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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.

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
Shanghai has experienced harsh lockdowns related to China's Zero COVID-19 initiative

China’s Censors Aim to Contain Dissent During Harsh COVID-19 Lockdowns | Opinion

Perspectives

May 19, 2022

Relatives of government opponents who remain detained in different prisons hold signs with their portraits and names during a protest in Caracas in December 2020. (Image Credit: Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty Images)

New Freedom House Report Reveals Dire Conditions for Human Rights Defenders and Democracy Activists in Latin America

Press release

February 3, 2022
Hong Kong Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong: Freedom House Condemns Convictions of Prodemocracy Figures, Worsening Crackdown

Press release

April 2, 2021

Protesters in front of police line

Venezuela: UN Fact-Finding Mission Underscores Grave and Persistent Rights Abuses

Press release

March 11, 2021

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

In the Media

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Your wallet could soon become a microchip on your nail opens in new tab

August 19, 2022

The Diplomat

China’s Censors Aim to Contain Dissent During Harsh COVID-19 Lockdowns | Opinion opens in new tab

May 19, 2022

The Los Angeles Times

Column: Is democracy failing? Xi Jinping says it is, and he’s not entirely wrong opens in new tab

April 28, 2022

Featured Experts

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Allie Funk

Research Director for Technology and Democracy

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Cathryn Grothe

Cathryn Grothe

Research Analyst, Middle East & North Africa (MENA)

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

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