Civic Space Developments
Tuesday 18.2.2020 Solomon Islands - Latest Developments
Threats of investigating civil society groups in the Solomons is affecting their work
The lack of information around the threats by the authorities to investigate civil society groups is affecting their work. Communities opposing an open-cast bauxite mine on Wagina island are waiting for a minister’s decision on the matter. A rally against corruption was held while Solomons dropped two points in the 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index Read more
Monday 17.2.2020 Palestine - Latest Developments
NGOs raided by Israeli forces, news websites blocked
Palestinian human rights organisations which monitor Israeli occupation force violations and undertake international advocacy continue to face systematic attacks. Offices of various organisations have been raided. The use of excessive force against Palestinian protesters participating in the Great March of Return continues, despite being unlawful under international human rights and humanitarian laws. News websites face attack, after a court ordered internet service providers to block 59 websites. Read more
Monday 17.2.2020 Estonia - Latest Developments
Largest umbrella NGO relocates from capital city, attacks against minority rights organisations
NGOs relocate from the capital city Tallinn as part of the civil society development strategy. Meanwhile, the conservative government is angered by a diversity campaign and funding of LGBTQIA+ and feminist organisations questioned. Read more
Friday 14.2.2020 South Korea - Latest Developments
LGBT rights movement in South Korea facing challenges in law and practice from conservative groups
LGBT people continue to face challenges in South Korea. In November 2019, there were proposals to amend the National Human Rights Commission of Korea Act to remove their protection from discrimination. In January 2020, a transgender soldier was remove from the army. Protests against wartime sexual slavery by the Japanese have continued for 28 years while there have been increasing demands for hate-speech legislation after two celebrity suicides. Read more
Thursday 13.2.2020 Latvia - Latest Developments
Government moves towards inclusion of civil society but capacity of CSOs still a challenge
Since the new government took power in early 2019, associations in Latvia have improved, with an increase in the recognition of CSOs in the last year and an increase in funding. However, CSOs still struggle with capacity. Read more
Wednesday 12.2.2020 El Salvador - Latest Developments
Conviction of activist in El Salvador highlights need for a safer environment for defenders
On 11th December 2019, human rights defender Lissania Zelaya of feminist collective Colectiva Amorales was found guilty of slander. She was sentenced to pay a fine of USD 2,027 for denouncing the fact that university professor Ricardo Mendoza had used his position as a drama teacher to sexually assault and harass students. Read more
Wednesday 12.2.2020 Côte d'Ivoire - Latest Developments
Concerns over space for opposition and dissent ahead of 2020 presidential elections
On 4th August 2019, police offices arrested human rights defender and journalism student Konan Yao Hubert at a bus station in Djékanou, according to Front Line Defenders. Police officers also reportedly physically attacked him when Yao Hubert resisted the arrest when no arrest warrant was presented. Read more | Read in French
Wednesday 12.2.2020 Hungary - Latest Developments
Hungary: European Courts of Justice take on restrictive laws
European Courts of Justice take on restrictive laws in relation to migration and NGOs, government threatens LGBTQIA+ groups and media freedoms. Read more
Wednesday 12.2.2020 Poland - Latest Developments
Poland: Attempts to compromise the judiciary, a threat on media independence and attacks on LGBTQIA+
Poland faces threats to judicial independence, media freedom and a clamp down on LGBTQIA+ rights. Read more
