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Freedom Forum recorded a total of 96 press freedom violations during 2020. Although the number of violations declined slightly compared to the previous year (111 in 2019), the country still awaits an improvement in the press freedom atmosphere.
Freedom Forum — 13 January 2021 -
In 2020 Pakistani media was confronted with unique new challenges, both in terms of content to cover as well as in the nature of the measures restricting press freedom and the free flow of information in the country.
Pakistan Press Foundation — 3 January 2021 -
Six months ago, the Court of Justice of the EU condemned Hungary for the violation of EU law and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights on grounds of its restrictive legislation on the financing of NGOs. To date, no steps have been taken by Hungary to comply with the judgment.
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union — 18 December 2020 -
The mission was organised in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sharp rise in targeting of media by regulators, increased physical attacks on journalists and a new restrictive law on social media with the potential to impose further limitations on the remaining spaces for independent reporting and public commentary.
International Press Institute — 1 December 2020 -
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, celebrated on 25 November, BCHR issued this report which seeks to address the deterioration of the human rights situation in Bahrain, particularly concerning women.
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 28 November 2020 -
The protesters’ complaints about the government’s anti-democratic nature have been underscored by the authorities’ response to the protests. The government has harassed and obstructed protest organisers at every turn. At least 173 individuals have been charged because of their role in protests this year.
ARTICLE 19 — 28 October 2020 -
The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating a dramatic decline in global internet freedom. For the 10th consecutive year, users have experienced an overall deterioration in their rights, and the phenomenon is contributing to a broader crisis for democracy worldwide.
Freedom House — 14 October 2020 -
The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a crisis for democracy around the world. Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the condition of democracy and human rights has grown worse in 80 countries.
Freedom House — 3 October 2020 -
Media networks have faced closing operations, job losses, and a weakened watchdog role for independent media. This report details the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the state of media in Nepal.
Freedom Forum — 15 September 2020 -
This report details the critical challenges faced by Malaysian journalists and media workers this year.
International Federation of Journalists — 11 September 2020 -
The aim of this report is to present a series of abuses identified by our organisation during the state of emergency during the COVID-19 crisis. We have identified and exposed in this period actions of state actors that have threatened, affected or directly attacked fundamental rights such as the right to freedom of expression, the right to information and, implicitly, media freedom.
Center for Independent Journalism - Romania — 2 September 2020 -
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, states are increasingly using dangerous technologies at the cost of protecting fundamental human rights.
7amleh – Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media — 24 August 2020 -
From 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020, the monitoring report showed that the space to exercise fundamental freedoms continues to be restricted in Cambodia.
Cambodian Center for Human Rights — 4 August 2020 -
The first half of the year 2020 witnessed a decrease in the total number of violations against media freedoms in Palestine compared to what it reached during the same period last year 2019.
Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms "MADA" — 22 July 2020 -
GIC’s recurrent report on the state of media freedom in Mongolia, prepared on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), which is celebrated annually on May 3.
Globe International Center — 16 June 2020 -
Press freedom has clearly become a key issue for Australians. MEAA’s third annual press freedom survey has found that when asked if press freedom in Australia had got better or worse over the past decade, an overwhelming 98% of respondents said it had got worse, compared to 90.9% in 2019.
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) — 6 June 2020 -
As individuals have mobilized, state legislatures across the country have begun introducing bills meant to suppress, restrict, or criminalize the right to protest at an ever-increasing rate.
PEN America — 27 May 2020 -
Writers and intellectuals are often among the canaries in the coal mine who, alongside journalists and human rights activists, are first targeted when a country takes a more authoritarian turn.
PEN America — 19 May 2020 -
In responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, many governments have taken measures that limit access to information held by public bodies relating to the pandemic and other crucial areas of public interest.
ARTICLE 19 — 11 May 2020 -
Report on the December 2019 joint fact-finding mission
European Federation of Journalists — 7 May 2020 -
The emergency legislation has explicitly targeted digital rights and privacy, among other things, and includes broad terms related to criminalization and punishment, with no legal provisions, safeguards, or measurable standards.
