ZA-NPO-029-864-MFA-2015 CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation The Dutch Government's programmatic funding to CIVICUS contributes to the policy goal ‘monitoring and safeguarding an enabling environment for civil society’ of the Department for Social Development (DSO) (policy article 3.3 strengthening civil society). Besides, the proposed cooperation with CIVICUS fits in the policy goals as described in the policy letter to Parliament of the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of 9 October 2013. CIVICUS plays different roles as monitoring, lobbying, and convening, within the international discussion on enabling environment for civil society. CIVICUS has access to international networks and policy processes, and stimulates democratization of these processes. Besides, CIVICUS produces yearly, relevant and up-to-date research and monitoring reports. It is important for civil society worldwide and for the MFA that these roles and products are supported in order to maintain quality. Besides, the roles that CIVICUS plays are very complementary to the roles that the MFA plays and can increasingly play in international discussions. CIVICUS also complements the roles international and Dutch civil society play in capacity strengthening for both Lobby and Advocacy and for service delivery. CIVICUS tackles the basic conditions for civil society to operate at both national and international level. Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs CIVICUS Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs CIVICUS Membership & Networks Amy Taylor Chief Strategy Officer 0027118335959 Amy.Taylor@civicus.org http://www.civicus.org CIVICUS' headquarters are based in Johannesburg, South Africa, but the organisation operates worldwide. Human rights and civic participation CIVICUS works on strengthening civic participation, i.e. focusing on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of association globally. 2000000 2000000 2000000 2000000 1500000 500000 84 Assets expensed directly 18343 Office Supplies and services 738 Financial charges 872 Equipment 244249.61 -1191 255414 75191.93 Staff Travel 405.44 Recruitment Costs 290043 279864 1095261 237989.60 Professional Services 5029.72 181111.93 2209946 1233454.09 Salaries and Related Costs 5189 145545 1213 11.07 81936.96 Office and Building Expenses 13383 Occupancy 2021 13119 Meetings and conferences 2020 25815 2252 Media Publications 2020 1124.25 Marketing and Branding 40639.19 ICT Costs 506 Hire,lease and maintenance of equipment 31373.18 Financial Charges 2019 14554.92 Depreciation 2019 9083.69 8160.38 Communication Costs 18492 Communication 49657 2735 51488 Communication costs 2020 9028 7168 Financial charges 2020 2338 Equipment 2020 1456.96 Depreciation 1819.61 Board/Committe Expenses 2235000 4576.95 World Assembly 339882 114582.07 1520201.44 1332124 2013058.65 500000 1500000 13723.08 Financial Charges 446.7 Other Costs 7112.5 Non-Staff Costs 4126.49 Printing and Stationery 2101800 2460400 3RD INSTALMENT 616.07 Assets expensed directly 2166000 6303.27 Board/Committee Expenses 74020.82 2440.99 393.99 19583.84 70348.40 200750.48 5946.16 417558.49 111830.49 3 are in relation to Vuka! 5 in relation to UN work, 19 in relation to Vuka!, 10 in relation to release of Human Rights Defenders # of advocacy supports # of UPR submissions # of UPR submissions Kuwait, Laos, Armenia and Kenya (August 2019), and Honduras, Malawi, Maldives (Oct 2019) # of UN submissions # of UN submissions ZA-NPO-029-864-SIDA16403 CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation SIDA's core financial support is for CIVICUS' operations (the Core Activities) as described in the strategic plan. The overall objectives of the Core Activities are: To strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world; - Generate timely knowledge and analyses on civil society actions in relation to civic and democratic space, - Coordinate targeted advocacy to defend and expand civic and democratic space, - Contribute to stronger emergency and sustained support ecosystems for activists and organisations at risk, - Strengthen public discourse on civic space and reinforce civil society narratives, - Build counter power with the most affected groups and their movement Sweden, through Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) CIVICUS CIVICUS Francesca Alice francesca.alice@civicus.org https://www.civicus.org/ CIVICUS' headquarters are based in Johannesburg, South Africa, but the organisation operates worldwide. Human rights and civic participation 42200000 ZA-NPO-029-864-MFA-2021 CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation The Dutch Government's programmatic funding to CIVICUS contributes to the policy goal of monitoring and safeguarding an enabling environment for civil society of the Department for Social Development (DSO) (policy article 3.3 strengthening civil society). Besides, the proposed cooperation with CIVICUS fits in the policy goals as described in the policy letter to Parliament of the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of 9 October 2013. CIVICUS plays different roles as monitoring, lobbying, and convening, within the international discussion on enabling environment for civil society. CIVICUS has access to international networks and policy processes, and stimulates democratization of these processes. Besides, CIVICUS produces yearly, relevant and up-to-date research and monitoring reports. It is important for civil society worldwide and for the MFA that these roles and products are supported in order to maintain quality. Besides, the roles that CIVICUS plays are very complementary to the roles that the MFA plays and can increasingly play in international discussions. CIVICUS also complements the roles international and Dutch civil society play in capacity strengthening for both Lobby and Advocacy and for service delivery. CIVICUS tackles the basic conditions for civil society to operate at both national and international level. Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs CIVICUS CIVICUS Global Alliance for Citizen Participation Core function Francesca Alice Advisor: Strategic Initiatives francesca.alice@civicus.org https://www.civicus.org/ CIVICUS' headquarters are based in Johannesburg, South Africa, but the organisation operates worldwide. Human rights and civic participation 800000 2100000 2100000 2100000 2100000 2000000 167647 Subgrants 184933 Subgrants 228422 Subgrants 1454671 Salaries and related costs 95094 Staff travel and meetings 326908 3761 Financial charges 1275 Assets expensed directly 24876 Partner travel, conferences and meetings 96748 Office supplies and services 65059 Occupancy 8070 Governance/oversight 32341 12774 Equipment 800000 PNUM2000498049 GTR100000089805 LUMPSUM 4000004272 FIRST PAYMENT 51 Assets expensed directly 4858 2186 Equipment 11 Financial charges 8005 Office supplies and services 1031 Partner travel, conferences and meetings 76634 Professional services 469732 Salaries and related costs 7140 Staff travel and meetings 186 Assets expensed directly 3770 1027 Equipment 2711 Partner travel, conferences and meetings 38 Governance/oversight 3648 Occupancy 16793 Office supplies and services 126192 Subgrants 3608 Staff travel and meetings 68710 Professional services 562897 Salaries and related costs 800000 PNUM2000498049 GTR100000089805 LUMPSUM 4000004272 FIRST PAYMENT 2100000 /ROC/2000763669///URI/PNUM2000763669GTR100000139873LUMPSUM4000004272CIVICUS COREFUNDING 245952 Subgrants 46093 Staff travel and meetings 1029328 Salaries and related costs 242613 Professional services 24411 Partner travel, conferences and meetings 64439 Office supplies and services 7207 Occupancy 24874 Governance/oversight 373 Financial charges 8220 Equipment 36710 554 Assets expensed directly 203 Assets expensed directly 33248 10071 Equipment 2727 Financial charges 2099980 /ROC/2001061170///URI/PNUM2001061170 3277679 100001192 4000004272 CIVICUSCOREFUNDING LUMPSUM 5299 Governance/oversight 44452 Occupancy 141836 Office supplies and services 2099980 000621670 PNUM2000621670GTR100000115644LUMPSUM DSO4000004272CIVIUSCOREFUNDING 86901 Staff travel and meetings 1872722 Salaries and related costs 219291 38891 Partner travel, conferences and meetings 81506 Office supplies and services 60034 Occupancy 11618 Governance/oversight 4561 Equipment 6312 Financial charges 47695 415 Assets expensed directly 2100000 /ROC/2001061170///URI/PNUM2001061170 3277679 100001192 4000004272 CIVICUSCOREFUNDING LUMPSUM ROC/2001159850///URI/PNUM2001159850 3325976 100001192 5TH LUMPSUMPAYMENT4000004272 3905000 PNUM2001253335 3360513 100001192 1000001192 Payment 2025 Core funding20 99962 Partner travel, conferences and meetings 319503 68003 Staff travel and meetings 234783 Subgrants 1927206 Salaries and related costs 1660 Laws, policies and norms/attitudes, blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development CIVICUS supports civil society to advocate for positive change through technical, networking, financial and other resources. Below are the outcomes that we captured that our support contributed towards:1.Indonesia (January 2024) Prominent Indonesian human rights defenders Fatia Maulidiyanti and Haris Azhar were acquitted. The pair were charged in March 2022 for defamation. Even before the charges were laid, a focused campaign supported by CIVICUS mobilised civil society to call for the investigation be dropped and their acquittal. The campaign ended successfully when, on 8 January 2024, the East Jakarta District Court found that their actions did not amount to defamation and acquitted them of all charges.2.(Guatamala, January 2024) Minister of Mines and Energy appointment halted as a result of civil society pushback. In response to the public denouncement during the live event, civil society mobilized promptly. Statements were issued, and there was a concerted effort to push back against the candidacy of the Minister of Energy and Mines. The collective action from civil society resulted in her resignation, signalling not only a victory for human rights advocates but also a broader indication of the new government's commitment to advancing a human rights agenda. This episode serves as a tangible example of how strategic events, organized in a timely manner and supported by partnerships, can play a crucial role in making problems visible and driving positive action. It highlights the interconnectedness of advocacy, information dissemination, and public mobilization in the pursuit of a more just and rights-respecting society.3.CIVICUS Alliance is a thought partner to USAID and to US philanthropy organisations committed to advancing locally led development and shifting power /resources to CS groups on the ground. The insider/outsider strategy makes our alliance a credible and legitimate interlocutor on this change agenda. As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, CIVICUS’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. # of governmental policies blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement Results: 7Policies Blocked or Deferred•Zambia: Constitutional Amendment Deferred: In Zambia, CIVICUS funded partners to run community consultations and policy dialogues on a constitutional amendment introduced ahead of the 2026 elections. These brought women, young people, people with disabilities and community leaders into the debate and documented civil society’s objections. Activities were funded through the CHARM project while Dutch MFA core funding contributed to the staff costs of the CIVICUS team that supported it.Policies Adopted or Improved•South Africa: Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Declared a National Disaster: In South Africa, CIVICUS supported a partner contributed civic space recommendations to the C20 policy pack presented to the G20 process, while sustained pressure from civil society and trade unions led the government to declare gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster.•Rwanda: Improved Government-Civil Society Dialogue (Addressing CSO compliance and rights violations): In Rwanda, we funded a partner’s advocacy on civic space around the country’s UPR, reaching 21 organisations and five media houses. Government institutions now discuss contentious issues with civil society more openly, and at a recent dialogue the two sides addressed the compliance requirements imposed on CSOs and rights violations against street vendors. Activities were funded through the NORAD project while Dutch MFA core funding contributed to the staff costs of the CIVICUS team that supported it.•Global/UN Level: Establishment of the First Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (and other human rights mandates): We contributed to the establishment or renewal of at least five human rights mandates, including the first Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan.•Global/UN Level: Decision to draft General Comment 38 on the right to freedom of association: CIVICUS engaged on a resolution on reprisals and co-led the process that led the UN Human Rights Committee to decide to draft General Comment 38 on the right to freedom of association.•Global/UN Level: Adoption of Human Rights Council Resolution on Civil Society Space (and Reprisals): At the UN, CIVICUS contributed to substantive language in several resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council, including one on civil society space. We engaged on a resolution on reprisals, which for the first time addressed reprisals against UN mandate holders.For this IATI reporting, we report on 21% of the total achievement which represents the fair share of DUTCH spending. CIVICUS supports civil society to advocate for positive change through technical, networking, financial and other resources. Below are the outcomes that we captured that our support contributed towards: 1) A significant win from the #StandAsMyWitness campaign: seven human rights defenders (HRDs) profiled were released. These include Tatsiana Lasitsa, Leanid Sudalenka, and Andrei Chapiuk from the Viasna group in Belarus, as well as Kamira Nait Sid from Algeria.2) From our #StandAsMyWitness campaign: In Guatemala, Claudia González was released and placed under house arrest, and Virginia Laparra—also initially placed under house arrest upon her release on January 3, 2024—ultimately went into exile in early 2025 following renewed legal threats and the risk of re-incarceration. While challenges remain, these releases represent important progress and impact driven by sustained advocacy efforts. As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, CIVICUS’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. CIVICUS works to promote civic space resolutions and mainstream civic space related issues at the Human Rights Council. This year we noted 28 outcomes of the adoption, mandates and strengthened resolutions for this reporting year. Please see https://www.civicus.org/index.php/what-we-do/advocating-for-change/civicus-at-the-un/civicus-at-the-un-human-rights-council for more information.As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, our Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. # of international agreements blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of CSO engagement Total: 8HRC60: 3HRC61: 2HRC62: 3HRC60 (September – October 2025)The report's references to UN resolutions and mechanisms align with the outcomes of the 60th session.•Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan: CIVICUS contributed to the establishment of "the first Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan" . The HRC60 President's press briefing confirms the Council adopted a resolution establishing this mechanism during the 60th session .•Resolution on Reprisals: CIVICUS's advocacy priorities for HRC60 explicitly called for a resolution "condemning all acts of reprisals and retaliation for cooperation with the UN" and focusing on prevention measures. This matches the report's claim of engaging on a resolution that "for the first time addressed reprisals against UN mandate holders."•Resolution on the Russian Federation: Evidence from a partner supported by CIVICUS's Crisis Response Fund informed the Council's work on Russia. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation drew on its documentation of the persecution of LGBTQI+ people under anti-extremism legislation, and the Council's resolution on Russia took up the partner's term 'vulnerable individuals/groups', using it four times. People who have fled this persecution can now cite a UN resolution as evidence of the risks they faced when applying for asylum. (Funded through the Crisis Response Fund; the Dutch MFA contributed to staff costs.)HRC61 (February – March 2026)The report's references to General Comment 38 and civil society space are linked to CIVICUS's work around the 61st session.•General Comment 38 on Freedom of Association: CIVICUS "co-led the process that led the UN Human Rights Committee to decide to draft General Comment 38." While this is a Human Rights Committee action (not the HRC itself), CIVICUS used the HRC61 platform for broader advocacy. At HRC61, CIVICUS delivered an oral statement emphasizing the importance of civil society participation and the need for a "permanent platform for dialogue" .•Civil Society Space (Hybrid Participation): CIVICUS's primary advocacy push around HRC61, HRC62, and HRC63 was a letter to States urging the maintenance of hybrid (online and in-person) participation for civil society in informal consultations. This aligns with the report's broader narrative of creating space for CSO engagement.HRC62 (June – July 2026)•Deferred UN Declaration on International Solidarity: The report notes the adoption of the draft UN Declaration on the Right to International Solidarity was "postponed to mid-2027." At HRC62, CIVICUS delivered a statement on "International solidarity as a framework to guide UN and OHCHR action," urging the Council to use solidarity as a framework and to adopt benchmarks to guide its action. This shows CIVICUS continuing to advocate for the principles of the deferred declaration.