CIVIC
RADAR_
Monitors the state of civic space and its rules of the game in real time.
How open is your country to free expression and freedom of association? Are there limits on what can be said online? What new laws are affecting the work and advocacy of civil society organizations (CSOs)?
Civic Radar provides an up-to-date overview of regional civil society, helping you understand and assess the situation across Latin America.
Civic space refers to the set of conditions that enable individuals and organizations to express themselves, associate, and participate in public life, both in physical and digital environments.
Through Civic Radar, you have direct access to:
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The pulse of the region: consult the Digital and Non-Digital Civic Space Index (IECDyND) by Civic Compass to understand the obstacles and challenges faced by CSOs in each country.
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A closer look at the laws: access our updated mapping of governmental regulations and micro-regulations. We compile the actual legal framework under which organizations operate in one place.
Clear, accessible, and up-to-date evidence to help make better decisions
The Digital and Non-Digital Civic Space Index (DNDCSI) is an index developed by Civic Compass that measures the level of openness and functioning of civic space in both digital and non-digital spheres. It is composed of variables from V-Dem using a Principal Component Analysis methodology. The higher the score, the greater the openness of civic space; the lower the score, the greater the restrictions and deterioration of civic space.
VIS DNDCSI 2024
GLOSSARY
OF TERMS
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General Index (Digital and Non-Digital Civic Space Index): A synthetic index constructed through principal component analysis that combines the following dimensions:
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Freedom of Expression: The ability of individuals to communicate opinions and access information without censorship or retaliation. It measures both private and public expression, as well as media freedom and the absence of censorship or harassment of journalists.
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Freedom of Association: The possibility of creating and participating in organizations, parties, or other groups without arbitrary prohibitions, excessive barriers, or government interference.
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Right to Peaceful Assembly: The extent to which the State allows, respects, and protects the ability of individuals to gather, protest, or demonstrate without repression.
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NGO Activity: Measures how civil society organizations can operate within a country. This variable captures specific restrictions that directly affect NGOs, distinguishing them from broader human rights violations.
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Digital Civic Openness: Assesses how free civic space is in the digital environment. It is based on:
- Internet Censorship: Filtering, website blocking, removal of political content.
- Shutdowns: Frequency with which the government cuts access to the Internet or social media.
- Surveillance: State monitoring of political content on digital platforms.
- Legal Framework: Laws that enable the regulation or control of online content.