WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Aga Khan Foundation hosted an event on Global Trends in Civil Society Resilience. For nearly 30 years, USAID's work in the area of human rights and democratic governance has aimed to support peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies that benefit from an informed and engaged citizenry. In newer and established democracies, as well as in repressive societies, USAID's work helps to strengthen civil society. The event highlighted the publication of the Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index (CSOSI). First developed by USAID in 1997, the CSOSI enables users to track developments and identify trends in the civil society sector over time while allowing for cross-country and cross-region comparison.

Since January 2012, more than 50 governments have introduced or enacted measures restricting civil society. The mechanisms vary: in some cases, registration for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is denied or delayed; in other cases, CSOs are unable to receive funds from abroad or their bank accounts are frozen; and, in the most severe cases, CSO associates and leaders are physically harassed, verbally defamed or unjustifiably prosecuted and imprisoned for extended periods of time simply because governments find their work objectionable.

To combat this alarming trend, President Obama launched in 2013 a Stand with Civil Society initiative to mobilize the United States Government and the international community to address the implications of closing space. The initiative is working to provide technical assistance to improve the policy environment for civil society actors, enhance multilateral responses against restrictive laws and policies, and foster innovation, partnerships, and support for the activities of civil society. Consistently, the President and Secretary of State have made clear that, regardless of the political obstacles, the U.S. Government will remain an outspoken advocate and supporter of an independent civil society.

Yesterday's event featured commentary from Paige Alexander, USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia and opening remarks from Claire Ehmann, Civil Society and Media Division Chief, USAID's Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance. Panelists included Dr. Mirza Jahani, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., Amy Hawthorne, Resident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council, and Alex Sardar, Vice President of Programs, Counterpart International. The event was attended by over 100 representatives of civil society, academia, development partners, and think tanks. Discussion highlighted challenges and opportunities for CSOs and the latest findings from the Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index (CSOSI), supported by USAID and the Aga Khan Foundation.

"The United States is standing with civil society as it finds ways to translate citizen demands and preferences into more accountable governance and institutions in a sustainable way," said USAID Assistant Administrator Paige Alexander. "By doing so, we help build more resilient, democratic societies."  

Recent global trends reveal that, despite the many challenges, civil society continues to engage with citizens and governments to provide innovative solutions to promote peace and mitigate conflict, push for and protect political space for engagement, and address long-term development challenges.

To learn more about the reports, they may be accessed at:

http://www.usaid.gov/africa-civil-society

http://www.usaid.gov/middle-east-civil-society

http://www.usaid.gov/europe-eurasia-civil-society