•Eritrea Mandate: CIVICUS, alongside other NGOs, wrote to States ahead of HRC62 urging them to support a strong resolution extending the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea. The HRC62 outcomes confirm the mandate was extended.•Sudan Urgent Debate: The report mentions CIVICUS's broader work on conflict. At HRC62, CIVICUS and other CSOs called on the Council to address the escalating situation in El Obeid, Sudan, leading to an urgent debate and resolution. The IBAHRI noted this was "as recommended by CSOs”.For this reporting, we report on 21% of the total achievement which represents the fair share of DUTCH spending. CIVICUS works to promote civic space resolutions and mainstream civic space related issues at the Human Rights Council and Regional Human Rights Councils. This year we noted 33 outcomes of the adoption, mandates and strengthened resolutions for this reporting year. Please see https://www.civicus.org/index.php/what-we-do/advocating-for-change/civicus-at-the-un/civicus-at-the-un-human-rights-council for more information. As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, our Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, our Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and our Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. CIVICUS supports civil society to advocate for positive change through technical, networking, financial and other resources. Below are the outcome that we captured that our support contribution towards:1.Zambia: The passing and adoption of Access to Information Law (ATI) since it was first introduced in parliament 20 years ago. On 15 December 2023, the Zambian parliament finally adopted the Access to Information Act into law, following years of public debate about the importance of such legislation.2.Zambia: The amendment of the Penal Code. In October 2022, Zambia’s Cabinet approved a review of the penal and criminal procedure codes. The Bill was then debated in Parliament before being passed in December. On 23 December 2023, President Hichilema signed the Bill, which does not have retrospective effect, into law. In February 2023, the President commuted 390 death sentences to life imprisonment. As such, there are reportedly no longer any individuals on death row in Zambia.As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. # of laws blocked, adopted, improved for sustainable and inclusive development as a result of civil society engagement Total: 2•Zambia: CSO Advocacy Secures Presidential Commitment on NGO Independence and Constitutional Reform. CIVICUS funded and supported strategic advocacy interventions targeting Zambia's restrictive NGO legal framework and contested constitutional reform process. In response to the proposed NGO Bill No. 6 of 2025, this support enabled sustained and coordinated advocacy in collaboration with other CSOs and networks. These efforts prompted direct engagement between civil society and Zambia's Executive (Presidency), culminating in a State House meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema on 24 June 2025. During this engagement, CSOs successfully pushed back on both the NGO Bill and the Constitutional Amendments Bill. Following the meeting, President Hichilema publicly committed to safeguarding the independence and operations of NGOs and instructed the deferment of the Constitutional Amendment, a significant policy win directly attributable to the coordinated advocacy that CIVICUS helped fund and support. Activities were funded through the CHARM project while Dutch MFA core funding contributed to the staff costs of the CIVICUS team that supported it.•Malawi: Constitutional Court decriminalises defamation. In June 2025, Malawi's Constitutional Court struck down section 200 of the Penal Code, decriminalising defamation. CIVICUS had worked towards this for two years with national partners through Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions, statements at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, advocacy training, a Diplomats and Defenders Dialogue and a consultation framework that brought together civil society, government departments, the judiciary, the media and security agencies.In IATI we report on 21% the represents the % of DUTCH MFA Spending compared to total expenditure. For this reporting, we report on 21% of the total achievement which represents the fair share of DUTCH spending. CIVICUS supports civil society to advocate for positive change through technical, networking, financial and other resources. Below is the outcome that we captured that our support contribution towards:Malawi’s High Court (sitting as a Constitutional Court) declaring Section 200 of the Malawi Penal Code, which criminalised defamation, unconstitutional. The Court ruled that the law which made defamation a criminal offence is against the country’s Constitution. The court said the law unfairly limits people’s freedom to speak freely, especially in a democracy. CIVICUS, through CHARM contributed to this cause through the UPR reports of 2021 and 2025, with mid-stream advocacy work, including diplomatic defenders’ dialogue held in 2024, plus capacity skilling trainings on advocacy, and technical support to partners. The ruling is key and a right path in paving way for free civic space in the country. NOTE: This outcome has components of both core and project funding.As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. The space for civil society to promote rights and pursue social justice has been historically contested. But presently, we’re seeing a greater range of states attacking civil society, the rise of anti-rights groups and a sharpening of tactics of restriction, including online attacks and censorship. Many contexts have seen political upheaval and a rejection of norms around the conduct of politics and democracy. The