Johannesburg, South Africa (HRNW): CIVICUS, the global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society worldwide, has announced a new phase of its WeRise Global Freedom of Peaceful Assembly (FoPA) Initiative, aimed at building a stronger international network for collaboration, learning, and protection of civic freedoms. As part of the initiative, CIVICUS has invited experts to help design a sustainable global learning framework that will support civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and human rights defenders across more than 180 countries.
The WeRise initiative represents one of CIVICUS’ flagship programmes to strengthen freedom of peaceful assembly by promoting knowledge sharing, leadership development, innovation, and long-term cooperation among organizations working to protect civic space. According to the organization, the programme seeks to move beyond traditional grant-making by creating a movement-led global community capable of responding collectively to emerging human rights challenges.
CIVICUS noted that civil society organizations continue to face growing pressures in many parts of the world, including restrictions on freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression. Through the WeRise initiative, the organization intends to expand opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, digital engagement, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the resilience of local organizations and community leaders.
The programme also focuses on improving organizational capacity by developing practical learning tools, regional exchanges, mentoring opportunities, and collaborative platforms that allow civil society organizations to exchange experiences and successful advocacy strategies. By strengthening local leadership, CIVICUS aims to improve the long-term sustainability of organizations working to promote democracy, accountability, and human rights.
In addition to its learning programmes, CIVICUS continues publishing the CIVICUS Monitor, one of the world’s leading resources tracking civic space conditions across nearly every country. The Monitor provides independent assessments of freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, helping governments, researchers, development partners, and international institutions better understand global trends affecting civil society.
CIVICUS has emphasized that strong and independent civil society organizations remain essential partners in achieving sustainable development, strengthening democratic governance, promoting transparency, and protecting the rights of marginalized communities. The organization continues working with international institutions, governments, philanthropic organizations, and local partners to encourage greater civic participation and inclusive policymaking.
Founded in 1993, CIVICUS has grown into one of the world’s largest civil society alliances, representing more than 17,000 members and partner organizations in over 180 countries. Through research, advocacy, capacity building, and international cooperation, the alliance supports organizations working to advance human rights, democratic participation, social justice, and sustainable development worldwide.
Human rights experts observe that initiatives such as WeRise demonstrate the increasing importance of global cooperation among civil society organizations at a time when many communities continue facing complex humanitarian, environmental, and governance challenges. Strengthening collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing can contribute to more resilient civic institutions capable of promoting peaceful participation and protecting universal human rights.
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Disclaimer
This HRNW news report has been prepared using publicly available information released by CIVICUS and other reliable public sources. It is published solely for news and informational purposes. HRNW maintains complete editorial independence, and publication of this report does not necessarily constitute endorsement of the views, programmes, or positions of the organizations mentioned. Readers are encouraged to consult official publications for comprehensive and updated information regarding CIVICUS initiatives, research, and advocacy activities.
