In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, some states have gone beyond justifiable restrictions, with negative consequences on civic space and human rights while also creating additional barriers for already excluded groups. Citizens, journalists and human rights defenders (HRDs) have experienced harassment and intimidation, and many excluded groups have faced additional risks and violations.

Since 2016, the CIVICUS Monitor has documented and analysed the state of civic space in 196 countries. This brief (Oct 2020) covers civic space developments in relation to COVID-19 between 11 April 2020 and 31 August 2020.