space for civil society to promote rights and pursue social justice has been historically contested. But presently, we’re seeing a greater range of states attacking civil society, the rise of anti-rights groups and a sharpening of tactics of restriction, including online attacks and censorship. Many contexts have seen political upheaval and a rejection of norms around the conduct of politics and democracy. The space for civil society to promote rights and pursue social justice has been historically contested. But presently, we’re seeing a greater range of states attacking civil society, the rise of anti-rights groups and a sharpening of tactics of restriction, including online attacks and censorship. Many contexts have seen political upheaval and a rejection of norms around the conduct of politics and democracy. As a result of our efforts, groups most affected by the combined impact of structural discrimination and civic space restrictions are better supported in their efforts to mobilise change, which causes decision makers and institutions to act more responsibly to uphold civic and democratic freedoms. Public trust in civil society improves significantly and is reflected through increased solidarity with the work and priorities of civil society. As a result of our efforts, groups most affected by the combined impact of structural discrimination and civic space restrictions are better supported in their efforts to mobilise change, which causes decision makers and institutions to act more responsibly to uphold civic and democratic freedoms. Public trust in civil society improves significantly and is reflected through increased solidarity with the work and priorities of civil society. # of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage at national and international level. Result 50 +CIVICUS supports civil society to make submissions and statements at UN and regional bodies. CIVICUS’ main focus currently concentrates on the human rights mechanisms, most notably the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Special Procedures, but also on the Treaty bodies. CIVICUS also works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Please see full account of our work at https://www.civicus.org/index.php/what-we-do/advocating-for-change/civicus-at-the-un/civicus-at-the-un-human-rights-council. As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, CIVICUS’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. # of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage at national and international level. # of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage at national and international level. Total: 155International level•Influencing UN Resolutions: CSOs created space for their positions in adopted UN Human Rights Council resolutions. CIVICUS contributed to substantive language in a resolution on civil society space and engaged on a resolution on reprisals addressing UN mandate holders.•Creating UN Legal Frameworks: CIVICUS co-led the process that led the UN Human Rights Committee to decide to draft General Comment 38 on freedom of association.•Establishing UN Mechanisms: CSOs contributed to the establishment or renewal of at least five human rights mandates, including the first Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan.•Direct UN Engagement (70+ partners and 9 statements): Over 70 partners were supported to engage UN mechanisms directly, and nine oral statements were supported at the Council.•Joint Submissions: CSOs filed 11 joint Universal Periodic Review (UPR) submissions.•Targeted Advocacy Weeks: A MENA advocacy week brought over 10 members and partners to Geneva to present recommendations.•Partner Voices in the UPR: Several states drew on the joint submission prepared with Mongolia's Center for Human Rights and Development in their recommendations, and its representative addressed the Human Rights Council remotely.•Diplomats and Defenders Dialogues: One online in October 2025 with 30 defenders and CSOs from Egypt and the wider region, and one in person in Costa Rica in June 2026, bringing human rights defenders together with diplomats.•Direct Access to UN Mandate Holders through Vuka!: A solidarity call put young activists from Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines in touch with UN human rights representatives, and an exchange connected defenders from Eswatini and Sudan with UN Special Rapporteurs and the UN human rights office.•Regional Environmental Defenders Forum: CIVICUS engaged in the Third Forum on Human Rights Defenders in Environmental Matters under the Escazú Agreement to secure civil society participation in implementing article 9.•Joint Civil Society Positions at the UN: Over 20 CSOs backed a statement against US sanctions on the Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories.•Influencing Funder Practice: Member input into the design of Peace Direct's Funder Report Card; research on 'Funding Civil Society Freedom', shared in several languages; and meetings in Brussels and Geneva between a partner working with Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms and donors and policymakers, who invited the partner back.•CIVICUS Monitor Data Used by Others: The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre used Monitor updates to press companies including Maersk and Starbucks to respond to violations; Human Rights Watch framed an article on rule-of-law backsliding in France around the country's downgrade; and the Monitor was cited in the opening remarks of the OSCE Human Dimension Conference in October 2025.•CIVICUS Monitor Launches and Watchlists: People Power Under Attack 2025 was launched globally and nationally in Nairobi with the Kenya Human Rights Commission, generating over 500 media citations in more than 65 countries and 25 languages; two Watchlists (July 2025 and March 2026) were timed to key political moments. Monitor ratings generated 1,380 media stories over the year.