Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should harness digital platforms for multifaceted monitoring, encompassing civic space events, human rights violations, and establishing secure channels for whistleblowers. CSOs should systematically document human rights abuses, restrictions on civic freedoms, and relevant data and platforms like Ushahidi can be employed for real-time crowdsourced mapping, empower users to report incidents, fostering a dynamic database of challenges faced. This digital approach not only strengthens CSOs but also nurtures a collective understanding of human rights restrictions, amplifying transparency and accountability. Additionally, they provide a channel for whistleblowers to share information securely and a platform to monitor countries international commitments.

Resources

Ushahidi

An open source platform for crowdsourced crisis mapping and civic monitoring. Allows users to submit reports via mobile or web which are mapped in real-time.                                                                                                                                                    https://www.ushahidi.com

GlobaLeaks

An open-source whistleblowing framework that media organizations and NGOs can install to securely accept documents from anonymous sources. Provides anonymity protection for whistleblowers.                                                                                     https://www.globaleaks.org

SecureDrop

An open-source whistleblower submission system that media organizations can install to securely accept documents from anonymous sources. Provides anonymity protection.                                                                                                                                             https://securedrop.org

ProofMode

A mobile app that allows users to securely capture photos, videos, audio and documents as verifiable evidence for human rights violations. https://www.proofmode.org

Uwazi

An open source platform for organizing, analyzing and publishing documents. Can be used by organizations to manage and publish human rights documentation.                                                                                                                                                            https://www.uwazi.io

Implement comprehensive training programs for CSOs to enhance digital literacy and awareness, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate potential digital threats. Establish robust safeguarding measures to protect against cyber threats, ensuring the integrity of digital monitoring and advocacy initiatives.

Resources

Here are some examples of digital platforms and training programs that can help build digital literacy and cybersecurity capacity for civil society organizations:

Digital Ready

USAID's digital literacy curriculum that builds foundational digital skills. Can be adapted for NGO staff training.https://www.digitalready.org

TechSoup

Provides online courses on cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital skills for NGOs.https://www.techsoup.org

DCN Global

Conducts customized digital literacy and social media training for NGOs to support their advocacy.https://dcnglobal.net

Security First

Provides tools and training for human rights defenders on digital security, privacy, and managing online threats.https://www.securityfirst.org

Digital Defenders Partnership

Supports organizations working in repressive environments with training on digital security and protection.https://www.digitaldefenders.org

• Establish Collaborative Platforms:

CSOs should actively work on strengthening collaborative networks both at the national and regional levels. By establishing platforms for shared goals and strategies, CSOs can collectively amplify the impact of their advocacy initiatives. This collaborative approach creates a unified and influential voice that is crucial for addressing complex civic space issues.

• Forge Strategic Alliances:

CSOs should proactively seek strategic alliances with a diverse set of stakeholders, including media organizations, academia, and grassroots movements. Forming partnerships with these entities can significantly expand the reach and impact of advocacy campaigns. By leveraging the strengths of different sectors, CSOs can create a more comprehensive and powerful advocacy ecosystem.

Using CiviConnect collaborative ecosystem 

The CiviConnect platform (https://www.civiconnect.org) allows civil society organizations to connect with others working on similar issues, share resources, and collaborate on advocacy campaigns. Organizations can use CiviConnect to start new campaigns and invite partner organizations to join them. This facilitates a unified approach and amplifies the impact of civil society advocacy initiatives.

For example, CSOs could launch a joint campaign on CiviConnect calling for greater protections of civic freedoms in the region. By working together through the platform, they can bring more attention and support to this crucial issue.

CiviConnect not only enables strategic partnerships between CSOs, but will also soon provides tools for groups to manage campaigns, track progress, and engage more voices in their efforts.

• Cultivate International Partnerships and Engage in International Platforms:

CSOs ought to forge strong partnerships with international organizations, NGOs, and human rights bodies. Collaborating on an international level can bring in valuable support, resources, and increased visibility for local advocacy efforts. International partnerships provide a platform to share experiences, learn from global best practices, and exert collective pressure on governments to uphold civic freedoms.

Actively participate in international platforms and forums. Engaging on the global stage allows CSOs to share experiences, learn from others, and gain international support for their advocacy goals.

Regional and global civil society solidarity can help bring pressure to bear on repressive governments. Further research and monitoring of civic space limitations in West Africa can document trends and impacts to inform advocacy.

