

December 17, 2020India Digital Freedoms Series

This report series, researched and written by the Centre for Internet and Society with support from ICNL,  undertakes an...

December 16, 2020CivicSpace.Tech

CivicSpace.Tech was created as an interactive resource to help civil society organizations and development workers navigate emerging digital technologies.

December 10, 2020Protecting Nonprofits from Exploitation in Terrorism Financing in Tunisia

This ICNL report examines the issue of how terrorism financing laws impact the nonprofit sector in Tunisia.

December 10, 2020AML/CTF and Civil Society Organizations in the Middle East and North Africa

This ICNL analysis examines the impact of anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing on the nonprofit sector in the Middle...

December 10, 2020Migrant Civic Freedoms and COVID-19 in the Middle East and North Africa

This ICNL analysis examines the impacts of government COVID-19 responses on migrants' civic freedoms in the Middle East and...

December 10, 2020Disinformation: The Legislative Dilemma

This analysis provides an overview of the legislative dilemma of addressing disinformation and fake news while protecting civic freedom...

December 10, 2020e-Fundraising in Tajikistan

This legal analysis examines regulations relating to electronic fundraising tools available to Tajik Civil Society Organizations.

December 9, 2020A Proposal to Repair the Freedom of Assembly in the US

President-elect Joe Biden has made revitalizing democracy at home and abroad central to plans for his new administration. This...

December 9, 2020Comparative Overview of Online Consultation Regulation in Central Asia

Overview dedicated to legislation and implementation practices relating to online consultations on legislation between governments and civil society.

November 30, 2020Digitally-mediated Assemblies and the UN Standards

This ECNL factsheet on protests taking place in the online space and how international human rights standards, including General...

November 23, 2020Is the Coronavirus Catalyzing New Civic Collaborations for Open Government?

This report from the Carnegie Endowment includes findings and key recommendations for NGOs, grassroots groups, and donors to understand...

October 28, 2020Guidelines for Policing Post-Election Protests in the US

In the face of a potentially contested 2020 US election, there are concerns that authorities will infringe First Amendment...

October 23, 2020Public Participation in the Middle East and North Africa

In September of 2020, ICNL LLC's Jordan team held a webinar called “Challenges and Prospects of the Role of...

October 19, 2020Threats to Artistic Freedom in Uganda

Uganda's recent Stage Play and Public Entertainment Rules threaten to stifle the creative arts by limiting artistic expression. This...

October 19, 2020Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index

This index reports the strength and overall viability of civil society organization sectors in more than 70 countries based...

October 14, 2020Webinar: SLAPPs as a Global Phenomenon

On October 7, 2020, ICNL, BHRRC, and Greenpeace International hosted a webinar to hear accounts from activists who have...

October 9, 2020The Passing of Darla Mecham

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Darla Mecham on October 8, 2020. Darla...

September 15, 2020Digital Fundraising in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan, civil society organizations have several options for digital fundraising, including websites, SMS, crowdfunding platforms, e-wallets, and electronic...

September 14, 2020Middle Eastern and North African Government Responses to COVID-19

This page provides information on Middle Eastern and North African government responses to the coronavirus, using information from the...

September 4, 2020Invitation to Participate FATF-GAFILAT Study in 17 Latin American Countries

Se invita a organizaciones sin fines de lucro (OSFL) en los países miembros del GAFILAT, más El Salvador, a...

August 31, 2020General Comment 37: A Short Guide for Civil Society

This tool offers detailed guidance for civil society organizations on using General Comment 37 to help advance freedom of...

August 31, 2020Protecting Migrants’ Civic Freedoms Amid COVID-19

This piece, written for InterAction and based on an in-depth ICNL analysis on the issue, discusses how the pandemic...

August 19, 2020Culture and Cultural Rights Dimensions of the Current Climate Emergency

This report, by the UNSR in the field of cultural rights, addresses the cultural and cultural rights dimensions of...

August 17, 2020Digital Fundraising in Kazakhstan

New technologies and internet resources provide civil society organizations with numerous opportunities for fundraising. In Kazakhstan, 84.2% of the...

August 12, 2020Restricting Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, and Other Less Lethal Weapons

In response to nationwide protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, law enforcement has used...

July 31, 2020FFMP Findings: Cambodia’s Government Uses Laws to Curtail Fundamental Freedoms

This Radio Free Asia article discusses the findings from the 4th  Fundamental Freedoms Monitoring Project (FFMP).

July 30, 2020Use of Biometric Data to Identify Terrorists: Best Practice or Risky Business?

