Civic Space in the Arab Region

This observatory seeks to cover and analyze civil society news in the Arab region, and to keep up with civil society in all its challenges and transitions
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Algeria: Growing Restrictions on Political Participation, Freedom of Association and Expression Bahrain: Growing Restrictions on Civic Space and Fundamental Freedoms Egypt: Civil Society Developments Iraq: Escalating Restrictions on Civic Space, Press Freedom, and Peaceful Assembly Lebanon: Growing Concerns over Freedom of Expression and Journalism amid Political and Security Developments Libya: the challenges facing the exercise of fundamental freedoms continued Mauritania: Between the expansion of civil society and the decline of civil liberties Morocco: Growing challenges to freedom of expression, organization, and assembly Palestine: Civil space under occupation and internal restrictions Sudan: Civil space under the weight of war and multiple de facto authorities Tunisia: Civic Space Under Growing Pressure Amid Continued Public Mobilization Yemen: Civic Freedoms Under Pressure Across Divided Areas of Control The Arab NGO Network for Development’s Position on Lebanon’s New Media Law May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026 May 2026
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Bahrain: State of Society and Freedoms
Sep 10, 2023

The Kingdom of Bahrain is located on the western coast of the Persian Gulf region. It is a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and adopts a “constitutional monarchy” political system. The Kingdom of Bahrain has a bicameral parliament, consisting of the Council of Representatives and the Consultative (Shura) Council. The Council of Representatives is the legislative body. It is elected for 4 years and comprises 40 members representing four governorates. The members are elected based on the electoral district system. As a result, more than half of its members subscribe to the official political positions of the State. Meanwhile, the Shura Council has 40 members who are appointed by the His Majesty the King. The Council of Ministers is the executive body of Bahrain and is headed by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa after the death of his uncle Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman, who held the post for more than 42 years.