Here are some suggestions for international partnerships and platforms that could help strengthen civil society advocacy in West Africa:

• The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) supports collaboration among CSOs in the region through training, research, and networking opportunities. WACSI also partners with international organizations on projects.
• CIVICUS is an international alliance of civil society organizations that can provide solidarity, connections, and visibility for local advocacy efforts.
• Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch often collaborate with local groups and can bring international attention to human rights issues.
• The Elders is an independent group of global leaders that supports civil society and human rights worldwide. They engage on West African issues.
• The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and ECOWAS Court of Justice are regional bodies that CSOs can engage with.
• The World Movement for Democracy connects local groups to a global network of democracy advocates. Their Africa Regional Initiatives are relevant.
• Afrobarometer conducts pan-African research on democracy, governance, and quality of life that can inform advocacy.

• Legal Engagement:

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should engage in legal advocacy, collaborating with legal experts to challenge restrictive laws and regulations limiting civic freedoms and human rights. This proactive approach aims to address unconstitutional practices and legal frameworks hindering the full realization of civic space.

• Strategic Litigation for Precedent Setting:

CSOs should strategically explore litigation as a powerful advocacy tool. Through strategic legal actions, they can challenge restrictive laws and set precedents for the protection of civic space. This approach leverages the legal system to actively contribute to broader advocacy for sustained civic freedoms and human rights.

Here are some suggested resources related to legal advocacy and strategic litigation for civil society organizations:For legal advocacy:

• The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law provides guidance on legal advocacy strategies for civil society.
• CIVICUS offers support on legal advocacy through its Civic Space Initiative.
• The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders provides resources on legal frameworks impacting civil society.

For strategic litigation:

• The Open Society Justice Initiative provides legal representation and builds capacity for strategic litigation globally.
• Namati trains and supports grassroots legal advocates around the world.
• TrustLaw connects civil society groups with pro bono legal assistance for impact litigation.
• The Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice provides pro bono legal counsel for global civil society.
• The Engine Room offers guidance on using the law strategically to protect civic freedoms.

• Enhanced Capacity and Crisis Response

Invest in comprehensive capacity-building programs for CSOs, encompassing training on human rights, effective advocacy strategies, digital literacy, and organizational management. Simultaneously, develop crisis response plans to address situations where civic space is under immediate threat.

The CiviConnect platform (https://www.civiconnect.org) offers a range of capacity building resources provided by partner organizations to strengthen civil society. This includes training materials and toolkits on advocacy, human rights, digital security, organizational management, and other relevant topics.

CiviConnect also invites civil society organizations to share their own resources on the platform for the benefit of others in the community. By pooling knowledge and materials, CSOs can enhance each other's capacities and avoid duplicating efforts. 

Here are some additional suggestions for resources and initiatives to help build capacity and crisis response for civil society organizations (CSOs):

Organizational capacity building:

• NGOsource - Provides training and resources on nonprofit management, leadership, and governance.
• TechChange - Offers online courses on project management, monitoring and evaluation, and other topics.
• Accountable Now - Supports CSOs to be transparent, responsive to stakeholders, and focused on impact.

Human rights and advocacy training:

• Frontline Defenders - Provides training to human rights defenders on security, advocacy, well-being.
• Advocacy Accelerator - Offers customized advocacy training and coaching for nonprofits.
• The Engine Room - Conducts workshops on digital security, data, and tech for activism.

Crisis response planning:

• ICNL Civic Freedom Monitor - Provides real-time updates and guidance on legal issues affecting civic freedoms.
• Crisis Response Fund - Freedom House fund for CSOs facing immediate threats to civic space.
• Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund - Rapid response grants for CSOs under threat.
• Digital Defenders Partnership - Emergency funds for organizations responding to digital threats.

Organizational Management Training

• WACSI Academy - Provides training programs on organizational development, leadership, governance, and project management for CSOs.
• NGOsource - Online courses on nonprofit management, financial management, leadership development and governance.
• TechChange - Online certificate courses on project management, monitoring and evaluation, and other core skills.

Advocacy Skills Training

• WACSI Advocacy Training Manual - Step-by-step guide on designing and implementing advocacy campaigns.
• Advocacy Accelerator - Customized advocacy training and mentoring program for nonprofits and activists.
• The Policy Circle - Online advocacy training platform with free courses for CSOs.

Digital Literacy and Security Training

• Paradigm Initiative Digital Readiness Program - Digital literacy curriculum tailored for civil society groups.
• Internews Digital Safety Course - Online training course on digital security basics.
• Security First - Workshops and resources on digital security for human rights defenders.