Equality & Human Rights
Democracy depends on the guarantee of equal rights under law and freedom from discrimination for all individuals in a society. If the rights and freedoms of one segment of the population are violated with impunity, the same sorts of abuses are likely to be visited on others. Those forced to endure a subordinate status have less incentive to play by the rules, creating a vicious circle of defiance and repression.
Freedom House supports frontline activists in their efforts to defend fundamental rights, including to document abuses, advocate for justice, end impunity, and fortify the self-protection of human rights defenders. We also provide emergency assistance to human rights defenders who come under threat and work with activists to broaden public support for upholding human rights and the fight for equality.
Featured Analysis:
From Crisis to Reform: A Call to Strengthen America’s Battered Democracy
Special Report
March 22, 2021
The Importance of Defending Diaspora Activism for Democracy and Human Rights
Special Report
July 6, 2020
Freedom House in the Media:
News & Perspectives:
Egypt: Joint Statement Calls on Biden Administration to Send Strong Signal on Human Rights
Joint statement
July 23, 2021
Egypt: Global Coalition Calls For Release of Detained Human Rights Lawyer Mohamed El-Baqer
Joint statement
July 19, 2021
Belarus: Freedom House Condemns Sweeping Attack on Human Rights Defenders, Civil Society Groups
Press release
July 16, 2021
Kazakhstan: Release Human Rights Activist and Recognize Rights of Ethnic Minorities
Press release
July 2, 2021
Featured Human Rights Work:
Our Work in Guatemala
In the face of increased government pressure on Guatemalan human rights defenders and civil society organizations, Freedom House is working with activists to enhance their documentation and to raise awareness of human rights abuses and build coalitions in support of anti-impunity measures in Guatemala. Visit our Latin America and the Caribbean program page to learn more.
Human Rights Support Mechanism
The Human Rights Support Mechanism is a project of the PROGRESS consortium, which provides technical assistance and support to partners and beneficiaries in developing countries around the world to protect and promote human rights.
Our Work in Southern Africa
Freedom House’s Advancing Rights in Southern Africa program aims to improve the recognition, awareness and enforcement of human rights in the region, with a focus on select rights and a crosscutting emphasis on protecting the region’s most vulnerable and marginalized groups, including indigenous peoples, women and youth. Visit our Sub-Saharan Africa programs page to learn more.
Dignity for All
The Dignity for All: LGBTI Assistance Program provides emergency assistance; security, opportunity, and advocacy rapid response grants (SOAR grants); and security assessment and training to human rights defenders and civil society organizations under threat or attack due to their work for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex human rights.
Supporting Human Rights Defenders Around the World
Freedom House administers several funds which offer emergency assistance to organizations and individuals around the world who are under threat because of their human rights work.
Featured Experts
If you would like to interview a Freedom House expert on this topic, please email [email protected].