Governments silence activists' voices, says ACT Alliance report

Geneva, July 13 (ENInews)--Harsh restrictions on the freedom of human
rights organizations are on the rise and the threats include intimidation,
persecution and even murder of staff and activists, according to a report
released on 8 July by Geneva-based ACT Alliance.

The report, called "Shrinking Political Spaces," recounts extreme cases of
repression in countries ranging from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Peru and
Malawi to Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Zimbabwe, according to
a news release from ACT Alliance, an association of 111 churches and
church-related organizations that work in humanitarian assistance and development
in 140 countries.

In an increasing number of countries, social struggle is deemed a criminal
offence. "This is about local people working for human rights and their
survival. Governments must stop seeing civil society as a threat," said ACT
advocacy officer Suvi Virkkunen.