Comprehensive report to address human rights implications of  states and the United Nations use of biometric data and tools,...

July 30, 2020UN Issues Landmark Guidance on Peaceful Protest

The UN Human Rights Committee has adopted pivotal new guidance on the right of peaceful assembly. On July 27,...

July 29, 2020Hong Kong’s New Security Law

The passage of Hong Kong’s new National Security Law threatens to upend civic freedoms and usher in a new...

July 23, 2020General Comment No. 37 on the Right of Peaceful Assembly

UN Human Rights Committee adopted General Comment No. 37: the first comprehensive guidance on the right of peaceful assembly.

July 23, 2020Celebrating Women in Activism and Civil Society

In this report, UNSR Clement N. Voule, recognizes and elevates the contributions of women in civil society and activism...

July 15, 2020Resolution on the Protection of Human Rights in Africa During COVID-19

Resolution during the 66th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to address African...

July 15, 2020Protecting Activists from Abusive Litigation

In this report, ICNL presents the first cross-regional survey of SLAPPs in the Global South, along with the first...

July 13, 2020Kenya’s COVID-19 Measures Impact on Civic Space

The Kenyan government has introduced or relied upon several measures to address the coronavirus pandemic. This overview outlines these...

July 9, 2020UNSR Comment on The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 of the Philippines

These comments address ‘The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020’ (the Act) of the Philippines, highlighting the potential impact on the...

June 30, 2020Migrants’ Civic Freedom and COVID-19

This ICNL article examines the likely impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the civic freedoms of migrants and groups...

June 19, 2020Reforms Introduced to Protect the Freedom of Assembly

In the wake of complaints about law enforcement’s response to the George Floyd protests, local, state, and the federal...

June 18, 2020Advocacy in Restricted Spaces Toolkit

The Advocacy in Restricted Spaces toolkit is a practical resource that emphasizes that advocacy is possible even in highly...

June 16, 2020UNSR Report: Right to Freedom of Association of Migrants and their Defenders

This report provides a thematic study on the right to freedom of association of migrants, in which the Special...

June 15, 2020Open Government Partnership, Civic Space, and COVID-19

A briefer outlining the Open Government Partnership system and how this approach can help protect civic space during the pandemic.

June 15, 2020International Legal Framework Governing Public Health Emergencies

A briefer on the international legal framework governing public health emergencies while ensuring a rights-respecting response.

June 15, 2020COVID-19 Legal Measures with International Standards

A checklist to assess whether COVID-19 legal measures comply with international legal guidance to protect association and assembly rights...

June 11, 2020Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets, and Sonic Weapons

In response to nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, law enforcement officials have frequently used so-called “less...

June 10, 2020Government Responses to COVID-19 in Asia and the Pacific

This page provides information on Asian and Pacific government responses to the coronavirus, using information from the COVID-19 Civic...

June 9, 2020Practical Recommendations for CSO Participation in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Report by UNSR Voule on practical recommendations to ensure the participation of civil society in the implementation of the...

June 4, 2020Closing Civic Space for Climate Activists

This briefer, presented by ICNL and ECNL, outlines some of the common legal and extralegal measures used to target...

June 1, 2020U.S. Current Trend: Militarization, the Freedom of Assembly, and the George Floyd Protests

Protests have spread across major U.S. cities over police violence against people of color, sparked by the killing of...

May 27, 2020Top Trends: COVID-19 and Civic Space

The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a parallel crisis for civic space. Many of the emergency laws and other extraordinary...

May 27, 2020Positive Government Responses to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic does not have to be a crisis for human rights. In the context of widespread adoption...

May 26, 2020Virtual Currency Donations

This report assesses opportunities and obstacles in charitable donations of virtual currencies. It aims to bring civil society organizations,...

May 19, 2020The NGO Climate Compact

The “NGO Climate Compact: Commitments toward Environmental Action and Sustainability” represents a pledge by the InterAction community, the largest...

May 19, 2020U.S. Current Trend: Protecting the Freedom of Assembly and Public Health

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the United States has seen numerous protests, albeit at a relatively small scale. However,...

May 7, 2020UNSR Comment on India’s Revised Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

A statement by UN Special Rapporteurs regarding India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act 2019 (the amended Act) and to...

May 4, 2020Principles for Statutory Regulation and Self-Regulation of Fundraising

The Fundraising Principles report provides a global overview of current trends in fundraising regulation and self-regulation. Additionally, it offers...

