Europe Programs
Freedom House has limited program presence in Europe. Currently, it works primarily in Turkey to protect professional and citizen journalists and to bolster the capacity of legal professionals.
Freedom House works in Europe to educate policy makers about critical threats to fundamental rights and freedoms in individual countries, across the region, and beyond; to protect activists, journalists, academics and other defenders of freedom; and to bolster the resilience and advocacy capacity of civil society organizations.
Current Programs
Advancing Fundamental Freedoms in Turkey
Turkey remains one of most challenging places in the European region to exercise fundamental freedoms. In this challenging environment, Freedom House seeks to empower civil society to contribute to the improvement of fundamental freedoms in Turkey and to advocate with national and international decision makers to uphold the country’s human rights commitments.
This project aims to create a common ground for different civil society actors to address human rights issues in the country. Freedom House and its partners intend to respond threats to fundamental freedoms by providing litigation support, research and analysis, support for grassroots initiatives, and advocacy.
Partner organizations:
- Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
- Freedom Research Association (FRA)
- Civic Space Studies Association (CSSA)
Past Programs
Strengthening Protection of Freedom of Expression in Turkey (2019-2020)
Freedom House worked to strengthen respect for freedom of expression in Turkey in partnership with a local organization, the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA). These joint efforts sought to bolster the number of qualified, practicing lawyers who can defend citizens’ fundamental right to free expression, produced research and policy analysis, and raised greater awareness among the international community on the crisis facing free speech in Turkey.
Key Initiative: Perceptions towards Freedom of Expression in Turkey
In July 2020, Freedom House, together with RIWI Corp, released a new report on freedom of expression and the media in Turkey. On the surface, the presence of a vibrant landscape for free expression seems contradictory, given that Turkey regularly tops global charts for the number of journalists jailed, and is ranked as Not Free in Freedom in the World. This report reveals opportunities for freedom of expression among Turkey's dynamic population, where preferences are shifting from traditional outlets to online platforms. From these contradictions rise not only a clearer picture of the contours of expression, but also hope that this fundamental right can still be exercised.
More on Turkey
NEW REPORT: Global Battle over Internet Regulation Has Major Implications for Human Rights
Press release
September 21, 2021
Turkey: Ahmet Altan’s Release Sets Important Precedent for Political Prisoners
Press release
April 15, 2021
Explore More Programs
Dignity for All: LGBTI Assistance Program
The Dignity for All program provides emergency funds, support, and security assistance to human rights defenders and organizations under threat or attack due to their work for LGBTI human rights.
Eurasia Programs
Through a robust portfolio of projects on the ground, emergency assistance, international advocacy, and special research Freedom House supports citizens and civic groups across the Eurasia region to actively participate in reforms, seek accountability for injustice, and implement meaningful ways to engage citizens as allies and supporters.
Lifeline Emergency Assistance Program
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.