restrictive law
Monday 19.6.2017 Saudi Arabia - Latest Developments -
#IAmMyOwnGuardian activists detained and harassed for defending women's rights
Despite some recent regulatory improvements regarding the guardianship system, women human rights defenders continue to be subject to detention. Read more
Thursday 8.6.2017 Canada - Latest Developments -
Canada's ranking worsens on World Press Freedom Index 2017
On World Press Freedom Day, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated the importance of a free and independent press. However, the country's media community is concerned as Canada dropped four points to rank at number 22 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, which states that “Prime Minister Trudeau has strongly advocated for a 'free media' but the past year has shown this to be dead letter". Read more
Tuesday 6.6.2017 United States of America - Latest Developments -
New state laws increase penalties for protest actions in Oklahoma
As previously reported on the Monitor, several states have proposed or approved new legislation curtailing protests and demonstrations. Recently, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed House Bill 1123 into law, increasing penalties for the the following actions: trespassing on “critical infrastructure” and "willfully destroying" or impeding "operations of the facility". Read more
Tuesday 6.6.2017 Thailand - Latest Developments -
Regional and national civil society condemn Thai government's new media law
Freedom of expression in Thailand is worsening due to restrictive legislation passed in early May.
Read more
Monday 5.6.2017 Egypt - Latest Developments -
Civil society under greater threat as draconian law comes into force
As previously covered on the CIVICUS Monitor, the Egyptian Parliament passed a draconian law on non-governmental organisations in late November 2016.
On 29th May 2017, that law came into force with potentially devastating affects on both domestic and international organisations operating in Egypt.
Read more
Wednesday 24.5.2017 Fiji - Latest Developments -
Civil society concerned over proposed bill to limit free speech ahead of elections
Civil society has expressed concern over proposed legislation, namely the Fiji Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill 2016 (Bill No.28 of 2016) as Section 24 of the law includes a penalty of up to five years imprisonment for defaming, demeaning or undermining the sanctity of the parliament. Read more
Tuesday 23.5.2017 Burkina Faso - Latest Developments -
Trade union concerned over proposed bill to curtail right to strike
On 21st April 2017, the Committee on General Institutional and Human Rights of Burkina Faso's National Assembly notified the Union d’Action Syndicale (Organisation for Trade Union Action - UAS) of a proposed bill to regulate public service employees' right to strike. Read more
Wednesday 17.5.2017 Panama - Latest Developments -
IAPA report documents “troubling developments” in regards to freedom of expression
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) issued a six month report on the situation for the freedom of expression in Panama. IAPA identified several issues of concern, proposed legislation that could potentially restrict freedom of expression. Read more
Monday 15.5.2017 Turkmenistan - Latest Developments -
Despite international scrutiny and criticism, Turkmen authorities restrict civic freedoms
The human rights situation in Turkmenistan is of serious concern. In its March 2017 review of the country, the United Nations Human Rights Committee - a key international human rights body – adopted conclusions and recommendations echoing civil society's concerns over the ongoing violations of fundamental freedoms. Read more
Wednesday 10.5.2017 Burundi - Latest Developments -
Pro-government group seeks to incite acts of rape and violence against opposition in Burundi
Slogans and rhetoric used by government-backed groups with the intent to harm or discriminate are of particular concern in the country. Read more
