Protecting civic space around the world

Q: In many places, we’re continuing to see government restrictions on freedom of speech and other rights. How are communities working to protect their freedoms?

Today, we’re seeing people show up in ways they haven’t before, especially young people. In the U.S., students have courageously protested what’s happening in Gaza and called for their universities to divest. In the best cases, this has led to dialogue and even agreements from some universities to take steps toward divestment. 

In Kenya, thousands of youth organized through social media to peacefully protest the president’s proposed tax hikes. They faced violence from police, and dozens were killed. But their efforts forced the president to withdraw the tax plan. Since then, youth have persisted in demonstrating despite the risks. 

These are examples of the power of nonviolent activism, which we know is more effective in achieving political change than violent resistance*.

*“Between 1900 and 2006, campaigns of nonviolent resistance were more than twice as effective as their violent counterparts," according to political scientist Erica Chenoweth, an expert on civil resistance. More: www.ericachenoweth.com.

Q: With wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere, many are saying that the international rules-based system is failing us. What does AFSC see as the future for peacebuilding? 

The international rules-based system faces significant challenges, specifically in enforcement. Some mechanisms like the International Court of Justice have operated as intended, such as in its landmark finding that Israel’s actions in Gaza are plausibly genocidal. But there’s no effective enforcement to ensure findings like these are followed through. 

South Africa, which has lived through apartheid, brought this case to the ICJ— which I view as a hopeful sign of activism in the international system. Organizations like AFSC must reinforce these mechanisms, particularly by supporting communities and countries that are stepping up. We must also hold our own governments accountable. That is especially critical in the U.S., where political interests can override U.S. and international laws and conventions. Lack of enforcement of our own Leahy Law is a good example of this. 

Q: Elections have taken place in many countries this year. Are there lessons learned that could help bolster democracy as we prepare for U.S. elections in November? 

We can learn a lot from what’s happening around the world. In South Africa, the African National Congress lost its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, but the transition of power was peaceful. The ANC accepted the results. Now there’s a move to a national government of unity for the first time in 30 years. 

In the U.S., AFSC is working with coalitions to protect election integrity, ensuring every vote is counted and every person can safely participate in elections and protests. We’re also preparing to defend against harmful policies that may arise from the next administration.