•CIVICUS Lens and the State of Civil Society Report: Three member webinars on the 2026 report (English, French and Spanish), the webinar 'Gen Z Protests – Not Leaderless, but Collectively Led', and presentations at over 20 partner events. Lens content was picked up 812 times by 94 media outlets in 35 countries, Inter Press Service carried 50 Lens op-eds and 50 interviews, and the report was cited 266 times in 30 media outlets within three months of launch.•ICSW 2025: Young activists' Youth Manifesto set the agenda for an intergenerational dialogue with senior civil society leaders, and the closing Global Declaration was signed by 500 organisations.•Solidarity Missions: Ecuador (March 2026), which opened channels with the Constitutional Court, the Ombudsperson's Office, the European Union and the UN; and Bangladesh (June 2026), which met 35 CSOs and human rights defenders, academics, journalists and diplomats.National Level•Influencing National Debates:oItaly: Following a Monitor downgrade, a coalition held a press conference in parliament, 21 organisations issued a joint statement, and members of parliament cited the downgrade.oGermany and Serbia: Opposition parties used their countries' downgrades to challenge their governments.oSwitzerland: An urgent written question on the canton of Geneva's rating was put to the government.•Creating Space for Dialogue:oRwanda: Following a CIVICUS-funded partner's advocacy, government institutions began discussing contentious issues with civil society more openly, addressing CSO compliance and rights violations.oZambia: CIVICUS funded partners to run community consultations and policy dialogues on a constitutional amendment, bringing marginalised groups into the debate.•Agenda Setting at the G20: A South African partner contributed civic space recommendations to the C20 policy pack presented to the G20 process.•Engaging Courts and the Justice System:oMalawi: A consultation framework brought together civil society, government departments, the judiciary, the media and security agencies ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling decriminalising defamation.•National UPR Processes (3 instances): In Uganda, a country-level process reached 140 CSOs, 14 media workers and eight government agencies; further sub-grants reached 64 organisations in Kenya and 13 in Sierra Leone. (Funded through Norad sub-grants; the Dutch MFA contributed to staff costs.)•Elections: In Bolivia, six alerts from ChequeaBolivia to the electoral authority prompted official clarifications.•Local Governance and Accountability:oNigeria: GovTracka won political support for replication across 23 local government areas. (Funded through the Digital Action Lab; the Dutch MFA contributed to staff costs.)oWestern Kenya: Transparency and Integrity Clubs at four universities feed into the Kisumu Accountability Alliance.For IATI, we report on 21% of the value obtained, which is a fare share of DUTCH MFA contribution to the total expenditure of CIVICUS. # of times that CSOs succeed in creating space for CSO demands and positions through agenda setting, influencing the debate and/or creating space to engage at national and international level. Result We documented 50 times that CIVICUS supports civil society to make submissions and statements at UN and regional bodies. CIVICUS’ main focus currently concentrates on the human rights mechanisms, most notably the Human Rights Council and its subsidiary bodies such as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Special Procedures, but also on the Treaty bodies. CIVICUS also works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Please see full account of our work at https://www.civicus.org/index.php/what-we-do/advocating-for-change/civicus-at-the-un/civicus-at-the-un-human-rights-council. As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, CIVICUS’s Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. Our analysis of civil society trends clearly points to the emergence of new frontiers. Many of today’s movements centre on a new generation of people who are creating their own structures of participation and activism. These mobilisations, often fluid and non-hierarchical in nature, include young people exercising their civic freedoms for the first time and people from excluded groups reasserting the value of their worldviews. An upsurge in popular protests and social movements, coupled with the rise of social enterprises spurred by technological innovations, is transforming the civil society landscape. Our analysis of civil society trends clearly points to the emergence of new frontiers. Many of today’s movements centre on a new generation of people who are creating their own structures of participation and activism. These mobilisations, often fluid and non-hierarchical in nature, include young people exercising their civic freedoms for the first time and people from excluded groups reasserting the value of their worldviews. An upsurge in popular protests and social movements, coupled with the rise of social enterprises spurred by technological innovations, is transforming the civil society landscape. We intend to strengthen the efficacy, credibility, legitimacy and influence of citizen and civil society action to claim fundamental civic rights and resist oppressive power through the following actions:1.Improved ability of excluded groups to challenge oppressive power and transform policy making:•There is increased recognition of the role of collective action by excluded groups in achieving sustained change •There is a shift of funding, support and solidarity towards groups that are most affected by the combined impact of civic and democratic space restrictions and structural forms of discrimination2.Improved public discourse that reflects greater value for civic and democratic space and social and environmental justice, and greater recognition of the relevance and sustained impact of civil society:•Locally led public deliberations and context-relevant analyses are provided in diverse locations