7amleh – Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media 7 May 2020 — 7 May 2020 -
The October 17 uprising in Lebanon – fueled by rampant corruption and the country’s worst economic crisis since the end of the civil war in 1990 – has sparked a newfound collective consciousness where the rights and identities of marginalized groups are part and parcel of the protests.
Human Rights Watch — 7 May 2020 -
Given the emergence and spread of COVID-19, it is all the more critical that we have access to news and information that we trust and can help in understanding the crisis and what is required to protect ourselves, as well as independent information on how our government is responding to the pandemic.
Centre for Independent Journalism — 6 May 2020 -
Between January 2019 and April 2020, journalists in Pakistan worked under increasing restrictions with little accountability of those who limit freedom of expression, continue to target journalists and aim to discredit the work of the media through a range of tools from attacking journalists to placing financial constraints on media outlets as a pressure tactic.
Pakistan Press Foundation — 6 May 2020 -
A s the novel coronavirus made a deadly sweep across the globe from the beginning of 2020, governments in South Asia tightened their iron grip over the media and democratic institutions.
International Federation of Journalists — 6 May 2020 -
This report firstly provides a global analysis of the cases monitored by PEN International between January to December 2019, providing a summary of the wider context under which both journalists and writers are challenged.
PEN International — 3 May 2020 -
Since the release of ANHRI’s first report in 2004 tackling the Internet and Arab governments, which is published every two years, the fight is still going on. The issue has not been resolved for either of the conflicting parties: whether the governments with their various institutions or the Arab peoples who are using the Internet and seek change in the world.
Arabic Network for Human Rights Information — 30 April 2020 -
A study on the conditions of prisons in Bahrain from 2011 to 2020, and it includes a commentary on the violated rights of prisoners, the most dangerous of which is the denial of treatment.
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 28 April 2020 -
The launch of the European Rule of Law Mechanism in July 2019 marks the renewed opportunity for 1 the European Union (EU) to uphold democracy and overcome the limits of the Article 7 procedure.
International Press Institute — 17 April 2020 -
The Committee to Protect Journalists submitted a call to several U.N. special mandate holders encouraging them to join CPJ’s effort to secure the release of all jailed journalists globally in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Committee to Protect Journalists — 11 April 2020 -
This document provides an overview of human rights concerns posed by the coronavirus outbreak, drawing on examples of government responses to date, and recommends ways governments and other actors can respect human rights in their response.
Human Rights Watch — 19 March 2020 -
Freedom of expression has been one of the casualties of the epidemic, as some governments have used censorship, arrests and the application of repressive laws to address these challenges and control public narratives about the crisis.
ARTICLE 19 — 11 March 2020 -
This document is part of a series of criteria developed for vacant positions of Special Procedures mandate holders. Its intention is to support all stakeholders in the identification of and outreach to highly qualified and independent candidates for vacant positions.
ARTICLE 19 — 9 March 2020 -
This briefing paper sets forth recommendations for countering ‘hate speech’ in Myanmar, with a focus on draft legislation currently being considered by the Myanmar government.
ARTICLE 19 — 10 February 2020 -
This report analyses Mongolian law and practice, including the safety and security of journalists, in comparison with international standards relating to freedom of expression. Although Mongolia has made key steps forward in terms of respect for freedom of expression, information, and media, much remains to be done to ensure full consistency with international law.
Globe International Center — 15 January 2020 -
A brief reading of human rights trends in the Arab region.
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) 6 January 2020 — 6 January 2020 -
Online media at receiving end; press freedom violation highest in seven years according to the 2019 report of Freedom Forum
Freedom Forum — 2 January 2020 -
RSF has registered 49 cases of journalists killed in connection with their work in 2019 (from 1 January to 1 December). This is low compared with the average in recent decades, a trend which above all is due to a fall in the number of journalists killed in armed conflicts.
Reporters Without Borders — 21 December 2019 -
Over the past three years, Lebanon has witnessed a crackdown against freedom of expression online. The state has penalized citizens, journalists, and civil society representatives who criticize government officials or mock religious figures, worsening the overall environment for free speech online.
Social Media Exchange (SMEX) — 6 December 2019 -
This brief presents a review of Kenya’s journey and efforts to develop a data protection law. It also provides an overview of the implication of the new law to the protection of privacy and improved data governance in the East African country.
Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) — 25 November 2019 -
Holding the Line: South East Asia Media Freedom Report 2019
IMPUNITY, JOURNALIST SAFETY AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA
International Federation of Journalists — 24 November 2019 -
JOINT INTERNATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM MISSION TO TURKEY (SEPTEMBER 11–13, 2019)
International Press Institute — 18 November 2019 -
This report has been prepared by a network of national civil society organisations and international NGOs focused on the prevention of torture and access to justice, including redress for the victims and the prevention of enforced disappearances.
Cairo Institute for Human Rights — 31 October 2019 -
The annual report of the Hong Kong Journalists Association documents events in the past 12 months related to freedom of expression and the press in the city.
Hong Kong Journalists Association — 13 July 2019 -
A report documenting human rights violations committed by the regime in 2018.
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 1 July 2019 -
Once a year the PEN International produces a case list (covering the previous year) of individuals around the world who are detained or otherwise persecuted for their peaceful political activities or for the practice of their profession.
PEN International — 30 May 2019 -
There are concerns about how the secret warrant system is run. The flaws in administration give no comfort to journalists who remain fearful that the warrants are being used to identify their confidential sources.
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance — 1 May 2019 -
In his inauguration speech on 24 November 2017 following Mugabe’s ouster, President Mnangagwa, said he would strengthen and ensure the pillars of democracy are respected in Zimbabwe. This raised hope that he would move with speed and implement outstanding socio-economic and political reforms ahead of the 2018 elections. It is common cause that the elections came without implementation of the envisaged reforms.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) — 12 March 2019 -
Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) — 11 March 2019
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The MISA Annual report for 2018 focuses on the lobby and advocacy work MISA carried out on critical issues throughout 2018.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) — 1 March 2019 -
Annual Report 2019 by the Partner Organisations to the Council of Europe Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists
ARTICLE 19 — 12 February 2019 -
Given the unprecedented number of journalists in prison in Turkey at the moment and the increas- ing number of freedom of expression trials, trial monitoring has become an important activity for Turkish civil society over the past few years.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 28 January 2019 -
In its report, the Center examines Bahrain’s laws and legislation restricting the freedom of press work and shows the extent of its non-conformity with the international treaties, covenants and agreements. The report also documents violations of media workers since the popular protests beginning in 2011.
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 22 November 2018 -
The level of internet freedom declined due to the new cybersecurity law which strengthened repressive restrictions on online activities.
Freedom House — 1 November 2018 -
PEN International — 10 October 2018
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Laws passed since Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency in May 2012 have dramatically strengthened the Russian authorities’ control over the flow of information online and offline. Much of this crackdown has been fuelled by Russia’s foreign policy, in particular its role in the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine and its armed intervention in Syria.
PEN International — 10 October 2018 -
The report is based on the study of Bahraini laws and legislation related to the prosecution of civilians in military courts and shows the compatibility of Bahraini laws with the International Bill and international laws.
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 9 October 2018 -
Civil society leaders in Egypt are urging the U.S. government to continue to condition and withhold military aid to Egypt until the Egyptian government makes meaningful reforms to its human rights practices.
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) — 20 September 2018 -
Journalists say they will be wary until Moreno fulfills his promises to scale back the Communications Law and scrap the regulator that enforced it.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 14 July 2018 -
BCHR analyses how the Bahraini judiciary uses the language of ‘anti-terrorism’ law to justify suppressing dissent. They also do a comparative study of the relevant local and international anti-terror legislation, and the extent to which Bahrain is in line with international law, international conventions and human rights treaties.
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 26 June 2018 -
In Egypt you can be detained, interrogated and tried in the same place without leaving or seeing a court.
Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) — 16 June 2018 -
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 April 2018
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Reporters Without Borders (RSF) accuses the Eritrean government of a complete denial of reality in its first-ever report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and announces that it has submitted an alternative “shadow report” with a much darker assessment of the state of press freedom in Eritrea.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 28 March 2018 -
The general trend over the past 10 years has been bleak, with an overall negative trajectory for press freedom. The major turning point was the election of Xi Jinping as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China in 2012 and President of China in 2013.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) — 2 February 2018 -
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 12 December 2017
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In 2014, Cameroon enacted a broad anti-terror law as part of its effort to counter the extremist group Boko Haram, but authorities are using it to arrest and threaten local journalists who report on the militants or unrest in the country’s English-speaking regions.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 20 September 2017 -
MFWA has identified lack of effective internet-specific legal frameworks, inadequate infrastructure and high cost of data as major challenges in the internet sector in West Africa.
