

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 Condemns Intensifying Attacks on Human Rights Defenders and Lawyers
Press release
February 16, 2021

Russia: Freedom House Condemns Imprisonment of Navalny; Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters and Journalists
Press release
February 2, 2021

Hong Kong: Freedom House Condemns Mass Arrest of Prodemocracy Activists, Politicians
Press release
January 6, 2021

Freedom House Presents 2020 Freedom Award to Hong Kong and Sudan Protesters
Press release
September 16, 2020
Featured Analysis:
Featured Experts
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