Freedom of Assembly
The right to assemble peacefully is a fundamental prerequisite for any open and self-governing society. While most countries’ constitutions promise freedom of assembly, far fewer governments uphold this basic right without undue restrictions.
Protests Erupt Around the Globe
A striking number of new citizen protest movements have emerged over the past year, reflecting the inexhaustible and universal desire for fundamental rights. However, these movements have in many cases confronted deeply entrenched interests that are able to endure considerable pressure and are willing to use deadly force to maintain power. The protests of 2019 have so far failed to halt the overall slide in global freedom, and without greater support and solidarity from established democracies, they are more likely to succumb to authoritarian reprisals. To learn more about how protests impacted the state of global freedom, read the Freedom in the World 2020 report.
Freedom House in the Media:
News & Perspectives:
Belarus: Freedom House Stands with Citizens, Civil Society on Anniversary of Fraudulent Elections, Regime Crackdown
Press release
August 9, 2022
Tunisia: Saied’s Draft Constitution Is an Assault on Checks and Balances, Political Pluralism
Press release
July 22, 2022
Turkey: Detention of Saturday Mothers Represents Arbitrary, Unlawful Crackdown on Peaceful Dissent
Press release
June 27, 2022
How Donors and Civil Society Organizations Can Better Support At-Risk Climate Activists
Perspectives
June 15, 2022
Improving Transparency, Empowering Citizens: Ecuador’s Fundación Ciudadanía y Desarrollo
Perspectives
February 24, 2022
Featured Analysis:
Featured Experts
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