On May 24th 2021, ICNL and Sida are hosting a high-level virtual conversation on emergency measures, fundamental freedoms, and revitalizing civic space in the wake of COVID-19.

To get a full picture of how COVID-19 measures have impacted civil society in the Asia-Pacific region, ICNL conducted a survey in December 2020 to assess government practices. We received responses from organizations in 14 countries across the region.

The COVID-19 epidemic has necessitated a shift to remote operations across society, from workplaces to schools to holiday celebrations, and government operations are no exception. The shift to remote operations, however, can restrict opportunities for in-person public participation in policy development and implementation.

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

This report from the Carnegie Endowment includes findings and key recommendations for NGOs, grassroots groups, and donors to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting civil society collaborations for open government reforms.

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

The Kenyan government has introduced or relied upon several measures to address the coronavirus pandemic. This overview outlines these measures, and where relevant, cites instances where a measure has restricted or may restrict civic space.

In response to nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, law enforcement officials have frequently used so-called “less lethal weapons” (LLWs) on crowds and individuals. These weapons, which include tear gas, rubber bullets, and Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

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

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.