Build counterpower with affected groups

True counterpower cannot be built for excluded communities: it must be built with them, through processes that redistribute not just resources but also the authority to set agendas, define problems and determine solutions. CIVICUS has advanced this commitment by moving beyond traditional top-down advocacy to deliberately shift resources, visibility and decision-making power to affected communities. This approach has yielded strengthened collaboration between regional partners and social movements, leading to more coordinated solidarity actions and increased grassroots influence over regional and global decision-making processes.

In July 2024, we co-organised a virtual dialogue with UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Gina Romero that attracted over 180 participants. In September, we facilitated strategic collaboration between DefendDefenders and African WeRisers – participants in a member-driven initiative supporting local campaigns to overcome challenges to protest rights – from Benin, Nigeria and Togo. The partnership enabled their participation in the 81st ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Banjul, The Gambia, helping them to amplify their advocacy and push for stronger protections for civic space in their respective countries.

In November, the #ProtestPower: Youth Resilience and Innovation workshop brought together young leaders from various social movements to explore innovative strategies for resilience and impactful activism. Panel discussions featured activists from Indonesia, Kenya and Venezuela, highlighting shared and unique challenges related to protest repression.

Through small, targeted grants we enabled a coalition of youth organisations in Ghana and Nigeria to lead national dialogues on restrictive legislation. Rather than positioning international figures as primary voices, we facilitated training, research and media engagement that allowed young activists to present evidence directly to parliamentary committees, resulting in proposed amendments aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers for community-based organisations.

In Colombia, we channelled flexible funding to an Indigenous rights network facing threats from extractive industry expansion. The Indigenous network determined priorities, led engagements with local authorities and represented its concerns in regional human rights platforms. This strengthened community self-determination and secured local authorities’ commitment to consult affected groups before approving new extractive projects.

These efforts illustrate a renewed approach to international solidarity, in which sustained partnerships have replaced transactional engagements, and where success is measured by the strengthened capacity of those on the frontlines.