Lebanon rising Background The protests sweeping Lebanon are breaking social divides, taboos and stereotypes. For the first time since the civil war, there is a unified call to end corruption, while women are on the frontline of the protests. By Anna Fleischer
Repression and restriction: Egypt's civil society on the defensive The civil society in Egypt is facing a disastrous suppression and realignment by the government. By returning to normal foreign policy operations this weakening condition for civil society could be even strengthened. By Jannis Grimm
Shrinking Civic Space in Pakistan In Pakistan NGOs face harsh restrictions and human rights activists risk imprisonment and harassment. It is important that the government recognizes the role of civil society and promotes a culture of cooperation and trust. By Zulfiqar Shah
LGBTI Civil society organizations and the rights to peacefully assemble and associate Civil society organisations can be a vanguard of progress for the LGBTI community. Despite the growing number of laws and policies impeding LGBTI advocacy, activists and organisations successfully challenge these trends.
Civil society under pressure Shrinking – closing – no space: Governments across all continents villainize civil society actors. Where does their sense of threat emanate from? By Barbara Unmüßig