May 4, 2020UNSR Report: Disease Pandemics and the Freedom of Opinion and Expression

In this report, the UNSR on Freedom of Expression registers alarm that some efforts to combat the coronavirus disease...

May 4, 2020OGP Coronavirus Forum

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) has put together COVID-19 resource hub and open forum for partners to share the...

April 30, 2020Latin America: Freedoms of Association and Peaceful Assembly in Times of Coronavirus

On April 1, 2020, ICNL hosted Regional Virtual Round Tables for civil society partners in Latin America and the...

April 27, 2020COVID-19: The Surveillance Pandemic

Driven by a desire to protect the health and wellbeing of their citizens and residents, many governments have taken...

April 25, 2020Practical Guide: Zimbabwe’s Maintenance of Peace and Order Act

On November 15, 2019, the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (the Act), which repeals and replaces the Public...

April 21, 2020The Law Affecting Civil Society in Asia

Made up of more than 40 countries, Asia defies easy categorization. On the one hand, many countries are home...

April 20, 2020Safeguarding Freedom of Assembly and Association during a Public Health Crisis

UNSR Clément Voule issued ten key principles to guide states' response to a public health crisis. A checklist and...

April 13, 2020U.S. Current Trend: Anti-Mask Laws, COVID-19, and the First Amendment

Face masks are in the news. The CDC now recommends that Americans wear face masks to reduce transmission of...

April 8, 2020Joint Declaration Freedom of Expression and Elections in the Digital Age

April 7, 2020Global Health & Human Rights Database

This database tracks case law, constitutions, and international instruments from around the world that deal with the Right to...

April 6, 2020African Government Responses to COVID-19

This page provides information on African government responses to the coronavirus, using information from the COVID-19 Civic Freedom Tracker.

April 4, 2020Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance: COVID-19 and Elections

The Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is maintaining a list of the current elections schedule and plans...

April 1, 2020COVID-19 as a Threat to Civic Spaces Around the World

This post from Peace Research Institute Frankfurt discusses why it is crucial to monitor how restrictions are implemented to...

March 31, 2020Recommendations on Privacy and Data Protection in the Fight against COVID-19

Access Now’s recommendations focus on three categories of measures seen around the world: collection and use of health data,...

March 30, 2020For Autocrats, and Others, Coronavirus Is a Chance to Grab Even More Power

This New York Times article looks at leaders around the world who have passed emergency decrees and legislation expanding...

March 27, 2020U.S. Current Trend: COVID-19 and Civic Freedom

The United States is in the midst of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. All 50 states, as well as the...

March 26, 2020Overview: Critical Infrastructure Bills in the US

Across the country, communities are gathering at rallies and marches to express concerns about pipelines’ impact on the environment,...

March 23, 2020Keeping Civic Space Healthy

The COVID-19 response is currently an all-consuming effort for governments and people in countries around the world. In this...

March 20, 2020COVID-19, Information Problems, and Digital Surveillance

In this piece for the Center for Global Development, ICNL Alliance Advisory Council Member Michael Pisa discusses how the...

March 16, 2020Responses to COVID-19 and State’s Human Rights Obligations

Amnesty International’s preliminary observation report examines the human rights concerns and challenges that often emerge in epidemic responses, with...

March 16, 2020Freedom of Assembly Repository

This is a repository of UN and regional materials relating to the right to peaceful assembly. The collection includes...

March 12, 2020CIVICUS COVID-19 Resource Page

March 12, 2020Pandemics and Human Rights

In an article for Just Security, ICNL President Douglas Rutzen and Legal Advisor Nikhil Dutta discuss government overreach during...

March 11, 2020ECNL Blog: COVID-19 Responses

ECNL Senior Legal Advisor Marta Achler's piece discusses why the internet and the online spaces are a 'lifeline' for...

March 10, 2020Coronavirus and Civic Space

The coronavirus is a significant threat to public health; it does not need to be a significant threat to...

March 6, 2020Building Bridges between Civil Society and Government in Bangladesh

The legal environment for civil society organizations in Bangladesh is complex. After conducting a needs assessment, ICNL found that...

February 25, 2020Future Trend Report: Philanthropy

This briefing explores key trends in philanthropy and their possible impact on civic space. It is one in a...

February 25, 2020Future Trend Report: Emerging Technology

This briefing explores the trends in emerging digital technology most likely to shape civic space, and opportunities for civil...

February 25, 2020Future Trend Report: Climate Change

This briefing explores how states’ responses to the climate crisis over the next two decades will affect civic space...

