Civic Space and Activists

Across the globe, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights protects civic space by defending fundamental freedoms—to express dissent, hold leaders accountable, and speak truth to power—on behalf of journalists, opposition groups, and human rights defenders in fragile democracies, including right here in the United States.

  • 114

    Countries with serious civic space restrictions

  • 88%

    Rate of impunity for crimes of violence against journalists

  • 44 of 180

    U.S. ranking in World Press Freedom Index

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Monitor Civil Society Freedoms Around the World

See how countries and regions rank on protecting civic space.

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Teach the Next Generation How to Defend Civic Space

Use our Speak Truth to Power lesson plans to guide conversations on protecting these fundamental rights.

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Follow Journalist Omoyele Sowore’s Journey

He’s been unlawfully detained in Nigeria for over a year after calling for a nationwide protest of the country’s president.

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Access emergency funding for journalists and human rights defenders

This list of resources supports human rights defenders' crucial work.

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Meet Our Experts

Angelita Baeyens

VP of International Advocacy and Litigation

Sofia Jaramillo

Senior Staff Attorney for civic space

Isabel Carlota Roby

Staff Attorney (Latin America)

Ikechukwu Uzoma

Staff Attorney (Africa)

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