ICNL works with partners across Latin America and the Caribbean to promote a legal environment that strengthens civil society, advances freedom of association, fosters philanthropy, and enables public participation.
Our work has helped expand civic space in the region and empowered civil society leaders to navigate complex legal environments.
Be sure to browse our Focus Areas, Key Resources, and Country Overviews.
In Costa Rica, ICNL has helped associations, foundations, and donors understand regulations and policies that negatively impact their ability to access financial services. In collaboration with Costa Rican lawyers, ICNL developed a guide and practical checklist outlining the legal obligations that nonprofit organizations must meet under the country’s regulatory framework. Both documents are available here.
On April 29, ICNL convened civil society organizations from Latin America to discuss growing concerns about shrinking funding streams and increasingly restrictive environments that threaten their ability to operate and protect fundamental rights.
Participants underscored the urgency of building resilient alliances, diversifying resources, and adapting to fast-evolving risks through innovation and collaboration. The meeting called for deeper engagement with donors to rethink rigid funding frameworks and explore more flexible, impact-driven support. Investing in civil society now is critical – not only to safeguard civic space, but to ensure that organizations on the front lines remain equipped, visible, and effective in defending fundamental freedoms. For more information on the meeting outcomes and our work in the region, please contact LAC@icnl.org.
This report analyzes current regulations related to digital rights in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and elsewhere, comparing them with international standards. It exposes gaps in cybersecurity and human rights protection in the digital space and proposes concrete solutions. Download the report here or visit the accompanying interactive map.
During its 102nd regular session in Rio de Janeiro, the Inter-American Juridical Committee adopted the Declaration of Inter-American Principles on the Legal Framework for the Creation, Operation, Financing, and Dissolution of Non-profit Civil Entities. The 12 principles – which were championed by Commissioner Ramiro Orias and ICNL – bring together in a single document previously dispersed standards relevant to regulating the lifecycle of CSOs in the Americas. Read the IAJC Principles here.
We provide expert legal analysis rooted in international standards, helping partners craft sound arguments to improve national and regional frameworks for civil society.
We equip our partners with the technically sound foundations they need to engage in policy discussions on complex issues.
We help partners and donors understand and navigate increasingly complex legal environments across the region.
Our evidence-based research, global experience and regional networks have helped partners make informed decisions, diversify their funding, and improve their operational strategies for over three decades.
We foster multi-sector dialogue with the aim of building diverse, long-term movements that protect civic space.
By creating opportunities for civil society, governments, and others to engage in respectful, solutions-driven conversations, we help establish the common ground necessary to sustain civic space.
This landmark document proposes 12 key human rights principles that should be taken into account when regulating the creation, operation, financing, and dissolution of CSOs in the Americas.
ICNL’s Spanish-language resources include the texts of laws and regulations from twenty-five Latin American and Caribbean countries, along with analyses of their provisions.
Click below to see country-specific resources.