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) — 15 September 2017 -
Globe International registered a total of 519 freedom of expression violations in Mongolia
Globe International Center — 1 September 2017 -
According to Freedom Forum, anti-press incidents have declined in Nepal since April 2017 but the policy environment is still regressive.
Freedom Forum — 12 July 2017 -
Since 2013, law enforcement authorities in Bangladesh have illegally detained scores of opposition activists and held them in secret without producing them before courts, as the law requires. In most cases, those arrested remain in custody for weeks or months before being formally arrested or released. Others however are killed in so-called armed exchanges, and many remain “disappeared.”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 6 July 2017 -
This study examines the existence of criminal defamation and insult laws in the territory of the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In doing so, it offers a broad, comparative overview of the compliance of OSCE participating States’ legislation with international standards and best practices in the field of defamation law and freedom of expression.
Unknown author — 7 March 2017 -
READ AND DOWNLOADThis study analyses current trends in civil defamation and privacy cases in Hungary involving the media and summarises key challenges for freedom of the press and expression. Written by Hungarian media lawyer Bea Bodrogi, the study examined 250 court decisions related to civil protection of ‘personality rights’, an area in Hungarian law that includes defamation, privacy and personal image.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 2 March 2017 -
In this report, Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) examines the contributions of ACPRA within the larger context of the movement for civil and political reform in Saudi Arabia.
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) — 1 March 2017 -
With populist and nationalist forces making significant gains in democratic states, 2016 marked the 11th consecutive year of decline in global freedom.
Freedom House — 31 January 2017 -
Freedom Forum has issued a review of Nepal’s National Mass Communications Policy 2016. Among others, FF says the policy fails to articulate constitutional provisions relating to freedom of expression and mass communication. The policy, they said, also seems to promote centralided regulation, instead of self-regulation.
Freedom Forum — 23 January 2017 -
The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in 2016 maintained its control over all public affairs and punished those who challenged its monopoly on power. Authorities restricted basic rights, including freedom of speech, opinion, association, and assembly. All religious groups had to register with the government and operate under surveillance. Bloggers and activists faced daily police harassment and intimidation, and were subject to arbitrary house arrest, restricted movement, and physical assaults.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 16 January 2017 -
Malaysia’s human rights situation continued to deteriorate in 2016, with human rights defenders, activists, political opposition figures, and journalists facing harassment and politically motivated prosecution. Those criticising the administration of Prime Minister Najib Razak or commenting on the government’s handling of the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal have been particular targets.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 16 January 2017 -
Authorities continue to use sedition and criminal defamation laws to prosecute citizens who criticise government officials or oppose state policies. In a blow to free speech, the government in 2016 argued before the Supreme Court in favour of retaining criminal penalties for defamation. The court upheld the law.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 16 January 2017 -
Four senior staff members of the Cambodian Human Rights have been detained in Phnom Penh since April 2016. 
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 21 November 2016 -
Freedom Forum — 28 October 2016
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After already cracking down on freedom of information in recent years, President Erdoğan has taken advantage of the abortive coup d’état and the state of emergency in effect since 20 July to silence many more of his media critics, not only Gülen movement media and journalists but also, to a lesser extent, Kurdish, secularist and left-wing media.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 19 September 2016 -
This publication presents the findings of the media development assessment in Mongolia that began in 2012 to determine the state of the media in the country. The assessment was based on the UNESCO/IPDC Media Development Indicators (MDIs), an internationally recognized analytical tool used to provide detailed overviews of national media landscapes and related media development priorities.