and languages around the world•Greater public trust is reflected through increased solidarity with the work and priorities of the CIVICUS alliance and broader civil society3.Improved accountability by decision makers to uphold the fundamental civic freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression:• More actions are taken to support and expand democratic participation in decision-making processes with a focus on citizen and civil society engagement across borders and at scale•There is evidence that institutional policies and legislation are becoming more supportive of a vibrant, autonomous civil society4.Increased and more effective civil society action moves decision makers to safeguard and expand civic and democratic space:•All forms of civil society find more innovative and effective ways to create transnational and cross-thematic opportunities for solidarity action•Citizens and civil society leverage knowledge, research and analysis to advance organising and influencing efforts and hold decision makers accountable at local, national, regional and global levels•Advocacy and lobbying are done in more empowering and transformative ways to better hold public and private institutions accountable Our ultimate goal is to strengthen citizen action and civil society that expands civic and democratic space. The outcomes that will contribute to this goal are underpinned by our strategic objectives, which articulate CIVICUS’s unique approach to achieving the breakthroughs we want to see through enabling lasting and transformative change across the varied and interconnected aspects of our work.Our unique value lies in our ability to make use of the combined approaches of (1) generating knowledge and timely analysis, (2) amplifying civil society narratives, (3) influencing policy making, (4) enabling activism in challenging contexts and (5) strengthening solidarity action through strategic alliances and innovative partnerships.We believe that this can be achieved through creating systemic shifts in policy, practice and public narratives, which help to bring about more transformative, sustainable change. # of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency at national or international level Result: 51.#StandAsMyWitness2.FoPA Global Consultation organised by Global Resource Hub partners, Defend Defenders with UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association (FoAA).3.Declaration +25 Project (review the international law on human rights defenders)4.Summit for the Future/Pact for the Future5.UNMute Initiative6.Palestine Solidarity LabAs agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, our Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and our Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022. # of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency at national or international level Result: 40International-Level Advocacy Initiatives•UN Human Rights Council Engagement: CIVICUS supported over 70 partners to engage UN mechanisms directly and delivered nine oral statements on behalf of partners facing reprisals (including on Malawi, the Maldives, and Rwanda).•Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Submissions: CSOs filed 11 joint UPR submissions. Through subgrants, 64 organisations in Kenya, 13 in Sierra Leone, and 140 CSOs in Uganda were reached for UPR participation and report-writing. Activities were funded through the NORAD project while Dutch MFA core funding contributed to the staff costs of the CIVICUS team that supported it.•MENA Advocacy Week: Over 10 members and partners from seven countries traveled to Geneva to present recommendations on algorithmic accountability, cybercrime legislation, and surveillance.•African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights: CIVICUS worked with national partners in Malawi to make statements at the African Commission as part of a two-year advocacy campaign. This contributed to the Constitutional Court's June 2025 ruling decriminalising defamation.•Global Governance and SDGs: CIVICUS's Secretary-General participated in two discussions on the post-2030 agenda (the Unlock the Future coalition and a UN 80th anniversary roundtable) and spoke at the inaugural Ottawa Civic Space Summit.•Diplomats and Defenders Dialogues: CIVICUS held two dialogues connecting HRDs with diplomats (one online for 30 defenders from Egypt and the wider region; one in Costa Rica in June 2026).•Vuka! Solidarity Calls: These connected young activists from Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines with UN human rights representatives, and connected Sudanese and Eswatini defenders with UN Special Rapporteurs. Another Vuka! solidarity call brought together women human rights defenders from Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda in support of those working for peace in Sudan.•Mongolia UPR and Human Rights Council: CIVICUS worked with the Center for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) to turn its documentation into a joint UPR submission, which several states drew on in their recommendations, and arranged for CHRD's representative to address the Human Rights Council remotely.•UN reform and international solidarity: CIVICUS continued to engage on the draft UN Declaration on the Right to International Solidarity and used the Council's 20th anniversary, cuts to UN human rights spending and the treaty body review to advocate for bolder UN reform.•Joint statement on US sanctions: CIVICUS rallied over 20 CSOs behind a statement against US sanctions on the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.•Escazú Agreement: CIVICUS engaged in the Third Forum on Human Rights Defenders in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean to ensure civil society participation in implementing article 9 on the protection of environmental human rights defenders.