Why Do Governments Restrict Civil Society After Treaty Ratification?

Civil society mobilization and human rights treaty ratifications put pressure on governments. But this can backfire: committed governments may demobilize critics to avoid scrutiny.

➡️ Pressure from Below※

When groups advocating for civil liberties mobilize, they signal government failures. Yet compliance with treaties doesn't guarantee improvement.

➡️ Government Response※

Governments may restrict these same organizations to silence critics and avoid international costs of their own abuses.

➡️ Key Argument※

This study shows that governments committed to human rights but also engaged in severe violations use repression against activists precisely because they are treaty signatories. This helps explain the gap between formal commitments and actual practices.