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Asia-Pacific

Countries & Territories: 43

3.9 billion people

44% free

Press:

5% free

Percent computed by population. Population source data.

Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia

Countries & Territories: 33

408 million people

28% free

Press:

15% free

Percent computed by population. Population source data.

Middle East and North Africa

Countries & Territories: 20

395 million people

2% free

Press:

0% free

Percent computed by population. Population source data.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Countries & Territories: 50

901 million people

13% free

Press:

3% free

Percent computed by population. Population source data.

Americas

Countries & Territories: 36

943 million people

71% free

Press:

38% free

Percent computed by population. Population source data.

Western Europe

Countries & Territories: 26

489 million people

85% free

Press:

70% free

Percent computed by population. Population source data.

Women of Evin: Ward 209

"All the nameless prisoners of conscience in Iran want is to stand up for their rights without being threatened,” stated Leila Milani at an event hosted by Freedom House to discuss her translation of Jila Baniyaghoob's book Women of Evin: Ward 209.

Democracy in Retreat

What can democratic countries do to counter recent anti-democratic trends? Joshua Kurlantzick, fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, tackled these questions at a discussion hosted by Freedom House on his new book, Democracy in Retreat.

Libya needs the U.S. for its transition to democracy

Charles Dunne argues in a Washington Post op-ed that a strong U.S. commitment to Libya is essential to the country’s democratic progress.

New Report Finds Only 1 in 6 People Have Access to a Free Press

Press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade, according to Freedom of the Press 2013, Freedom House's annual assessment of media independence worldwide.

Freedom House Grantee Receives the European Union Human Rights Defender Award

Freedom House congratulates Ugandan human rights activist and Freedom House grantee Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala for receiving the European Union Human Rights Defender Award for 2012.

Images of Repression and Freedom

On April 18, guests filled the Hillyer Art Space for Freedom House’s Second Annual Photography and Art Auction fundraiser. Thirty photographs and art from more than 20 different...

We're Now Tweeting in Spanish: @FHespanol

Freedom House is proud to announce the launch a Spanish-language Twitter account: @FHespanol (www.twitter.com/fhespanol) and we look forward to sharing our insights with Latin American audiences.

'No Más!' Campaign

Today, more than 2 billion people live under oppressive rule. We can change the world when we speak up.
What will you say 'No Más' to?

You can help us move freedom forward around the globe.

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News & Updates

Freedom Alert

Facebook Joins Global Network Initiative

May 22 2013 - 4:58pm

Freedom House welcomes the announcement today that Facebook will become a full member of the Global Network Initiative (GNI) after participating as an observer for the past year.

Issues:

Freedom of Expression, Human Rights Defense, Internet Freedom

Press Release

Homophobic Attackers in Georgia Must Be Held Accountable

May 21 2013 - 12:32pm

Freedom House condemns the homophobic and transphobic attacks against peaceful participants in the May 17^th event commemorating the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) in Tibilisi, Georgia, and is deeply concerned by the lack of appropriate response from law enforcement and relevant government officials to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Issues:

Civil Society, LGBTI Rights, Rule of Law

Regions:

Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia

Freedom Alert

Restrictions on NGOs Threaten Civil Society in India, the World’s Largest Democracy

May 20 2013 - 5:20pm

The Indian government’s decision to restrict foreign funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is a blow to civil society in India, and could have a chilling effect on the work of NGOs in the broader region. India joins authoritarian-leaning countries such as Russia and Egypt that are engaged in systematic campaigns to limit the space for civil society by targeting groups that receive foreign funding.

Issues:

Civil Society, Freedom of Association, Human Rights Defense

Regions:

Asia-Pacific

Freedom Alert

Authorities in Ukraine Must Investigate Attack on Journalists

May 20 2013 - 1:27pm

Freedom House is alarmed by the violent attack on journalists covering an opposition demonstration in Kyiv, Ukraine on May 18, and calls of the authorities to conduct a full investigation and bring the attackers to justice. Any further delay in investigating the attackers, at least some of whom are apparently known to the authorities, is an abandonment of the authorities’ responsibility to ensure the safe and unhindered work of journalists and contributes to impunity of those who attack them.

Issues:

Freedom of Expression, Human Rights Defense, Media Freedom, Rule of Law

Regions:

Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia

Latest Blog Post

In Need of Change, Tajikistan Gets a Crackdown

Nate Schenkkan

May 22, 2013

When Zayd Saidov announced in April that he and some other leading businessmen in Tajikistan were founding a political party, he seemed to go out of his way to avoid criticism of President Emomali Rahmon and adopt a mild, pragmatic tone.

Issues:

Civil Society, Democratic Governance, Elections, Freedom of Association

Regions:

Central and Eastern Europe/Eurasia

Upcoming Event: The Role of Women and Islam in the New Tunisia

Jun 3 2013 - 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Prior to the Tunisian Revolution, Tunisia was regarded as one of the most progressive countries in the Arabic world for women’s rights. With a new constitution being drafted, how will the rising influence of political Islam affect the rights and roles of women in Tunisian society? Join Freedom House for a roundtable discussion on this vital topic with Tunisian activist and researcher Dr. Kedija Arfaoui. To RSVP for this event, click here.

Freedom Alert

Freedom House Condemns Raids on Ugandan Media

May 21 2013 - 5:16pm

The raid of several private media outlets by Ugandan police is an unacceptable attack on press freedom, which is protected by the nation’s constitution, and is a clear attempt by authorities to restrict criticism of the president or members of his government. Freedom House calls on Ugandan authorities to allow the media organizations to reopen and to conduct their work without interference.

Issues:

Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Rule of Law

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa