public vilification
Tuesday 3.12.2019 Turkmenistan - Latest Developments
Turkmenistan: The state reinforces propaganda campaigns following rumours of the president’s death
This report reviews the protection of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Turkmenistan from the beginning of July to the beginning of November 2019. International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) and Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights (TIHR) have prepared the report as part of their cooperation with the CIVICUS Monitor. Read more
Monday 25.11.2019 United States of America - Latest Developments
Freedoms under attack with legislation restricting protests and hostility toward journalists
In September and October 2019, there were protests across the U.S. calling on leaders to address climate change while some states have been considering legislation that would criminalise protests near certain infrastructure sites, including oil pipelines - which are often contested by climate and indigenous rights activists. This update also details protests on refugee & immigration policy, education, police brutality and pro- and against President Trump. In the 'Expression' section, incidents of harassment of journalists show an increasingly hostile environment for the press in the U.S. Read more
Wednesday 20.11.2019 Vanuatu - Latest Developments
Media groups condemn revocation of Vanuatu journalist work permit and denial of re-entry
On 12th November 2019, the work via of the media director of the Vanuatu Daily Post, the nation’s only daily newspaper was not renewed by the country's Labour Ministry because of the paper’s coverage critical of the government. He has also been denied re-entry in to the country Read more
Friday 1.11.2019 Philippines - Latest Developments
Philippines human rights body launches national inquiry as attacks against activists persist
Over the last few months, critics of the President have been charged with sedition and other offences and journalists have been killed. Further, a anti-fake news bill has been tabled in the Senate which could restrict freedom of expression. Left and indigenous activists have also been killed and there are increasing attacks on lawyers. Read more
Thursday 31.10.2019 Brazil - Latest Developments
Brazil: defenders vilified and criminalised, censorship and attacks against media on the rise
In August 2019, fire outbreaks in the Amazon, the world's largest tropical rainforest, stirred global outrage. However, as outrage grew, Bolsonaro suggested that environmental NGOs could be setting the fires. When asked for evidence or names of the NGOs involved, Bolsonaro said there was no evidence but that it was just his feeling.
On 23rd August 2019, environmental movements organised protests in several cities to denounce the government’s environmental policies. Other countries in Latin America, including Argentina and Uruguay also held solidarity protests.
Read more
Wednesday 30.10.2019 Solomon Islands - Latest Developments
Solomon Islands government orders probe into civil society for calling on PM to step down
The office of the Prime Minister in Solomon Islands has called for an investigation into a number of civil society groups for calling on the Prime Minister to step down. It has accused the groups of operating illegally and failing to register under the Charitable Trust Act. Read more
Wednesday 16.10.2019 Iraq - Latest Developments
Protesters face brutal violations as widespread protests escalate, internet shut down
Protests which began in July 2018, have continued to escalate throughout the year, as police use lethal force to disperse protesters, at least 100 reported dead, thousands injured. internet shut down as protests continue, journalists continue to face threats to their lives, arbitrary arrests and detention, regional broadcaster suspended. Read more
Thursday 10.10.2019 Mongolia - Latest Developments
Flawed prosecution around killing of Mongolian pro-democracy activist
Two individuals convicted for the 1998 assassination of a pro-democracy activist and former parliamentarian were tortured while in custody to confess. In April-May 2019, the UNSpecial Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders visited Mongolia and received reports about cases of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, stigmatisation and accusations against human rights defenders Read more
Wednesday 2.10.2019 United States of America - Latest Developments
Puerto Rico protests lead to Governor’s resignation
This civic space update covers mass demonstrations against corruption in Puerto Rico in July 2019, federal immigration policies in the U.S. over July-September as well as protests and counter-protests on multiple issues. It also details a number of incidents related to freedom of expression, including a number of episodes indicating that harassment at border is becoming more common for journalists and activists. Read more
Saturday 28.9.2019 Venezuela - Latest Developments
Venezuelan government continues to repress freedom of association
On 8th September 2019, Venezuelan human rights organisations reported that the country’s human rights situation has worsened since the visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, in June 2019. According to Marino Alvarado, founding member and coordinator of Programa Venezolano de Educación Acción en Derechos Humanos (Venezuelan Human Rights Action Education Programme - PROVEA), the number of political prisoners has increased and there is no sign that Nicolás Maduro’s government will stop persecuting dissenters. In addition, institutions such as the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Ombudsman’s Office have not investigated any violations and the government has made no effort to implement the recommendations outlined in the High Commissioner’s report on Venezuela from July 2019. Read more
