The Protection and Promotion of Civic Space

The past decade has seen increasing international recognition of civic space as a cornerstone of functioning democracies alongside efforts to promote and protect it. Countries that foster civic space are better placed to reap the many benefits of higher levels of citizen engagement strengthened transparency and accountability and empowered citizens and civil society. In the longer term a vibrant civic space can help to improve government effectiveness and responsiveness contribute to more citizen-centred policies and boost social cohesion.