Restrictions, Transformations and Political Participation
From freedom of association and expression to political participation and justice, this issue examines transformations in civic space across several Arab countries and asks how civil society can maintain its role and influence amid legal and political restrictions, economic and social crises, and broader shifts reshaping the public sphere.
Amid mounting restrictions on civic action and deepening political, economic and social crises, Abdel Basset Ben Hassen reflects on the changing role of civil society in the Arab region. He calls for a new social contract grounded in human rights, citizenship, equality, freedom and dignity, and for wider civic spaces that enable meaningful participation in public decision-making.
Read the Editorial →From Tunisia and Lebanon to Iraq, Morocco and Palestine, these contributions examine how laws, political dynamics, elections, freedom of expression and freedom of association shape civil society’s ability to participate in and influence public life.
Against a backdrop of economic and social crises and growing pressure on freedoms, Salah Eddine Jourchi examines Tunisia’s changing civic and political landscape and the efforts of civil society to maintain its role amid declining political participation and shifting power dynamics.
Read the Article →From media legislation and general amnesty to the abolition of the death penalty, Layal Sakr examines the contradictions shaping Lebanon’s legislative approach and what restrictions on expression and participation mean for civil society’s ability to monitor, hold institutions accountable and influence public policy.
Read the Article →Saad Salloum traces the evolution of Iraqi civil society since 2003, from conventional organizations to youth-led initiatives and digital civic activism. He examines its growing diversity and influence alongside persistent legal, financial and political pressures on civic action, journalism and freedom of expression.
Read the Article →As legislative elections approach, Othman Makhoun examines freedom of association in Morocco and the gap between constitutional guarantees and administrative practice. He looks at civil society efforts to reform procedures and ensure that the right to organize can be exercised effectively and equally.
Read the Article →Two decades after the last Palestinian legislative elections, this article examines the renewed electoral process, changes to its regulatory framework, the obstacles surrounding it, and what renewed elections could mean for political participation and for generations that have never previously taken part in a general election.
Read the Article →From Baghdad to New York, the backlash against women’s rights is taking different forms — from restrictions on feminist movements and women human rights defenders to challenges to established international commitments. Manar Zaiter examines these developments as part of a wider struggle over power, rights, and who is able to speak, organize and demand change.
Read the Article →Alongside monitoring the state of civic space across the region, ANND and its members continue to create spaces for dialogue, participation and advocacy on issues shaping the region’s future — from climate justice to gender justice.
As COP31 approaches, what priorities should Arab civil society bring to the global climate agenda? ANND is bringing together civil society voices and experts from across the region to discuss climate justice priorities and contribute to building a shared Arab civil society position linking climate action with development, social justice, resources and peace.
24 September 2026
3:00–5:00 PM Beirut Time
Online
The New Woman Foundation organized a webinar titled “Civil Society and Climate Justice: Opportunities and Challenges for Joint Action.”
The session was moderated by Mai Saleh, Director of the Women, Work and Economic Rights Program.
Watch the Webinar →Climate justice is not just a discussion at international conferences.
It is about farmers’ crops, the cost of water, green spaces, care responsibilities, and resources that are becoming increasingly scarce.
The Arab NGO Network for Development is launching a Regional Survey on Climate Justice to listen to people across the region and turn their perspectives into knowledge and evidence that can strengthen advocacy.
What does climate justice mean to you? Which issues require urgent action? And who should be held responsible?
Your voice matters in shaping climate justice priorities across the Arab region.
Take the Survey →
