IACHR: Protecting Civic Space and Defending Human Rights Is Essential for Democracy

September 15, 2025

Washington, DC—On the International Day of Democracy, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) highlights the essential role of civil society organizations as agents that promote the importance and strengthening of democracies for the realization of human rights and rule of law.

In several States of the region, legislative or administrative frameworks have been promoted or approved that have the purpose of limiting or obstructing their work through cumbersome registration processes, which seek to control their areas of work and/or disproportionately control their sources of financing. The Commission recalls that, while States may regulate the registration, supervision and control of organizations, regulatory frameworks should not be misused to silence and intimidate civil society, and legal requirements must not be arbitrary or disproportionate.

In addition, State practices that deliberately discourage the work of civil society organizations persist, such as the abusive use of the judicial system for intimidation purposes, arbitrary surveillance through technologies, stigmatizing speech, as well as smear campaigns that accuse them of being "enemies of the State" and "traitors to the homeland". The convergence of these practices can generate a climate of fear and may lead to self-censorship of organizations to the detriment of democracy.

The OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter recognize citizen association as a fundamental element of democracy. Therefore, States have the obligation to maintain an environment conducive to the defense of human rights in a democratic society. The absence of an organized civil society increases the risk of setbacks in civil liberties, the rule of law and democracy itself.

On this International Day of Democracy, the IACHR urges States to protect and recognize the leading role of civil society organizations in the promotion of human rights and in the consolidation of democratic institutions, and to refrain from any arbitrary or disproportionate action that hinders their work. It also calls on the international community and cooperation actors to promote and encourage various forms of citizen participation with the aim of strengthening democracy.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members, elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 184/25

5:05 PM