February 25, 2020“Soft Law” and Informal Standard-Setting in the Area of Counterterrorism

This briefing paper addresses the proliferation of new institutions and the “soft” law standards they produce, with particular emphasis...

February 21, 2020Civic Freedom Digest: Trends in the Asia-Pacific Region

In this issue of the Civic Freedom Digest, ICNL highlights some of the key challenges and opportunities for civic...

February 20, 2020Legal Manual for Civil Society Organizations in Bangladesh

This manual lays out the laws and procedures required for an organization to obtain legal status, serving as a...

February 7, 2020Civil Society and Government Meet in The Gambia to Discuss New NGO Bill

From February 4 - 6, 2020, ICNL's Sub-Saharan Africa team facilitated a three-day consultative meeting in Banjul-The Gambia to...

December 29, 2019The Right of Association in Central Asian Countries

This report provides a detailed overview of the legal framework for association in Central Asia, focusing on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,...

December 19, 2019Coalitions for Change in Nepal

In 2018, the Government of Nepal presented a draft National Integrity Policy. The policy, if adopted, would have restricted...

December 19, 2019Association & Assembly in the Digital Era

Cybercrime laws, internet shutdowns, and social media taxes are a few tactics governments use to restrict fundamental freedoms online.

December 19, 20192018-2019 Annual Report

Our 2018-2019 annual report aims to highlight the progress civil society is making to counter restrictions and expand civic...

December 10, 2019India Philanthropy Law

Indian culture places great emphasis on Daana (giving). The ancient philosophy of Nishkama Karma – “do good without the...

December 10, 2019China Philanthropy Law

ICNL’s China Philanthropy Law Report explores the current state of laws and regulations affecting philanthropy.

December 3, 2019Climate Activism from the Frontlines to the UN

December 2, 2019Using Data for Action in the United States

ICNL started the U.S. Protest Law Tracker in 2017 to monitor a wave of anti-protest legislation that undermines people’s...

December 2, 2019Monitoring for Impact in Cambodia

In October of 2017, months before Cambodia’s national elections, the government released a new rule requiring prior permission from...

December 2, 2019Rapid Response in Jordan

In October 2018, the Government of Jordan proposed restrictive amendments to their already draconian cybercrimes law.

December 2, 2019Cross-sector Collaboration in Peru

In 2015, Peru introduced a requirement to renew the registration for organizations that received international funding.

December 2, 2019Partnerships in Difficult Environments

The adoption of the new Organizations of Civil Societies Proclamation in February 2019 marked a major turning point for...

October 17, 2019Civic Freedom Digest: Trends in the Digital Age

In this inaugural publication of the Civic Freedom Digest, ICNL highlights some of the key challenges that digital technologies...

October 16, 2019US Legislative Briefer: Critical Infrastructure Bills

This legislative briefer focuses on how critical infrastructure bills can undermine protesters’ right to peaceful assembly by creating draconian...

October 15, 2019U.S. Current Trend: Environmental Nonprofits Facing Lawfare Tactics

Environmental groups are known for their fight against climate change, but the battle over their activism has moved indoors...

October 12, 2019Enabling the Flow of Donations

This ECNL paper aims to empower civil society organizations, activists, donors, researchers, and others to counter restrictions on international...

September 16, 2019U.S. Current Trend: Right to Boycott

In the past several years, activists who are part of the BDS movement have called for boycotts, divestment, and...

July 31, 2019Enemies of the State?

Global Witness's annual report on the killings of land and environmental defenders documents the many ways defenders are being...

July 29, 2019Practical Guide on Tanzania Media Laws

This handbook builds an understanding of the legal and policy framework affecting the daily work of media and other...

July 15, 2019Egypt’s Parliament Approves a New Draft Law on Civil Society Organizations

On July 15, 2019, Egypt’s Parliament approved a new draft law on civil society organizations (CSOs). (The draft law...

June 18, 2019Draft General Comment on Freedom of Assembly

General Comments are an important standard setting instrument and a powerful advocacy tool for the rights enshrined in the...

June 17, 2019UNSR Report on Assembly and Association Rights in the Digital Era

In this 2019 report, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association,...

June 14, 2019Banking Nonprofit Organizations – The Way Forward

This report from the Consortium for Financial Access discusses how security-focused regulation of the financial sector has resulted in...

June 12, 2019Assembly and Association in the Digital Era

On June 12, 2019, UN Special Rapporteur Clement Voule issued a report (A/HRC/41/41) on the rights to freedom of...

