Civic Space Developments
Wednesday 1.6.2016 South Africa - Peaceful Assembly -
Peaceful assembly in South Africa
There is a culture of protest in South Africa with thousands of protests taking place each year; most are peaceful and focused on local issues. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 South Africa - Association -
Association in South Africa
South African law allows for many types of NGOs to be formed, from community-based organisations to trusts and non-profit organisations. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 South Africa - Overview -
South Africa Overview
In March human rights defender Sikhosipi Rhadebe was murdered by unknown persons, having worked for years to advance the cause of the Xolobeni community, whose livelihoods are negatively affected by mining operations in the Eastern Cape province. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 Sudan - Expression -
Expression in Sudan
Article 39 of the national interim constitution safeguards the freedom of expression, but the legal environment remains restricted. The Press and Publications Law (2009) provides the state with power through the Press Council to monitor and censor press content. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 Sudan - Peaceful Assembly -
Peaceful Assembly in Sudan
The national interim constitution provides guarantees for the freedom of peaceful assembly but in practice the right is not respected in Sudan. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 Sudan - Association -
Association in Sudan
While the national interim constitution provides guarantees for the right to freedom of association, legislation governing the formation and operation of organisations – including the Voluntary and Humanitarian Work Act – curtails the free exercise of the right in several ways. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 Sudan - Overview -
Sudan Overview
Authorities in Sudan violently repress any kind of opposition and dissent. Activists frequently face intimidation, arrest, detention, torture and government surveillance. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 Eswatini - Expression -
Expression in Swaziland
There are no independent daily newspapers in Swaziland. The Times of Swaziland Group of Newspapers is privately owned but far from independent as it bows to powerful interests. Nor are there any independent television or radio stations. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 Eswatini - Peaceful Assembly -
Peaceful Assembly in Swaziland
Although Swaziland’s constitution provides for this right, people are not freely able to gather in public places. Demonstrations in large urban areas and near the main university campus are rarely allowed to proceed. Read more
Wednesday 1.6.2016 Eswatini - Association -
Association in Swaziland
Although civil society organisations and trade unions can be formed, government infiltration and denial of registration, or deregistration, is common. Repressive sedition and anti-terror laws are used to target dissidents and human rights activists. Read more