About Us

Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports the expansion of freedom around the world. Freedom House supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.

Since its founding in 1941 by prominent Americans concerned with the mounting threats to peace and democracy, Freedom House has been a vigorous proponent of democratic values and a steadfast opponent of dictatorships of the far left and the far right.   Eleanor Roosevelt and Wendell Willkie served as Freedom House’s first honorary co-chairpersons.

 

 

Executive Director Jennifer Windsor

Throughout its history, Freedom House has opposed tyranny around the world, including dictatorships in Latin America, apartheid in South Africa, Soviet domination of Central and Eastern Europe, and religiously-based totalitarian regimes such as those governing Sudan, Iran and Saudi Arabia.  Freedom House has promoted the growth of freedom by encouraging U.S. policymakers, international institutions, and the governments of established democracies to adopt policies that advance human rights and democracy around the world.  At the same time, Freedom House provides support to individuals working in the world's young democracies to overcome debilitating legacies of tyranny, dictatorship and political repression; as well as to activists working in repressive societies to bring about greater freedom and openness.

 

Freedom House translates the intangible values of freedom into a strong tangible impact by combining analysis, advocacy and action.

Mission Statement Freedom House, an independent nongovernmental organization, supports the expansion of freedom in the world. Freedom is possible only in democratic political systems in which the governments are accountable to their own people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms of expression, association, and belief, as well as respect for the rights of minorities and women, are guaranteed. Freedom ultimately depends on the actions of committed and courageous men and women. We support nonviolent civic initiatives in societies where freedom is denied or under threat and we stand in opposition to ideas and forces that challenge the right of all people to be free. Freedom House functions as a catalyst for freedom, democracy and the rule of law through its analysis, advocacy and action.

Analysis

Freedom House is widely recognized as the definitive source of information on the state of freedom around the globe.  Freedom House’s four annual surveys, Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Nations in Transit, and Countries at the Crossroads are available in their entirety on the Internet, along with numerous special reports.

Advocacy

Freedom House helps focus the world’s attention on core issues of freedom and democracy, and encourages policymakers to adopt strategies that advance the spread of freedom around the world.  Through public events, press releases, opinion articles, Congressional testimony and one-on-one meetings with policymakers, Freedom House highlights key challenges and issues in the struggle for freedom around the globe.

Action

By providing training and support to democracy advocates, Freedom House assists in advancing indigenous reform efforts around the world.  With over a dozen offices spread over four continents, Freedom House works directly with democratic reformers on the front lines in their own countries, acting as a catalyst for freedom by strengthening civil society, promoting open government, defending human rights, and facilitating the free flow of information and ideas.

Organization

Freedom House’s diverse Board of Trustees is united in the view that American leadership in international affairs is essential to the causes of human rights and democracy. The board is composed of business and labor leaders, former senior government officials, scholars, writers and journalists.

With a talented and experienced staff of over 120 individuals of varied backgrounds and nationalities, Freedom House employees and partners are working every day to continue a tradition of over half a century of promoting the right of every citizen in the world to live in a society that respects their freedom. 

Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that relies upon tax-deductible grants and donations under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. Major support has been provided by various private foundations and government agencies.  Donations are welcome.

Additional Information About Freedom House:

Annual Reports
History
FAQ