A continued rise in authoritarianism across the globe, extreme military and economic power concentrated in the hands of elites, and a general
The International Civil Society Week (ICSW) which gathered over 1,000 civil society leaders from around the world called on governments and multilateral institutions to defend democracy and civic freedoms. Over 500 signatories have signed the declaration, including renowned international organisations like Oxfam and Greenpeace as well as hundreds of grassroots changemakers from around the world.
The joint ICSW declaration, outlines clear and actionable recommendations for governments and international institutions to uphold democracy, protect human rights, and address urgent global challenges.
Mandeep Singh Tiwana, Secretary General of global civil society alliance CIVICUS, said:
“Today, we are united in our commitment to forge new pathways for democracy and people’s participation. People power and inclusion are not optional. They are fundamental to our common humanity and should be non-negotiable in overcoming the immense and interrelated challenges facing our world today. Those who hold power should respect this fact.”
The declaration has been released at a time when civic freedoms are being curtailed in most countries, with the right to peaceful protest coming under attack along with weaponisation of laws to limit freedom of speech and persecute dissenters.
It reflects our shared resolve to confront repression, inequality and injustice, and to reimagine how we, as civil society, mobilise for a more just and sustainable world.
Read the full declaration
A continued rise in authoritarianism across the globe, extreme military and economic power concentrated in the hands of elites, and a general
Donald Trump's administration is cutting humanitarian aid, non-profit organizations around the world are facing the introduction of laws on foreign agents, and
Right now, human rights are under threat in 116 of the world’s 195 countries. From discussions in the US about imminent nuclear
BANGKOK – Disinformation is undermining democracy. This was the declaration of around 1,000 activists who attended the International Civil Society Week (ICSW)