June 6, 2019The Role of Measures to Address Terrorism and Violent Extremism on Closing Civic Space

Civil society space has shrunk dramatically since 2001, with civil society actors increasingly finding themselves stigmatized, discriminated against and...

May 20, 2019Nonprofit Legal Reform in India

This report compares the regulation of nonprofits in India to the regulation of for-profit enterprises. It explores whether reform...

May 20, 2019Analysis of the Current Legal Framework for Civil Society in India

This report, written by Noshir H. Dadrawala for ICNL’s India nonprofit law reform workshops in December 2018, provides a detailed analysis of...

May 20, 2019ICNL Publishes Two New Reports on the Legal Environment for Civil Society in India

Civil society in India is noted for its vibrancy and innovation. However, India’s legal framework undercuts the sector in...

May 1, 2019Briefer on Monitoring Public Assemblies

How do you have to plan and prepare to monitor an assembly? What do you need to observe when...

May 1, 2019The Right to Freedom of Expression Online in Jordan

Social media has become a vital tool for free expression around the world. Recognizing this growth, a number of...

April 4, 2019Tier Classification of the SDG Indicators as of April 2019

This document contains the updated tier classification, based on changes made by the Inter-agency and Expert Group on the...

March 21, 2019Closing Academic Space

Universities and other institutions of higher education around the world face increasing legislative, regulatory, and administrative limitations on their...

March 19, 2019Contribution on the Human Rights Committee’s General Comment on Article 21

The UN Human Rights Committee recently announced that it would issue a General Comment on Article 21 of the International...

March 1, 2019CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report

Each year, the CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report examines the key trends affecting civil society organizations and citizen...

March 1, 2019UNSR report on the role of measures to address terrorism and violent extremism on closing civic space

in this report to the Human Rights Council, the UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, Ms. Fionnuala...

March 1, 2019Key Recommendations on Digital Technology and Civic Space in East Africa

On February 21-22, 2019, ICNL, along with our partners the Civil Society Reference Group and CIPESA, convened a consultative...

February 28, 2019CSO Meter

In partnership with local experts and civil society organizations (CSOs), the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law has developed the...

February 10, 2019Foreign Agents in an Interconnected World

The US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is a sweeping and generally underenforced public disclosure statute.

January 30, 2019Charities and Terrorist Financing in the Middle East

The Money Laundering Bulletin has published a piece on the abuse of charities for terrorist financing in the Middle...

January 28, 2019U.S. Current Trend: Targeting of Immigrant Rights Activists

In December 2018, a group of immigrant rights groups and law school human rights clinics presented the Inter-American Commission...

January 15, 2019Monitoring the Right to Free Assembly in Eleven Countries

The right to free assembly is an indispensable element of democracy and a healthy civil society. Recent years have...

January 14, 2019Untangling a Marriage of Convenience

This 2019 Global Center on Cooperative Security report reviews the history and structure of the global AML/CFT regime and...

January 10, 2019OpenNet Initiative Global Internet Filtering Map

The OpenNet Initiative tracks restrictions on access to the Internet in more than forty countries worldwide.

January 7, 2019Initial Observations on Brazilian President Bolsonaro’s Inauguration Day Decree affecting NGOs

Immediately after he was sworn into office on January 1, 2019, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro imposed sweeping changes on...

January 4, 2019European Civil Society Watch

This online tool powered by the European Civic Forum gathers alerts from civil society, existing analyses, and institutional resources...

January 4, 2019Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation Progress Reports

The Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation works with over 160 participating governments to track progress in the implementation...

January 1, 2019CIVICUS Monitor

The CIVICUS Monitor is a web platform that provides constantly-updated information and analysis on the space for civil society...

December 18, 2018How can AI amplify civic freedoms?

The future of democracy is entangled with artificial intelligence (AI). ICNL legal advisors, Zach Lampell and Lily Liu, wrote...

December 13, 2018Building Trust through Shared Learning in Central Asia

In June 2018, ICNL hosted a United States study tour for civil society representatives and government officials from Kazakhstan,...

December 6, 2018Turning Research into Action in the Middle East and North Africa

Over the past two years, ICNL has worked with partners to conduct a landmark study of civic freedoms in...

December 5, 2018Civic Space and the HIV Response in East Africa

In a February 2018 report from ICNL, we explored the impact of closing civic space on the HIV response...

November 29, 2018Building Cooperation after Conflict in Iraqi Kurdistan

After the war with ISIS in 2014, Kurdistan’s regional government began to increase restrictions on civil society organizations (CSOs)...

