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Messages left by protesters are displayed on the wall of the Hong Kong Government Complex in Admiralty, Hong Kong. Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Freedom of Expression

Free speech and expression is the lifeblood of democracy, facilitating open debate, the proper consideration of diverse interests and perspectives, and the negotiation and compromise necessary for consensual policy decisions. Efforts to suppress nonviolent expression, far from ensuring peace and stability, can allow unseen problems to fester and erupt in far more dangerous forms.  

Freedom in the World 2023

Freedom in the World

Around the world, the enemies of liberal democracy are accelerating their attacks, contributing to the 17th consecutive year of decline in global freedom. Explore the latest edition of Freedom in the World 2023: Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy to learn more about the latest global trends.

Explore
 Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative

Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative

Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative is a new Freedom House project intended to help free political prisoners and push back against the jailing of activists as a tool of repression. Located around the globe, the stories of these artists, journalists, and activists illustrate the significant pressures and harms that human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists face in reprisal for their work and why they need our support.

Learn More

Featured Analysis:

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)

Defending Latin American Human Rights and Democracy Activists

Special Report

Hong Kong Academic Freedom protest tshirt

The Internationalization of Universities and the Repression of Academic Freedom

Special Report

Source: Yassine Gaidi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Democratic Backsliding in Tunisia: The Case for Renewed International Attention

Policy Brief

Freedom House in the Media:

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India and Pakistan at 75: partition remains an open wound as new friction points arise opens in new tab

August 15, 2022

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At 75, India’s democracy is under pressure like never before opens in new tab

August 12, 2022

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China wages war on ‘historical nihilism’ opens in new tab

August 8, 2022

News & Perspectives:

International Women's Day 2023 China statement

Chinese Authorities Must Release “Blank Paper” Protesters and Allow Free Expression on COVID-19 Pandemic

Joint statement

March 8, 2023
Stand with Iran

The Iranian Struggle for Freedom: A Call for Global Solidarity

Joint statement

February 6, 2023

Stand with Iran

The Iranian Struggle for Freedom: A Call for Global Solidarity

Joint statement

February 1, 2023

soccer stadium

An ugly scene for the beautiful game

Perspectives

November 21, 2022

Freedom House

China: Despite Restrictions, Citizens Conducted Hundreds of Protests Across China in Recent Months

Press release

November 14, 2022
Students of Amir Kabir university protest against Hijab and the Islamic Republic

Iranian People Deserve Freedoms of Assembly, Speech, Information

Press release

September 27, 2022

turkey flag

Featured Program: Strengthening Freedom of Expression in Turkey

Turkey remains one of most challenging places in the European region to exercise one’s right to free speech and expression. Freedom House works to strengthen respect for freedom of expression in Turkey in partnership with a local organization, the Media and Law Studies Association. To learn more, visit our Europe program page. 

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Featured Experts

Allie Funk Expert Photo

Allie Funk

Research Director for Technology and Democracy

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

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