UPgrades

Bahamas

Czech Republic

Latvia

Armenia

Chile united states of america

Côte d'Ivoire

Burundi

Central african republic

South Sudan

Two countries in the Americas – Chile and the USA – also saw an improvement, moving from obstructed to narrowed civic space ratings with changes in political leadership opening a path for better protection of civic space.

In Europe, the Czech Republic and Latvia improved their rating from narrowed to open. Under the government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala a few positive changes have been documented. For example, the draft legislative proposal to strengthen the editorial independence of Czech Television. In Latvia, civil society reports an overall favourable environment, with CSOs being more involved in decision-making. Civic space in Armenia has shown improvements, particularly after the 2018 revolution, resulting in a rating change from obstructed to narrowed.

Any steps taken towards opening civic space are welcomed, but in most of these countries changes in policies and practices still need to be made to enable the full enjoyment and protection of civic freedoms. To achieve more open and democratic societies and move from small improvements towards systematic change, civil society must be free to operate and hold governments accountable.