Civic space and international development: 10 things international NGOs can do to protect civic space and show solidarity

Civic space continues to come under pressure in many countries around the world, driven by rising authoritarianism, right-wing populism, increasing political division and global instability.  

In the first part of this blog series, we looked at how these global trends lead to restrictions on protest rights, attacks on activists and burdensome regulations for civil society organisations, impacting their ability to speak truth to power and bring about social change.  

It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of such powerful forces, especially when the options for action seem limited. However, there is plenty that international development charities can do to respond to restrictions on civil society and support those most in need. In this second blog post, we’ll look at 10 different ways UK-based NGOs can stand in solidarity with those impacted, both here in the UK and overseas, and take preventive action to anticipate and mitigate threats to civic space.  

1. Speak out 

One of the most powerful actions you can take is to speak out in solidarity with organisations, individuals and communities who are being targeted. For example, Bond and other international development NGOs have previously spoken out in support of migration and refugee charities. Under charity law, registered charities in the UK can speak out on issues connected to their charitable purpose, especially if they are not spending significant resources to do so.

Often, it’s more powerful to do this together with other organisations.  In July 2025, over 40 CEOs from Bond member organisations published a joint statement one year on from the summer riots, in which they committed to take steps to tackle systemic racism and unequal power relations. Be clear on your organisation’s risk appetite, including that of your leadership and trustees, and take this into account when planning whether and how to act in solidarity. 

2. Reach out 

Expressions of solidarity don’t have to be public; a private message of support can make a real difference too. If an organisation or individual has been publicly attacked and you don’t feel able to speak out for whatever reason, a phone call or an email can be very helpful. Let them know that they are not alone and share how you understand that what is happening to them is unjust. You can also ask the organisation or individual being targeted what they might need to get through this difficult time. Sometimes private advocacy, such as writing a letter of support to the regulator or other stakeholders can be valuable, but only if the organisation believes this would be helpful. With their permission, reaching out to other peers and stakeholders can also help build collective solidarity, which in turn can grow into a movement when others add their support. 

3. Connect with others outside the sector 

We often work in siloes and tend to have better connections with those in our own sector. It’s important to build relationships with organisations from across civil society, particularly those working with or representing marginalised communities, such as migration and refugee charities, or who work on issues that might mean they are more likely to be targeted, such as environmental organisations.

Join cross sector umbrella groups such as Bond, NCVO or ACEVO, or participate in networks like Civil Society Voice, which seek to bring different groups together. Siloed working only makes it easier for those who want to undermine us to divide us and play us off against one another. We are stronger together. When we connect our struggles, we not only defend civic space but also reimagine what solidarity, justice, and change can look like across society. Building alliances beyond our own sector is not just a strategy of protection, it’s a strategy of transformation. 

4. Sign on 

Consider signing on to joint letters and other advocacy initiatives that may be on issues that are not part of your core work but benefit wider civil society. For example, several anti-protest laws have been passed in the UK in recent years. When one such piece of legislation, the Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill, was passing through parliament, over 350 organisations from multiple sectors (including human rights, international development, children and young people, health, countryside, environment, wildlife, sport and faith groups as well as trade unions) signed onto a letter opposing the bill and standing up for marginalised groups who would be most impacted by the new law.

The House of Lords then went on to throw out many of the most draconian parts of the Bill. This shows how change happens, when diverse voices come together, we create pressure that is impossible to ignore, protect the rights of the most marginalised, and demonstrate the power of collective solidarity in action. 

5. Build understanding 

Explore and build understanding across your organisation of how restrictions on civic space might impact you, your work, your colleagues, your partners and other people that you work with. All organisations will be affected differently, depending on the issues that you work on, your approach and tactics, the communities you support and where you work. Take time to learn about how restrictions are impacting the whole of civil society, both in the UK and internationally. If you haven’t read it already, the first post in this two-part blog series is a good place to start. Other useful resources are Bond’s annual review of UK civic space and the annual CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report.   

6. Think ahead 

Invest in your organisation’s anticipatory and preparedness capabilities. Futures thinking can help to prepare us for what is ahead, whether that is short-term scenario planning or thinking more long term about likely futures and how civic space may look in years to come. Restrictions on civic space won’t only affect advocacy, they can also disrupt funding, partnerships, service delivery, and the ability to represent and protect the communities you work with. By planning ahead, organisations can adapt more effectively and safeguard both their mission and their impact.  

In the UK, the right-wing populist party, Reform UK, has gained ground in recent elections and is currently ahead in the polls. Should it secure either a majority or substantial increase in seats at forthcoming elections, this is likely to have enormous consequences for UK civic space and charities that work on progressive causes. Use futures techniques to anticipate what the implications might be for you organisation and the communities you work with and take steps to ensure you are prepared. This report by the International Civil Society Centre is a useful resource. Bond is also working on how we can best support our members for the future, so look out for further updates on this issue. 

7. Support staff 

Campaigning for rights and freedoms, especially when you are responding to threats that will have profound impact on your organisation or your work can be stressful and exhausting, so looking after staff and colleagues is essential. The struggle to fend off attacks can sometimes feel relentless. Individual staff and colleagues will experience this differently.

Those from racialised or marginalised backgrounds may be particularly vulnerable or affected by what is happening within wider society. Check in with colleagues regularly, ensure they can access mental health and wellbeing support, and encourage them to take time off should they need it. You also may wish to give staff time off to take on volunteering or participate in protests and other forms activism. Supporting mental health and wellbeing is not only an act of care, it is also vital for sustaining the energy and endurance needed for long-term change. 

8. Fund flexibly 

If you work with partner organisations either here in the UK or internationally, prioritise them with sustainable and flexible funding. Having access to long-term, core funding means that organisations have the stability to plan ahead and be more strategic, putting them in control and making them more effective. It’s essential for protection, enabling partners to direct resources on what they need to keep safe and respond to the specific threats they face. Flexible funding is not just supportive, it is a lifeline that enables partners to remain resilient in the face of shrinking civic space. 

9. Protect partners 

Listen to partners and build a greater understanding of their specific needs and how you may be able to support them. This may be supporting them to access security training, improve their digital security capabilities, or access mental health support. It might involve providing emergency funding to pay for additional security measures or to relocate staff in extreme circumstances. Strengthening relationships with the diplomatic community in the UK (including relevant Ministers and FCDO country desks) and Embassies or High Commissions in country can be helpful. Work with partners to map what local, national, regional and international protection mechanisms are available and ensure partners can access them if needed through providing funding or writing letters of support.  

10. Lobby governments 

Lobby donor governments and international organisations to take action to protect civic space, whether that is through supporting participation of civil society in international forums and events, providing more sustainable and flexible funding to local civil society organisations, issuing visas to human rights defenders, or using diplomatic channels to speak up in support of civil society. There is an active community in the UK and internationally working together to persuade governments to take more strategic and principled action to protect civic space and human rights, join them! Contact Bond to find out more about how you can get involved.