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Press Releases

Civilian Casualties Heighten High Cost of Israel-Gaza Conflict

August 4, 2014

We urge all sides in the Israel-Gaza fighting to avoid civilian harm. Every civilian death or injury, whether caused by artillery, ground forces, bombings or rockets, risks intensifying and prolonging a conflict that has already lasted generations. We urge all sides to respect civilians’ most basic and important human right, which is the right to life.

Press Releases

Ethiopia Puts Journalists, Bloggers on Trial for 'Terrorism'

August 4, 2014

Ethiopia's government should never have charged the bloggers and journalists with any crime and certainly not terrorism, since journalism and advocating freedom of speech are certainly not crimes.

Press Releases

Advancing Political and Economic Freedom in Africa

August 3, 2014

On August 1, Freedom House and the Center for International Private Enterprise hosted a discussion on the economic and political future of the African continent, in advance of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Participants included representatives of investment firms, a former U.S. ambassador to South Africa, the CEO of the Kenyan Manufacturers Association, and former president of Malawi Joyce Banda.

African Authoritarianism 2.0

Aug 1 2014 - 1:39pm

In a departure from the overt violence and election rigging of the past, many authoritarian leaders now prefer to quietly manipulate the legal framework, silencing dissent and limiting civil liberties to ensure that they remain in power.

Press Releases

Azerbaijan Detains, Charges Human Rights Activist With ‘Treason’

July 31, 2014

Azerbaijan’s decision to detain Leyla Yunus for three months before bringing her to trial on charges of treason and tax evasion is a blatantly political decision that has nothing to do with justice.

The International Criminal Court at 12 Years Old

Jul 31 2014 - 1:44pm


The ICC celebrated its 12th birthday this month. To provide insight into the court’s current challenges, here is a review of all eight ongoing ICC investigations. The success or failure of each case will determine not only the ICC’s credibility, but also the practice of international criminal law as a whole.

Press Releases

Bahrain Disbands Opposition Parties, Tightening Crackdown on Dissent

July 31, 2014

Moves by Bahrain’s Justice Ministry to temporarily disband three opposition parties in advance of general elections signals that the government does not intend to have elections that are free and fair.

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