CIVICUS, an international non-profit agency that is dedicated to reporting on the civil liberties of countries across the world, has recently put the US to the “narrowed” category due to the Trump Administration’s recent actions. While it is not the lowest category, the decline in liberties can be a cause of concern for many.
What is CIVICUS?
Founded in 1993, CIVICUS is a global alliance that focuses on citizen action and recording the civil liberties present throughout the world. The organization operates globally and supports civil policies and information of these policies being spread throughout the world, especially to countries with restricted liberties.
“We build solidarity among activists across borders and network and resource civil society around the world. We produce timely and cutting-edge knowledge and analysis and build narratives. Our advocacy focuses on creating open spaces, lasting systems change, and including groups often discriminated against,” CIVICUS’s website stated.
While CIVICUS has been in operation for over 30 years, it has recently gained worldwide notice due to a controversial– but expected– decision: to move the US down on its Civic Space Monitoring Watchlist.
Previously, the US was listed as “open,” which is the highest category a country can have. Countries that are open have access to freedom of expression and assembly and do not live in fear of retaliation from authorities; the media is also free and uncensored.
“The state both enables and safeguards the enjoyment of civic space for all people. Levels of fear are low as citizens are free to form associations, demonstrate in public places and receive and impart information without restrictions in law or practice,” Monitor said.
The second category, which the US has been moved to, is said to be “narrowed.” In this category, freedom of expression and assembly is still permitted, but unlawful or unfair acts are made by authority to prevent and discourage civic groups and the general public from doing so. The media may also be restricted or used to portray a false perspective.
In recent years, the US has rarely fallen below “narrowed” to the lower category of “obstructed;” the only time this happened was in 2020 and 2021.
The decision, which was made three days ago on March 10, was not made lightly. However, Monitor chose to make it as the Trump Administration has lessened bonds within and outside of the country.
“Unprecedented executive orders designed to unravel democratic institutions, rule of law, and global cooperation raise alarm… Due to the Trump administration’s assault on democratic norms and global cooperation, CIVICUS has added the United States of America (USA) to its Watchlist of countries with faltering civic freedoms,” CIVICUS stated.
It also states that actions such as dismantling and defunding federal organizations, such as the Justice Department, and removing programs like DEI are partly to blame for its decision.
Annual reports from CIVICUS can be found on their website, and those interested in the Monitor Watchlist can visit it here.
Other countries recently added to watchlist
Italy, like the US, was moved to the “narrowed” category. This is due to a recent and controversial legal package titled the “anti-Gandhi” bill, which has introduced a variety of new criminal offenses and harsher penalties to previously existing offenses.
The next category below is “obstructed;” Serbia was moved to this category due to the government’s attempts to repress a mass protest movement that resulted from the collapse of a train station, which killed 15 people.
One of the lowest categories, “repressed,” has grown to include two more countries: Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The armed group M23 has caused the decline in DRC, while Pakistan has seen increased criminalization on human rights defenders and journalists.
Thankfully, there is no news on any countries being moved to the lowest category, “closed,” in March of this year. Countries that have fallen under this category for multiple years include North Korea, China, Iran and Vietnam.
All information in this category and about the Monitor’s decisions can be found on its website.
Which countries are still “open?”
There are few countries that have been deemed progressive enough to be a part of the “open” category, though there are many in Europe, and a few in other regions.
As of March 2025, Canada, Uruguay, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand and a few others fall under the “open” category.
According to Monitor’s data, only 3.6% of the global population reside in “open” countries.
While it is important to not lose hope, it is important to stay informed.
