Civic space is under growing pressure worldwide. Since 2022, ICNL has tracked more than 298 legal initiatives affecting civic space across 77 countries, 85% of which can be deemed restrictive. These measures include tighter controls on international funding, increased administrative oversight, restrictions on peaceful assembly, and expanded use of digital surveillance and counter-terrorism measures.

But as restrictions grow, civil society is also adapting.

To better understand how organizations are responding, ICNL surveyed civil society representatives around the world about the strategies they are using, which approaches are proving effective, and what support they need to continue their work.

Key Findings

72% said their operating environment has somewhat or significantly worsened since January 2025.

89% identified restrictions affecting resources, including funding and financial access, as a major challenge.

Yet organizations are finding strategies that work:

Nearly 90% said advocacy was strongly or partially effective.

Nearly 88% said the same of coalitions.

More than 70% found public outreach strongly or partially effective.

More than 65% found engagement with international human rights mechanisms strongly or partially effective.

The findings show that civil society organizations are responding to increasingly restrictive environments with a range of adaptive strategies. Organizations are combining advocacy, coalition-building, public engagement, international mechanisms, stronger internal governance, legal strategies, and new approaches to financial sustainability. By documenting these experiences, the survey identifies practical lessons that can inform civil society organizations, donors, and others working to safeguard civic space.

About the survey

Survey: Adaptive Strategies to Safeguard Civic Space
Timeline: March–July 2026
Respondents: 123 civil society representatives
Geographic reach: More than 65 countries and territories
Organizations represented: National, regional, multi-regional, and global organizations

Read the briefer on ICNL’s Adaptive Strategies to Safeguard Civic Space Survey