Globe International Center — 16 August 2016 -
Freedom Forum — 5 July 2016
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“After the initial optimism during the Euromaidan movement, many journalists have become disillusioned. They are faced with the triple challenge of the war in the Eastern part of the country, the economic crisis and the digitalization of mass media.”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 30 June 2016 -
An officer of the Myanmar army recently filed a criminal complaint against two journalists for allegedly sowing disunity among the military. Even though mediation by the Press Council caused the military to withdraw the case, this incident demonstrates how the military continues to throw its weight to get back at what it perceives as negative publicity.
Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) — 28 June 2016 -
The government uses draconian laws such as the sedition provisions of the penal code, the criminal defamation law, and laws dealing with hate speech to silence dissent. These laws are vaguely worded, overly broad, and prone to misuse, and have been repeatedly used for political purposes against critics at the national and state level.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 24 May 2016 -
Freedom Forum — 3 May 2016
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Comparative Study of Criminal Defamation Laws in the Americas
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 29 February 2016 -
Freedom Forum — 28 January 2016
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Media under the chilling effect of political unrest
Freedom Forum — 12 January 2016 -
In recent years, the space afforded to civil society to operate freely has been shrinking dramatically across the world, presenting a serious threat to democracy and human rights. Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) have been especially badly affected by this shrinking political space.
Child Rights International Network (CRIN) — 17 December 2015 -
The report is a frank assessment of the recent regime of online censorship and mass surveillance against a backdrop of longstanding, serious abuses of the judicial process and attacks on freedom of expression by Turkish authorities.
PEN International, Norwegian PEN — 16 December 2015 -
World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) — 14 December 2015
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The report surveys the rocky landscape for media and public discourse since the ruling military junta lifted the curtain on the southeast Asian nation in 2012 after five decades of isolation from the modern world.
PEN America — 4 December 2015 -
Freedom Forum — 27 November 2015
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With the environment now recognized as a major challenge for humankind, Reporters Without Borders believes that particular attention should be paid to the journalists who take greats risk to investigate sensitive, environment-related subjects. The report highlights a steady deterioration in the situation for environmental reporters, who are increasingly exposed to many kinds of pressure, threats and violence.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 26 November 2015 -
The EU has made press freedom imperative in negotiating with candidate countries, but has been accused of failing to take strong action when member states renege on their press freedom commitments.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 29 September 2015 -
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 24 September 2015
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Freedom Forum — 30 August 2015
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A Climate of Fear for LGBT People in Kazakhstan
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 23 July 2015 -
The Pakistani government has significantly expanded its communication interception activities. This Privacy International report covers the intelligence services plan to capture all IP-traffic in Pakistan and other initiatives, pointing to gaps in the laws governing surveillance.
Privacy International — 21 July 2015 -
This report scrutinizes legislation covering freedom of expression and religious freedom in the Balkans, and whether satire and blasphemy are in any way regulated in these countries.
Center for Independent Journalism - Romania — 8 July 2015 -
The need to regulate the transfer of surveillance technologies that pose a risk to human rights has been largely recognised by EU institutions and some EU member states. It is no longer a question of if the EU should do more in this area, but how.
Privacy International — 24 June 2015 -
In this report, ARTICLE 19 seeks to outline the implications of anonymity and encryption for the right to freedom of expression in the digital age.
ARTICLE 19 — 18 June 2015 -
Defamation and insult remain criminal offences in Portugal punishable by up to two years behind bars despite the fact that a number of international human rights bodies have found criminal defamation to be a disproportionate restriction on freedom of expression.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 9 June 2015 -
Despite its Constitutional commitment to free speech, India’s legal system makes it surprisingly easy to silence others. Routine corruption, inefficiency, and the selective enforcement of vague and overbroad laws allow individuals, or small groups, to censor opinions they find distasteful. – See more at: http://www.pen-international.org/the-india-report-executive-summary-and-key-findings/#sthash.TIIM2xbu.dpuf
PEN International, PEN Canada — 20 May 2015 -
Press freedom in the Philippines continued to be under attack from 2014 to 2015. The killing of journalists is continuing, with four journalists killed from May 2014 to May 2015. The trial of the accused masterminds of the Ampatuan (Maguindanao) Massacre and their supposed henchmen is continuing, but with a primary accused was released, while a witness in the same case was killed.
Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) — 6 May 2015 -
The year 2014 saw Malaysians standing up to exercise the rights guaranteed under the Federal Constitution, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. This continues a growing trend of facing up to state oppression. Unfortunately, this has been met with increasing repression. Malaysia has seen a concerted crackdown on the freedom of expression in the year 2014, which has escalated even further in 2015.
Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) — 6 May 2015 -
As Globe International Center (GIC) reported, from 2012-2014, violations against journalists and the media increased compared to previous years and journalists faced external threats and intervention in their professional work, different types of pressures, threats, censorship in distribution, demands to reveal their information sources, to question and give testimony in mass by law enforcement bodies, especially by the General Intelligence Agency, use of criminal defamation law by politicians and public bodies or public officials censoring the media.
Globe International Center — 5 May 2015 -
Freedom House — 3 May 2015
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IFEX — 30 April 2015
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Discarding Democracy: Return to the Iron Fist
Freedom House — 25 April 2015 -
Cambodian Internet users overwhelmingly see the country’s Internet as increasingly becoming more accommodating of free expression but remain concerned about the effects of recently proposed government actions related to Internet surveillance and controls, according to the results of a study by CCIM, which surveyed almost 1,000 Cambodian Internet users from 22 provinces.
Cambodian Centre for Independent Media (CCIM) — 10 April 2015 -
Despite protecting human rights defenders (“HRDs”) falling under the protection of legally binding international instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”), many HRDs in the Kingdom of Cambodia (“Cambodia”) remain at high risk of a plethora of threats including arbitrary arrest and detention, physical violence and murder, and threats and intimidation and harassment.
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 1 April 2015 -
While media freedom in Spain remains robust and certainly comparable to its European neighbours, at such a critical moment for the Spanish public there is a need to ensure maximum access to the free flow of information.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 31 March 2015 -
Freedom Forum — 18 January 2015
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Unknown author — 13 January 2015
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Legal regulation in the field of freedom of expression became more stringent as a result of abrupt introduction of amendments to the already undemocratic law ‘On Mass Media’ in December 2014.
Belarusian Association of Journalists — 31 December 2014 -
ARTICLE 19 — 30 September 2014
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The goal of this report is to provide African governments, civil society, researchers and other stakeholders with a tool that will guide and support the development and advancement of the right to information in Africa.
Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) — 30 September 2014 -
Freedom Forum — 28 September 2014
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 23 September 2014
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This report was submitted by Globe International for the second cycle of Mongolia’s UPR (Universal Periodic Review)
Globe International Center — 15 September 2014 -
Internet intermediaries – such as internet service providers, search engines and social media platforms – play a crucial role in enabling people around the world to communicate with each other. Because of their technical capabilities, internet intermediaries are under increasing pressure from governments and interest groups to police online content.
ARTICLE 19 — 12 September 2014 -
Global press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade, according to the latest edition of Freedom House’s press freedom survey. The decline was driven in part by major regression in several Middle Eastern states, including Egypt, Libya, and Jordan; marked setbacks in Turkey, Ukraine, and a number of countries in East Africa; and deterioration in the relatively open media environment of the United States.
Freedom House — 9 September 2014 -
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue
Unknown author — 21 August 2014 -
This Outcome Report summarizes the issues raised and the recommendations of participants during the Workshop for Youth on Electoral Reform held on 20-21 June 2014 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 18 August 2014 -
This legal analysis examines the compliance of the 2014 News Media Law of Myanmar with international standards on freedom of expression and media freedom.
ARTICLE 19 — 12 August 2014 -
CCHR has released a Briefing Note on freedom of information and legislative transparency in Cambodia, where laws are almost always drafted in secrecy, without the inclusion of relevant stakeholders.
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 4 August 2014 -
The year under review has been the darkest for press freedom for several decades, with the media coming under relentless assault from several directions. There have been attacks on journalists, sackings and personnel changes affecting critical personalities and the withdrawal of advertising, which places pressure on the editorial integrity of publications.
Hong Kong Journalists Association — 29 July 2014 -
Bytes for All (B4A) — 30 June 2014
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International human rights law provides a clear and universal framework for the promotion and protection of the right to privacy, including in the context of domestic and extraterritorial surveillance, the interception of digital communications and the collection of personal data. Practices in many States have, however, revealed a lack of adequate national legislation and/or enforcement, weak procedural safeguards, and ineffective oversight, all of which have contributed to a lack of accountability for arbitrary or unlawful interference in the right to privacy.