November 28, 2018Overview of Fundraising in Azerbaijan

Fundraising campaigns, such as crowdfunding, text-to-give, and other electronic means, are increasingly popular in Eurasia.

November 28, 2018Documento del Alcance de la Evaluación de Riesgo

Este documento apunta a brindar orientación sobre maneras de conducir el complejo escenario de la R8 del GAFI en...

November 28, 2018Legal Framework for Fundraising Campaigns in Kyrgyzstan

Fundraising campaigns, such as crowdfunding, text-to-give, and other electronic means, are increasingly popular in Eurasia.

November 28, 2018Overview of Fundraising in Kazakhstan

Fundraising campaigns, such as crowdfunding, text-to-give, and other electronic means, are increasingly popular in Eurasia.

November 28, 2018Overview of Fundraising in Belarus

Fundraising campaigns, such as crowdfunding, text-to-give, and other electronic means, are increasingly popular in Eurasia.

November 26, 2018Financial Action Task Force Toolkit

This toolkit unpacks anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing rules and the standards and procedures of FATF for nonprofit organizations

November 22, 2018Finding Answers at Home in Brazil

In Brazil, LGBT activists have long faced legal barriers that limit their right to peaceful assembly. These include local...

November 20, 2018Protecting Protest Through Coalition Building in the U.S.

In June 2018, ICNL convened a group of organizations to address the growing trend of anti-protest laws being introduced...

November 19, 2018U.S. Current Trend: Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation

Strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs, are a type of lawsuit that impedes the ability of civil society...

November 16, 2018A New Voice in the UN: Clément Nyaletsossi Voule

ICNL actively engages with the United Nations (UN) to enhance international norms, including the UN Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on...

November 15, 2018Applying Global Standards to Safeguard Civic Space in Sri Lanka

In March 2018, our partners in Sri Lanka learned that the government was planning to amend the Voluntary Social...

November 14, 20182017-2018 Annual Report

The 2017-2018 Annual Report focuses on our work in over 100 countries to safeguard and strengthen civic freedom.

November 10, 2018Mapping Regulatory Proposals for Artificial Intelligence in Europe

This 2018 report by Access Now outlines major regulatory initiatives related to artificial intelligence and mass data regulations in...

November 1, 2018ECNL briefer on the UN Guidelines on the Right to Participate in Public Affairs

This 2-page briefer by ECNL summarizes some of the main points of the UN Guidelines on the Right to...

November 1, 2018UN Guidelines on the Right to Participate in Public Affairs

These 2018 guidelines, drafted by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) after an extensive...

October 5, 2018ICNL Publishes New Issue of Global Trends in NGO Law Focusing on US Protest Restrictions

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law is pleased to share our latest issue of Global Trends in NGO Law.

October 1, 2018Handbook on Registering a Civil Society Organisation

This handbook - published by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law in partnership with ICNL, Dentons and DLA Piper...

September 1, 2018US Legislative Briefer: “Guilt by Association”

The United States has recently witnessed a rise in demonstrations surrounding the construction of natural gas and oil pipelines,...

September 1, 2018U.S. government proposes rule to charge protest organizers fees in Washington, DC

In August, the National Park Service proposed a rule to charge protest organizers fees for clean-up costs associated with...

September 1, 2018ICNL letter to the Director of the U.S. National Park Service re charging protest organizers

On August 15, 2018, the U.S. National Park Service proposed a number of changes to the regulations governing the...

August 7, 2018Civic Freedoms & the Sustainable Development Goals

In this 2018 report to the UN General Assembly (A/73/279), UN Special Rapporteur Clément Nyaletsossi Voule examines the linkages between...

August 7, 2018China Philanthropy Law Factsheet #3

The year 2016 represents a watershed moment in the development of the legal environment for philanthropy and civil society...

August 7, 2018China Philanthropy Law Factsheet #2

The year 2016 represents a watershed moment in the development of the legal environment for philanthropy and civil society...

August 7, 2018China Philanthropy Law Factsheet #1

The year 2016 represents a watershed moment in the development of the legal environment for philanthropy and civil society...

August 1, 2018Infographic: UAE Philanthropic Entities (by Location)

This donut graph categorizes the 98 total philanthropic entities in the United Arab Emirates by their location.

August 1, 2018Fundraising Dos and Don’ts in Dubai

The legal system in the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) is based on the civil law system, with Islamic Shari’ah...

August 1, 2018Infographic: UAE Philanthropic Entities (by Affiliation)

This donut graph categorizes the 98 total philanthropic entities in the United Arab Emirates by affiliation - government, independent...

