civil society watch online

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Civil society, noun: The arena outside the family, state and the market, which is created by individual and collective actions, organisations and institutions to advance shared interests. CIVICUS Civil Society Index

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"Globilization in its current form cannot deliver the benefits expected of it. Civil society, particularly in developing countries, must ensure that it does." Martin Khor, Director, Third World Network

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"Without good governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy, no amount of development assistance will be effective. Good governance cannot be achieved overnight. Liz O’Donnell TD, Former Minister of State, Ireland It has to grow organically from the very roots of civil society”

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Since 9/11, civil society has been facing a growing clampdown

Over the last 2 years, threats to civil society have been tracked in over… : 

Over the last 2 years, threats to civil society have been tracked in over… 90 countries

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Threats include... Restrictive laws Unreasonable policies Imprisonment Of Activists Harrasement and Attacks Clampdown on Demonstrations

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Assasination

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Nelson Camacho Gonzalez Ibio Efren CaicedoTrade union activistsassassinated, ColumbiaAmeer MakhoolCivil society activistimprisoned, IsraelFloribert Chibeya BahizireCivil society activistmurdered, Democratic Republic of CongoKenneth KirmiCivil Society Activisttortured, KenyaMuhannad al-HassaniHuman rights lawyerImprisoned and assaulted, SyriaOrlando Zapata TomayoPolitical activistDied while imprisoned, CubaPascual GuevarraFernando BejinoFarmers rights activistsshot dead, Philippines Civil society activists are under attack around the world

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In Ethiopia >10% international funding = No human rights advocacy

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In Uzbekistan Campaigner Maxim Popov is behind bars for his work to prevent HIV/AIDS

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In Denmark Crackdown on protests during 2009 climate change summit = NO tolerance for dissent from World Leaders

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In Iran The human rights situation has been dire since the disputed 2009 elections. Dozens of students, journalist and activists have been imprisoned and many executed

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But you can HELP

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A new online community to Join Track threats Take action Protect civil society

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visit www.cswatch.org

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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Mead, Margaret American anthropologist (1901-1978)

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Music: False Awakening by JT Bruce, Dreamer’s Paradise www.civicus.org