All articles tagged with #civil society
The director of Citizen Lab warns the cybersecurity community about the growing threat of authoritarianism and government spyware, urging increased vigilance and support for threat intelligence efforts, especially as major tech companies may reduce their cybersecurity initiatives amidst political pressures.
Human rights defenders, journalists, and activists are fleeing El Salvador due to President Bukele's crackdown, which includes arrests, harassment, and the dismantling of civil society organizations, amid a broader trend of authoritarianism and global right-wing alliances.
The United States expresses deep concern over the arrest orders and detentions of 33 Venezuelans, including opposition members, civil society figures, former military personnel, and journalists, emphasizing that these actions contradict the October 2023 electoral roadmap agreement. The US calls for an end to politically motivated harassment and urges adherence to the agreement, including announcing a clear timeline for the 2024 presidential election and reinstating all political candidates.
President Javier Milei's new anti-protest measures in Argentina, which allow security forces to use force to clear blockades and arrest protesters, are being put to the test as social and labor groups plan to protest his economic measures. Critics fear a crackdown on civil society, while supporters argue that the measures aim to prevent disruptive blockades rather than protests themselves. Opposition groups have petitioned international bodies and filed claims in national courts against the measures. A recent poll shows that a majority of Argentines support stopping blockades. The outcome of today's protests will determine if Milei's administration takes a more authoritarian turn.
Ten independent Hungarian media outlets have warned that a new law approved by the Hungarian parliament could severely restrict press freedom and make it difficult for independent newsrooms and journalists to operate. The law creates a sovereignty protection office with broad powers to investigate foreign interventions in Hungary's democratic processes. Critics argue that the true aim of the legislation is to intimidate and silence critics, while civil society groups have raised concerns about its constitutionality. The International Press Institute has condemned the law and called for an EU challenge against it.
The Biden administration's executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While many civil society leaders believe the order falls short in recognizing and addressing real-world harms caused by AI models, they see it as a meaningful step forward. They call on Congress to pass legislation that codifies protections and prioritizes AI fairness during model development. Concerns have also been raised about the order's sections on national security and law enforcement, with calls for robust audits to prevent discrimination and ensure algorithm safety. Industry leaders express worries that the order may stifle innovation and impose burdensome reporting requirements. Experts agree that congressional action is necessary to complement the executive order and address gaps in immigration law and employment-based green cards.
The human rights situation in Russia has significantly worsened since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a report by a United Nations expert. The report highlights a systematic crackdown on civil society, including mass arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill-treatment of detainees. This is the first time the UN Human Rights Council has examined the record of one of its "P5" members. Russia has previously denied targeting civilians in Ukraine and criticized criticism of its domestic rights record. The report calls for redress and renewal of the UN expert's mandate, which European Union countries are set to seek.
Vietnam is set to receive at least $15.5 billion from wealthy countries and investors to transition from coal to renewable energy. However, the country's human rights record is being scrutinized, with climate activists being jailed on what critics say are trumped-up charges. Civil society groups are urging governments and financial institutions to pressure Vietnam on its human rights practices before sending any money. The question is how and when those policies would be applied. Without an active civil society, it's hard to know how money for climate and development programs is being spent.
Doctors in Sudan are being targeted with threats and smear campaigns for maintaining a neutral stance in the ongoing war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese Doctor’s Union blames al-Bashir-era loyalists for being the primary inciters of violence against them. The strong influence of the National Congress Party (NCP) in the army poses the biggest threat to civil society. Experts have warned that there could be a wider crackdown against civil society as the war drags on.