August 1, 2018Infographic: UAE Philanthropic Entities (by Mission)

This donut graph categorizes the 98 total philanthropic entities in the United Arab Emirates by their mission.

August 1, 2018Timeline: The rise of philanthropy in the UAE

This interactive timeline tracks the rise of philanthropy and civil society in the United Arab Emirates since 1969.

August 1, 2018Factsheet: Regulatory Differences Between UAE Jurisdictions

The UAE has a federal regulator for philanthropic organizations. While this authority regulates philanthropic organizations at the federal level, such...

August 1, 2018United Arab Emirates Philanthropy Law Report

ICNL’s United Arab Emirates (UAE) Philanthropy Law Report explores the current state of laws and regulations affecting philanthropy. 

August 1, 2018Infographic: Laws Affecting Philanthropic Giving in Nigeria

A wide array of laws regulate philanthropic giving in Nigeria. This infographic provides an overview of 10 key pieces...

August 1, 2018Factsheet: NGO Bills Proposed in Nigeria Between 2015-17

Between 2015 and the beginning of 2017, legislators in the Senate and House of Representatives proposed five Bills whose...

August 1, 2018FAQ: Nigeria’s Tax Law for NGOs

This FAQ answers some of the most common questions about tax obligations for NGOs in Nigeria.

August 1, 2018Infographic: Government Supervision of NGOs in Nigeria

Four statutory agencies of government supervise the activities of non-governmental organizations in Nigeria. This infographic provides an overview of...

August 1, 2018Nigeria Philanthropy Law

Although Nigeria does not have a formal philanthropic sector and can boast of only a few well-known philanthropists, giving...

July 12, 2018U.S. Current Trend: University Restrictions

U.S. university campuses have long been associated with student protests and free expression. In recent years, there has been...

July 12, 2018U.S. Current Trend: Collective Liability

In the United States, collective liability is increasingly applied in the context of demonstrations. This trend can lead to...

July 6, 2018Vozes Arco-Íris: O Direito à Reunião Pacífica e as paradas LGBT no Brasil

ICNL partner Welton Trindade published this groundbreaking study on the situation of the right of peaceful assembly in the...

July 3, 2018The State of Civic Freedoms in North Africa and the Middle East

This report presents findings from an in-depth study, supported by the United States Agency for International Development, that explored...

July 3, 2018ICNL Releases New Report on Civic Freedom in the Middle East and North Africa

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) is pleased to share our latest report: “The State of Civic Freedoms...

June 18, 2018Metadata for SDG Goal Indicator 16.10.1 as of June 2018

This document comprehensively defines the indicator for the “protect fundamental freedoms” component of SDG 16.10 (16.10.1 Number of verified...

June 11, 2018Everything to Know About FARA, and Why it Shouldn’t be Used Against the Press

This article by Alexandra Ellerbeck and Avi Asher-Shapiro in the Columbia Journalism Review examines recent moves by the US government...

June 1, 2018Procedures for the FATF Fourth Round of AML/CFT Mutual Evaluations

This document sets out the procedures that are the basis for the fourth round of Financial Action Task Force (FATF)...

June 1, 2018Blurred Lines and Tough Choices

This assessment, produced by ICNL in 2018, presents Jamaica's laws - or lack thereof - that impact civil society...

May 20, 2018ICNL Releases New Report on How Donors Can Effectively Support Civic Space

Civil society and the ability to exercise civic freedoms – the freedoms of association, expression, and peaceful assembly –...

May 19, 2018Effective Donor Responses

Civil society and the ability to exercise the core civic space freedoms – the freedoms of association, expression, and...

May 15, 2018ICNL Testifies before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs

On May 9, 2018, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) testified at a hearing of the U.S. House...

May 14, 2018Blue Sky IV: Clouds Dispersing?

This 2018 report, part of a series published by the Global Center on Cooperative Security, assesses the UN’s counterterrorism...

May 10, 20182018 Report of the UN Secretary General on Progress Toward the SDGs

This report provides a global overview of the current situation of the Sustainable Development Goals, on the basis of...

May 8, 2018OGP: The Guide to Opening Government

This guide, authored by ICNL at the invitation of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), provides official guidance to civil...

May 7, 2018What’s The Foreign Agents Registration Act? We’ve Got Answers

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a disclosure statute enacted in 1938, was designed to limit the influence of...