•CIVICUS Monitor – People Power Under Attack 2025 and Watchlists: Drawing on over 20 research partners, the Monitor rated 198 countries and territories and documented 3,120 civic freedom violations, changing 18 ratings (15 downwards). Ahead of downgrades it consulted national partners so they were ready to act. The report was launched globally and nationally in Nairobi with the Kenya Human Rights Commission, focusing on transnational repression, and two Watchlists (July 2025 and March 2026) were timed to elections, the FIFA World Cup, Security Council sessions and the Winter Olympics.•CIVICUS Monitor research briefs and thematic reports: Five country briefs, a research brief covering eight Pacific states, and reports on foreign agents laws (October 2025) and deepfake disinformation around elections (March 2026) gave partners evidence to use in their advocacy.•State of Civil Society Report 2026 and CIVICUS Lens: The 15th State of Civil Society Report, focused on resistance, drew on over 250 interviews and 100 articles. CIVICUS Lens published 73 articles and 250 interviews covering 110 countries and territories, giving activists a platform in their own words and languages; 79 per cent of interviews featured someone from a prioritised group. Member webinars in English, French and Spanish and presentations at over 20 partner events took the findings to wider audiences.•#StandAsMyWitness: The campaign contributed to the release of Belarusian human rights defenders Marfa Rabkova and Valiantsin Stefanovich in March 2026, and in February 2026 took up the cause of five imprisoned environmental activists from Mother Nature Cambodia.•Global Solidarity Cup: CIVICUS's first structured digital campaign reached football fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and directed them to the #StandAsMyWitness petition. Paid advertising reached 527,000 people, and a partner creator's video drew 71,400 views with no paid promotion.•ICSW 2025 Youth Manifesto and Global Declaration: At International Civil Society Week in Bangkok (over 1,000 participants), young activists wrote a Youth Manifesto that set the agenda for an intergenerational dialogue with senior civil society leaders, and a Global Declaration was signed by 500 organisations.•Solidarity missions to Ecuador and Bangladesh: Following a Vuka! solidarity call that documented violations after Ecuador's national strike, a March 2026 mission opened channels with the Constitutional Court, the Ombudsperson's Office, the European Union and the UN. A June 2026 mission to Bangladesh met 35 CSOs and human rights defenders, as well as academics, journalists and diplomats.•Advocacy for better funding practice: CIVICUS facilitated member input into Peace Direct's Funder Report Card, contributed to the 'Funding Civil Society Freedom' research as a panel member and key informant, and endorsed the 'stand with civil society' open letter and the WINGS call to action on aid cuts.•Sudan Emergency Response Rooms: With Peace Direct, CIVICUS brought a partner working with Sudan's volunteer-run Emergency Response Rooms to meet donors and policymakers in Brussels and Geneva; the partner was later invited back for further talks.National-Level Advocacy Initiatives•Zambia: CIVICUS funded partners to run community consultations and policy dialogues on a constitutional amendment, bringing women, young people, people with disabilities, and community leaders into the debate. Activities were funded through the CHARM project while Dutch MFA core funding contributed to the staff costs of the CIVICUS team that supported it.•Rwanda: CIVICUS funded a partner's advocacy on civic space around the country's UPR, reaching 21 organisations and five media houses. Activities were funded through the NORAD project while Dutch MFA core funding contributed to the staff costs of the CIVICUS team that supported it.•South Africa: A partner contributed civic space recommendations to the C20 policy pack presented to the G20 process, while sustained pressure from civil society and trade unions led the government to declare gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster.•Italy: Following a CIVICUS Monitor downgrade, a civil society coalition held a press conference in parliament, 21 organisations issued a joint statement, and members of both the Italian and European parliaments cited the downgrade.•Germany and Serbia: Opposition parties used their countries' CIVICUS Monitor downgrades to challenge their governments.•Western Kenya: CIVICUS funded and trained partners to set up Transparency and Integrity Clubs in four universities, training over 800 young people who feed into the Kisumu Accountability Alliance.•Sierra Leone: A platform CIVICUS helped create for environmental defenders now works as an early-warning network.For this reporting, we report on 21% of the total achievement which represents the fare share of DUTCH spending. # of advocacy initiatives carried out by CSOs, for, by or with their membership/constituency at national or international level Result: 12 WeRise! Forum on Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (EHRD) Escazu Agreement #StandAsMyWitness (SAMW) Campaign UNMute Campaign Communicators for Civic Action (NORAD) 2025 Mainstreaming civic space assessment in the Open Government Partnership for the Asia Pacific Strengthened Youth-Led Digital Advocacy for Internet Freedom in Tanzania Uganda’s First Civic Tech Platform – SpaceUG General Comment for Right of Freedom of Association United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) CIVICUS and Resilience Pathways Stand in Solidarity with Palestinian People and Civil Society Organisations Donor Transformation Challenge As agreed, we report 30% of the total number of results on IATI. This reflects the multiple donors that contribute to the activities supporting the outcomes. The methodology has remained consistent from the beginning of this grant cycle, allowing meaningful year-to-year comparison. The indicators are aligned to the recommended basket indicators, our Strategic Plan 2022 – 2027 and our Integrated Results Framework approved in December 2022.