Global Findings 2025
PEOPLE POWER UNDER ATTACK 2025
The CIVICUS Monitor, which began in 2017, tracks the state of freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression in 198 countries and territories.
The annual report, People Power Under Attack, rates the state of civic space conditions based on data collected throughout the year from country-focused civil society organisations, regionally-based research teams, international human rights indices and the CIVICUS Monitor's in-house experts. The data from these four separate sources are then combined to assign each country and territory a rating as either open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed or closed. In the 2025 edition, we unveil new civic space ratings and analyse trends at the regional and global level.
A downward shift
Civic freedoms are being curtailed in a record number of countries. Civil society is under severe attack in 122 of 198 countries and territories.
Rating Changes
In this year's report there are rating changes for 18 countries. 15 countries have been downgraded while 3 countries have been upgraded.
Where Do People Live?
Only 7% of the global population lives in countries with free or relatively open civic space. More people than ever before live in Closed and Repressed countries.
#1 violation: Protesters detained
Of the over 50 rights violations we monitor, the detention of protesters was the most prevalent violation of 2025, occuring in at least 82 countries.
RESTRICTIVE LAWS
In 2025, we documented the adoption or proposal of restrictive laws and regulations affecting civic freedoms in at least 66 countries.
DIGITAL REPRESSION
Over 10% of the violations had a digital component, such as internet shutdowns, blocking social media and various acts of censorship.
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
The report's regional sections offer focused insights into the distinctive challenges encountered by activists, journalists, and civil society organisations. These segments delve into threats, tactics, and trends relevant to each region, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the global landscape for civic freedoms.
RATING CHANGES
From mature democracies to authoritarian regimes, 15 countries have been downgraded and 3 upgraded in this year's report.
Bright Spots
Civil society continues to show remarkable resilience, achieving significant victories in securing civic freedoms. A closer look at a selection of notable examples from the past year
RECOMMENDATIONS
In the final sections of the report, we present actionable policy changes and strategies aimed at safeguarding and advancing civic freedoms globally. There are dedicated recommendations for governments, the United Nations, the private sector and donors.