May 4, 2018Open Letter to US Congress Concerning the Foreign Agents Registration Act

This letter to US Congress, signed by 46 humanitarian and development organizations (including ICNL) expresses concern over the government's...

April 27, 2018Communique: Freedom of Association and Assembly in Southern Africa

The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and the Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA) hosted a strategic...

April 6, 2018UN Special Rapporteur’s report on the regulation of user-generated content online

In this 2018 report to the Human Rights Council, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the...

April 1, 2018FAQ: India’s Lokpal and Lokayukta Act

India's Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013 is a law intended to regulate and control corruption in public institutions.

April 1, 2018FAQ: India’s Goods & Services Tax

India’s unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) integrates several central and state taxes with the goal of making business...

April 1, 2018FAQ: Corporate Social Responsibility in India

The Indian Companies Act of 2013 makes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance mandatory for any company, whether private; public;...

April 1, 2018FAQ: Income Tax in India

In India, individuals are taxed on their salaries or professional incomes. For-profit entities are taxed on their business incomes.

April 1, 2018FAQ: India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act of 2010

India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) of 2010 is a federal law enacted to regulate the acceptance and use...

April 1, 2018US Legislative Briefer: Campus Speech Bills and the Right to Protest

Universities in the United States have long been associated with campus protest, and recent years, this tradition has been...

March 23, 2018The Civic Space Initiative Welcomes Mr. Nyaletsossi Clément Voule as UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

The Civic Space Initiative welcomes Mr. Nyaletsossi Clément Voule as the new UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to...

March 16, 2018The Unintended “Foreign Agents”

“Foreign agents” are suddenly in our midst – or so it seems. Paul Manafort was indicted, in part, for failing to...

March 14, 2018At the Intersection of Security and Regulation

This 2018 report by the Human Security Collective and ECNL examines the phenomenon of “de-risking,” explores its linkages to...

March 10, 2018U.S. Current Trend: Surveillance Technologies

The emergence of new surveillance technologies has raised concerns about their potential abuse by U.S. law enforcement authorities, including...

March 10, 2018Intro to AI for Policymakers

This March 2018 report by the Brookfield Institute and others provides policymakers with an overview of artificial intelligence, and...

March 7, 2018Timeline: Major Developments in the Regulation of Philanthropy and Civil Society in China (1976-2017)

This interactive timeline was developed by Shawn Shieh as a companion piece to our China Philanthropy Law Report.

March 7, 2018Timeline: The Rise of Philanthropy and Civil Society in China (1976-2017)

This interactive timeline was developed by Shawn Shieh as a companion piece to our China Philanthropy Law Report.

March 7, 2018The Growth of Social Organizations in China

This graph, a companion piece to our China Philanthropy Law report, tracks the growth of social organizations in China from...

March 7, 2018The Growth of Foundations in China

This graph, a companion piece to our China Philanthropy Law report, tracks the growth of foundations in China from 2003...

March 7, 2018The Universe of Overseas NGOs in China

This graphic, produced as a companion piece to our China Philanthropy Law Report, helps users visualize the universe of...

March 7, 2018The Universe of Chinese NGOs

This interactive tool, a companion piece to our China Philanthropy Law report, helps users visualize the Chinese civil society sector.

March 7, 2018FAQ: China’s Overseas NGO Law

The Law on Administration of Activities of Overseas Nongovernmental Organizations in Mainland China is the first comprehensive law regulating...

March 7, 2018FAQ: China’s 2016 Charity Law

The 2016 Charity Law is the first law to regulate domestic charitable organizations and their activities in the People’s...

March 1, 2018UN Special Rapporteur report on the human rights challenges of states of emergency in the context of countering terrorism

UN Special Rapporteur Fionnuala Ní Aoláin's 2018 report to the Human Rights Council, which analyzes international law pertaining to state...

March 1, 2018Understanding the Drivers of De-Risking and the Impact on Civil Society Organizations

This report by the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law and the Human Security Collective addresses how bank de-risking and financial...

February 28, 2018Reinforcing Marginalization

Civil society advocates have helped propel the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

February 28, 2018ICNL Releases Study on the Impact of Closing Civic Space on HIV Response

ICNL has just published a study that focuses on the ways in which the closing of space for civil...

February 23, 2018Workshop Report: Closing Space for Civil Society and Media in East Africa

The East Africa region is vibrant with civic activity driven by diverse civil society formations. However, the region has...

February 20, 2018Legal and Regulatory Challenges Facing Civil Society Organizations in the United States

This briefing, released in February 2018, explores how select recent changes, or proposed changes, in laws or regulations in...