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Underground station in Tehran Metro has separate compartments for women only (2007, Tehran, Iran). Editorial credit: Vladimir Melnik / Shutterstock.com

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:

Demonstrators gather on the National Mall to protest racial injustice. An image of George Floyd is held up in front of the Washington Monument.

From Crisis to Reform: A Call to Strengthen America’s Battered Democracy

Special Report

advancing rights of indigenous peoples in sourthern africa

COVID-19 & the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Southern Africa

Special Report

Syria diaspora activism

The Importance of Defending Diaspora Activism for Democracy and Human Rights

Special Report

Freedom House in the Media:

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Pelosi says Taiwan trip 'worth it,' calls Xi 'a scared bully' opens in new tab

August 9, 2022

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'We are not scared': Taiwan's foreign minister says island will stand up to 'more serious' China threats opens in new tab

August 8, 2022

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China-Taiwan: Joseph Wu defends US Speaker Pelosi's visit opens in new tab

August 5, 2022

News & Perspectives:

Burqa clad women at market

A Year After Taliban’s Return, Afghanistan’s Civil Society Vanguard Still Needs the World’s Help

Perspectives

August 11, 2022
Ukraine Won’t Be Rebuilt in a Day

Ukraine Won’t Be Rebuilt in a Day

Perspectives

July 14, 2022
July 11th First Rally against the Cuban government genocidal actions this week. Held in front of the Canadian Parliament. Ottawa, Summer 2021

Después del 11J: ¿Cuáles son los próximos pasos en la lucha por la Libertad?

Perspectives

July 7, 2022

July 11th First Rally against the Cuban government genocidal actions this week. Held in front of the Canadian Parliament. Ottawa, Summer 2021

After 11J: What's next in the Cuban struggle for freedom

Perspectives

July 7, 2022
Taliban fighters in Kabul in August, 2021

“A Constant State of Fear”: An Afghan Human Rights Defender Describes Her Life Under Taliban Rule

Perspectives

June 30, 2022
Dignity for all rainbow flag lgbti pride

“It Started as a Protest”: How Pride Month Sparks Hope Amid Global Attacks on LGBTQI+ Rights

Perspectives

June 23, 2022

Featured Human Rights Work:

Guatemala City, Guatemala. Editorial credit: Lucy Brown - loca4motion / Shutterstock.com

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. 

protest in kong kong umbrella movement

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.

Getty image South Africa protest

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 rainbow flag lgbti pride

Dignity for All

The Dignity for All: LGBTQI 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, queer and intersex human rights.

Learn More
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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.

Learn More

Featured Experts

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Allie Funk

Research Director for Technology and Democracy

alfunk

Farishta Sakhi

Farishta Sakhi

Senior Program Manager

@farishtasakhi

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Marc Behrendt

Director, Europe and Eurasia programs

If you would like to interview a Freedom House expert on this topic, please email [email protected].

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