Civicus Places U.S. on Watchlist Over Concerns About Civic Freedoms

Civicus Places U.S. on Watchlist Over Concerns About Civic Freedoms
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The United States has been added to a global watchlist of countries facing urgent concerns over civic freedoms, according to a new report by Civicus. The U.S. now joins nations such as Turkey, Kenya, El Salvador, Serbia, and Indonesia on the list.

Civicus, a global civil society alliance, cited increasing restrictions on civic space in the U.S., including the use of military forces during protests, constraints on journalists and civil society organizations, and the criminalization of advocacy, particularly relating to Palestine.

The organization classifies the U.S. civic environment as “narrowed,” a rating indicating that basic freedoms are still allowed but are frequently violated through harassment, arrests, or use of excessive force. It also noted press freedom remains under pressure from political interference and funding cuts.

Civicus Secretary General Mandeep Tiwana pointed to recent actions by the Trump administration, such as the deployment of military forces in response to immigration protests in California and efforts to defund public broadcasters like PBS and NPR.

The report also raised concerns about reprisals against pro-Palestinian activists and international figures. Civicus urged U.S. authorities to uphold constitutional protections and reverse what it described as a “concerning trend” away from democratic norms.