As 2017 paved way for 2018, many in civil society found renewed purpose in striving to make democracy real, and to demand human dignity and justice, CIVICUS said its latest report.
The State of Civil Society Report 2018 examined the major events that involve and affect civil society around the world.
Each year the CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report from and for civil society, drawing from a wide range of interviews with people close to the major stories of the day.
CIVICUS’ is an online platform tracking the space for civil society around the world.
The report says even as attacks on civil society have become more brazen, the story of the past year was one of the resolute resistance against the tide of restrictions on fundamental freedoms and democratic values.
Here are 10 key trends that impacted on civil society in 2017 and are continuing in 2018:
1. Globalised neoliberalism is failing people all around the world;
2. Polarising politics are dividing our societies;
3. Personal rule by political leaders is undermining democratic institutions;
4. Attacks are increasing on journalists reporting on corruption and public protests;
5. Growing surveillance and manipulation of opinion is betraying the promise of social media;
6. Uncivil society is claiming civil society space;
7. Multilateralism is in the firing line;
8. The private sector’s growing role in governance demands more scrutiny;
9. Patriarchy is now firmly under the spotlight;
10. Civil society is fighting back and building resolute resistance.
The report stated that Nigeria has a vibrant civil society and media, but CSOs and journalists face persistent attacks from state and non-state actors particularly when dealing with sensitive issues including security, corruption, human rights, women’s rights and governance.
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