Civil and political rights
Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals' freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals. They ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and political life of the society and state without discrimination or repression.
Civil society
Sometimes the term "civil society" is used in the more general sense of "the elements such as freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, etc, that make up a democratic society" ("Collins English Dictionary"). Especially in the discussions among thinkers of Eastern and Central Europe, civil society is seen also as a normative concept of civic values.