The State of Global Civil Society in 2024: A Chilling Reality
Global Charity Dine-Around: Many nations observe limited scope for non-governmental entities, according to recent reports - Lack of Freedom for Civil Society: Major Constraints in Countries Worldwide
The landscape of democracy and human rights isn't looking too peachy these days, according to Dagmar Pruin, President of Bread for the World, who recently spoke at a presentation. She says the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection from arbitrary state action are under attack in various countries, a situation not seen for several decades.
A robust civil society is crucial for safeguarding democracy. As Pruin rightly pointed out, "Without a thriving civil society, there can be no vibrant democracy, and no battle for more justice." Unfortunately, only 3.5% of the planet's population lives in countries where freedom of expression and assembly is guaranteed, according to Bread for the World, which looks to the global network Civicus for its evaluations.
The Atlas classifies civil rights into five categories, ranging from "open" to "closed." Only in 40 countries is the civil society considered "open." The remaining 157 countries fall into "restricted," "suppressed," or "closed" categories.
Sadly, the situation has worsened in nine countries such as Georgia, which enacted a "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence" in 2024, which makes it harder for non-governmental organizations and media to operate. The Netherlands, the Palestinian territories, and some others have also seen a deterioration.
However, the situation has turned for the better in nine countries, including Poland and Japan. Germany remains in the "restricted" category, although it was classified in the "open" category in 2023. Silke Pfeiffer, head of the Human Rights department at Bread for the World, pointed out reasons like the "disproportionate restriction of the right to assembly," for instance during climate protection protests, and an increase in police force against protesters, as causes for concern.
Pruin called upon the new federal government to amplify its commitment to democratic civil society engagement. She urged the coalition to advocate worldwide for an effective civil society, independent courts, and free media to defend democracy and the rule of law.
- Theicularized concerns over the restriction of NGOs and media operations in Georgia are part of a broader global trend outlined in the Atlas, where only 40 countries are classified as having an "open" civil society, with the remaining 157 falling into "restricted," "suppressed," or "closed" categories.
- In light of the decline in democratic values and human rights, it is essential for governments, such as the new federal government, to increase their commitment to civil society engagement, advocating globally for effective civil society, independent courts, and free media to defend democracy and the rule of law, as per the call from Dagmar Pruin, President of Bread for the World.
