Hundreds of Colombian social leaders and rights defenders from different communities including afro descendants, indigenous, and campesinos take part in a May Day march to denounce violence against human rights defenders in Bogotá on May 1, 2019. (Image Credit: RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images)

Expanding Freedom and Democracy

A voter educator with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in Mombasa, Kenya assists a voter to confirm their voter status and voting station during a Civic Engagement Forum at Majengo Village Hall

PERSPECTIVES

In Africa, Contrasting Coups and Elections Underscore the Benefits of Democracy

Freedom House is founded on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people.

Sign the Civil Society Declaration of Democratic Principles

Just as the citizens and institutions within a democracy hold one another accountable for their adherence to democratic principles, so must all of the world’s democracies work together to reinforce shared ideals and confront common threats. Ahead of the second Summit for Democracy, join organizations and individuals in supporting principles aimed at strengthening and expanding freedom and democracy worldwide.

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Explore Freedom in the World 2023

Read the Report

Since 1973, Freedom House has assessed the condition of political rights and civil liberties around the world. The 2023 edition of Freedom in the World is the 50th in this series of annual comparative reports.

Download Report PDF

People hold white sheets of paper in protest over COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing on Nov. 27, 2022. Crowds had gathered for a vigil honoring the victims of a fire in Urumqi, which took place during COVID-19- related lockdowns in China. (Image credit: Reuters/Thomas Peter)

Policy Recommendations

Democracies and private sector actors should work to support core democratic principles and basic human rights at home and around the world.

Test Your Knowledge!

Test your knowledge of some of the key findings from our 2023 report by taking our quiz.

Tracking Democracy and Freedom Around the World

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Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative

Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative is a new Freedom House project intended to help free political prisoners and push back against the jailing of activists as a tool of repression. Located around the globe, the stories of these artists, journalists, and activists illustrate the significant pressures and harms that human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists face in reprisal for their work and why they need our support.

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Election Watch: Thailand

Thailand is preparing to hold general elections in May 2023. Public discontent with the military-backed government has been growing, however, electoral interference to undermine support for opposition parties or those otherwise not aligned with the military is likely. Freedom House's Election Watch team follows key digital interference issues to watch ahead of election day.