Unknown author — 30 June 2014 -
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 27 June 2014
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Freedom Forum — 9 June 2014
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Persistent failures of the Bahraini justice system since the BICI report
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 28 May 2014 -
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 27 May 2014
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Which companies stand with their users, embracing transparency around government data requests? Which companies have resisted improper government demands by fighting for user privacy in the courts and on Capitol Hill? In short, which companies have your back?
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) — 19 May 2014 -
There has been some improvement in the state of press freedom, reports Freedom Forum. At the same, the State’s strict vigilance of new media is disappointing
Freedom Forum — 3 May 2014 -
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 3 May 2014
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Unknown author — 2 May 2014
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Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) — 7 April 2014
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Unknown author — 25 March 2014
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Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 18 March 2014
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The report is the first created by the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) looking specifically at the experience of women journalists in the South Asia sub-region
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) — 13 March 2014 -
By their very nature, libraries are poised to become forces for social change and using this exhibit as an example, libraries themselves can show the life of their communities by putting their responses on display to support their involvement in social movements, engage others, and document for the future
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) — 7 March 2014 -
Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) — 5 March 2014
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International Press Institute (IPI) — 27 February 2014
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Privacy International’s report identifies recent accomplishments from around the world, and highlights significant challenges ahead for this right
Privacy International — 24 February 2014 -
This Briefing Note addresses the increasing practice of forcing human rights defenders, protesters and everyday citizens to sign written statements agreeing to not partake in future demonstrations or illegal activities, as a condition of their release or to avoid charges
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 5 February 2014 -
Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) — 1 February 2014
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IFJ’s report documents the continued deterioration of press freedoms in Mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Macau. It takes its title in direct response to Chinese authorities adopting more repressive measures in 2013 reminiscent of the Mao era four decades ago, including direct censorship, Internet surveillance, abuse of legal process, harassment and intimidation, and televised confessions of journalists and bloggers without trial.
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) — 28 January 2014 -
An update on the Ampatuan Massacre trial by CMFR Executive Director Melinda Quintos de Jesus
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) — 17 January 2014 -
The Balkan Media Barometer is an analytical exercise to measure the media situation in a given country which at the same time serves as a practical lobbying tool for media reform. The BMB consists of a set of 45 indicators derived from European standards referenced in European Union and Council of Europe documents.
Albanian Media Institute — 31 December 2013 -
Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 29 December 2013
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A new bill provides for the immediate blocking of websites with content regarded by the prosecutor’s office as extremist. Inciting hatred or terrorist acts are already grounds for blocking. Now, urging people to participate in unauthorized protests would also be viewed as “extremist.”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 20 December 2013 -
Charges against dozens of protesters in connection with the protest on the eve of President Vladimir Putin’s 2012 inauguration are “inappropriate” and “disproportionate,” according to a panel of independent experts. Twenty seven people are facing “mass rioting” charges in connection with the protest on May 6, 2012.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 18 December 2013 -
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 18 December 2013
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This publication provides an overview of the main international standards relevant to the protection of the right to freedom of expression in relation to Information Communication Technologies. It identifies international and regional standards for the protection of key areas of concern, including content regulation, the rights of citizen journalists and bloggers, and access to information
ARTICLE 19 — 6 December 2013 -
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 23 September 2013
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Bahrain Center for Human Rights — 30 August 2013
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Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) — 27 August 2013
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 August 2013
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Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 16 August 2013
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ARTICLE 19 — 1 July 2013
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Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 28 June 2013
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This publication is a component of the National Endowment for Democracy, (NED) funded project that has unearthed a dismal level of denial to disclose information in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in Liberia.
Center for Media Studies & Peace Building (CEMESP) — 27 June 2013 -
This joint submission by ARTICLE 19, IPA, SEAPA, PEN International and others focuses on Cambodia’s compliance with its international human rights obligations in respect to freedom of expression
ARTICLE 19 — 24 June 2013 -
ARTICLE 19, Access, English PEN and PEN International welcome the opportunity to contribute to the second cycle of the UPR process of Viet Nam.
