Civic Space

A Global Snapshot

In recent years, society and communities have faced restricted civic space and threats to civil liberties. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an acceleration in this global trend.

In 2023, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) commissioned research as part of our ongoing work to support the protection of civic space. Read our key findings. 

AFSC works with communities in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the United States to build peace. Our programs foster vibrant and open civic space and commitment to human dignity and rights. AFSC responds to and supports civil society and communities impacted by restricted civic space through our new global program focused on advancing civil liberties, human rights, and the protection and expansion of civic space. 

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