Civic freedoms report warns shrinking space for media

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 1 hour ago |  JP Asia Desk

A CIVICUS report shows declining civic freedoms worldwide, with Asia-Pacific notably repressed or closed, affecting journalists through detentions, protest restrictions, and digital repression that heighten risks for media.

Summary

UNITED NATIONS — A major global civic space report published earlier this week highlights a marked deterioration in fundamental freedoms that underpin independent journalism and media operations, with particular implications for countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The 2025 People Power Under Attack report from CIVICUS Global Alliance finds that civic space conditions have worsened overall, with many countries restricting freedoms of assembly, expression, and association that are essential for press freedom. 

The report notes that in more than 85 percent of Asia-Pacific countries, civic space is rated as repressed or closed, meaning journalists and media outlets face intensified legal constraints, arbitrary arrests, harassment, and heightened digital repression. Documented violations during 2025 include arbitrary detention of protesters and activists, which frequently impacts reporters covering public demonstrations and civic actions. 

Japan and Taiwan stand out with open ratings

Only a small number of states in the region, including Japan and Taiwan, retain ratings described as open civic space, reporting relatively fewer restrictions on independent media and protest coverage compared with the broader regional trend.

In contrast, countries such as the Philippines remain classified as repressed, with documented instances of arbitrary arrests, disappearances of activists, and censorship concerns related to cultural and political programming that also affect the media environment. Journalists and media workers in these settings operate under considerable pressure and legal risk when reporting on government policy or dissent. 

Deterioration compounds risks for journalists

The CIVICUS findings underscore that detained protesters, protest restrictions, and broad legal measures to curb digital dissent also serve to constrain journalism, curtailing coverage of civic issues and deterring reporters through legal or physical threats. Media professionals and newsroom leaders are advised to consider enhanced safety protocols, secure digital practices, and collaboration with civil society advocates to mitigate these risks.

KEY POINTS:

• A 2025 global civic space report from CIVICUS shows widespread deterioration in freedoms essential for journalism
• Asia-Pacific sees a high share of countries rated repressed or closed, restricting protests and independent reporting
• Journalists face arbitrary arrests, harassment, and digital repression tied to protest coverage and civic action
• Only Japan and Taiwan retain open civic space ratings in the region
• Media professionals need heightened safety and digital security strategies to address rising threats

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting is based on the CIVICUS People Power Under Attack 2025 report and related coverage from Civic News sources (IPS News).