ARTICLE 19 — 18 June 2013 -
The media landscape in Burma is more open than ever, as President Thein Sein releases imprisoned journalists and abolishes the former censorship regime. But many threats and obstacles to truly unfettered reporting remain, including restrictive laws held over from the previous military regime. The wider government’s commitment to a more open reporting environment is in doubt.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 13 June 2013 -
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) — 10 June 2013
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Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) — 7 June 2013
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Unknown author — 28 May 2013
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ARTICLE 19 — 23 May 2013
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Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 9 May 2013
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ARTICLE 19 — 3 May 2013
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International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) — 3 May 2013
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ARTICLE 19 calls on the State Duma of the Russian Federation to reject the concept of defamation of religions proposed in the Draft Law.
ARTICLE 19 — 30 April 2013 -
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 1 April 2013
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Canadian Journalists for Free Expression — 21 March 2013
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Check out this interactive timeline to learn about the case of Enoh Meyomesse, a Cameroonian poet, writer, and politician and Honorary Member of PEN American Center.
PEN America — 20 March 2013 -
International Publishers Association (IPA) — 15 March 2013
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 28 February 2013
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Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) — 25 February 2013
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In 2012, journalists and rights organisations worldwide called on the Turkish government to release journalists and abolish the Anti-Terror Law.
IPS Communication Foundation - Bianet — 25 February 2013 -
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) — 21 February 2013
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Unknown author — 20 February 2013
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PEN International — 20 February 2013
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International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) — 8 February 2013
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International Press Institute (IPI) — 4 February 2013
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Unknown author — 22 January 2013
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Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 17 January 2013
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Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) — 14 January 2013
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Association of Independent Electronic Media — 31 December 2012
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Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 14 December 2012
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Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 December 2012
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Mission to UAE investigates crackdown on free expression in which 64 activists have been detained
Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) — 10 December 2012 -
ARTICLE 19 — 6 December 2012
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Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) — 8 August 2012
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Unknown author — 3 May 2012

Learn more about how the police evades the Fourth Amendment’s requirement to obtain a warrant.

This was the second time in recent months that a cyber libel charge was filed against Filipino-American journalist Maria Ressa, the founder of news portal ‘Rappler’.

Journalist Andrei Alexandrov was detained on charges of violating public order. He was Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Association of Journalists and has worked for Index on Censorship and ARTICLE 19.

HRW’s “World Report 2021” finds that government responses to the acute human rights challenges posed by COVID-19 across the region negatively affected the rights to health, media freedoms, and access to justice.

When the president appointed a political ally as rector of Boğaziçi University, students launched an ongoing protest on behalf of academic freedom; the police have reacted with violence, arrests and judicial harassment.
December in the Americas: A free expression round up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Paula Martins, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) urged authorities not to use the emergency as a guise to arbitrarily curtail the public’s right to information or create an environment of fear by censoring or punishing journalists and netizens seeking information.

Freedom Forum has released its 2020 report on the state of press freedom in Nepal. The organisation recorded 96 press freedom violations in 2020.
December in Middle East and North Africa: A free expression roundup produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Naseem Tarawnah, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
December 2020 in Africa: A free expression roundup produced by IFEX’s regional editor Reyhana Masters, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

Government and law enforcement officials – most of whom are men – often seem to fundamentally misunderstand the severity of online gender-based violence, and see it as something minor that “only” happens online, perpetuating the outmoded notion of an online/offline dichotomy.

“We urge the IIHF to request the government of Belarus to take concrete steps to ensure greater respect for press freedoms, including the release of the unjustly imprisoned journalists. We ask you to reach out to Lukashenka and strongly urge him to take immediate action to ensure that human rights principles are respected.”
“The monitoring of private communications and bank data from journalists is unprecedented and represents a gross violation of journalists’ rights to source confidentiality and professional secrecy, which are protected under both the Portuguese Constitution and international law”.

Private companies have strong legal rights under U.S. law to refuse to host or support speech they don’t like. But that refusal carries different risks when a group of companies comes together to ensure that certain speech or speakers are effectively taken offline altogether.
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