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Democracy during Pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak presents a range of new challenges to democracy and human rights. Repressive regimes have responded to the pandemic in ways that serve their political interests, often at the expense of public health and basic freedoms. Even open societies face pressure to accept restrictions that may outlive the crisis and have a lasting effect on liberty.

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Newsletter: Keeping Democracy Healthy in a Pandemic

 To stay up to date on how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting democracy and human rights around the world, sign-up for our newsletter, entitled Keeping Democracy Healthy in a Pandemic. 

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Featured Analysis

A young woman wearing a protective mask looks at her smartphone while passing by a grafitti representing two big watching eyes in Berlin, Germany on April 1, 2020. Illustrative Editorial (Photo by Emmanuele Contini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Freedom on the Net 2020: The Pandemic's Digital Shadow

The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating a dramatic decline in global internet freedom, contributing to a broader crisis for democracy worldwide.

A protester wears a face mask at a political demonstration in Bolivia during the coronavirus pandemic. Credit: Aizar Raldes/AFP via Getty Images.

Special Report: Democracy under Lockdown

Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the condition of democracy and human rights has grown worse in 80 countries, according to the latest research from Freedom House in partnership with the polling and research firm GQR.

Travelers at the airport amid coronavirus pandemic

Principles for Protecting Civil and Political Rights During Pandemic

Freedom House calls on governments to protect civil and political rights during and after fight against the coronavirus pandemic by following these principles.

News & Perspectives

More News & Perspectives
Freedom in the World 2021

New Report: The global decline in democracy has accelerated

Press release

March 3, 2021

Thermal surveillance camera at Turkey mall during COVID-19 pandemic

Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Internet Freedom Is Under Attack in The Middle East and North Africa

Perspectives

January 19, 2021

Southern Africa Indigenous peoples San art

The Impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous Peoples in Southern Africa

Perspectives

December 10, 2020

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Report: Digital Election Interference Widespread in Countries Across the Democratic Spectrum

Press release

December 7, 2020

Hong Kong Jimmy Lai

香港:監禁民主擁護者象徵法治惡化

Press release

December 4, 2020

Hong Kong Jimmy Lai

香港:监禁民主拥护者象征法治恶化

Press release

December 4, 2020

In the Media

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POLITICO’s most-read stories of 2020 opens in new tab

December 28, 2020

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Which is The Economist’s country of the year? opens in new tab

December 19, 2020

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Report: The Pandemic Is Not Good For Freedom And Democracy. But There Are Exceptions opens in new tab

November 16, 2020

Featured Experts

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Allie Funk

Senior Research Analyst, Technology and Democracy

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Nate Schenkkan Expert Photo

Nate Schenkkan

Director of Research Strategy

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Sarah Repucci

Vice President of Research & Analysis

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To get in contact with a Freedom House expert, please email [email protected]. 

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