Articles by ARTICLE 19
![Crosses with the names of journalists and human rights defenders who were murdered in the first three months of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's presidency, Mexico City, Mexico, 22 February 2019, Carlos Tischler/Getty Images](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/mexico-amlo-attacks-article-19-impunity-journalists-activists-killed-getty-768x511.jpg)
Mexico: Attack on ARTICLE 19 by President López Obrador highlights his grim record on impunity
President López Obrador has launched an open attack on the staff and activities of ARTICLE 19 Mexico and Central America. His comments followed the free expression organisation’s report detailing attacks against journalists and violations of the right to freedom of expression in the country.
![A pro-democracy protester wearing chains around his neck makes the three-finger salute outside the Criminal Court, Bangkok, Thailand, 9 March 2021, JACK TAYLOR/AFP via Getty Images](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/thailand-pro-democracy-protest-three-finger-salute-getty-768x511.jpg)
ARTICLE 19 submits UPR report on Thailand’s state of freedom of expression
For the third time, Thailand will undergo a Universal Periodic Review (UPR). In a detailed UPR submission, ARTICLE 19 highlighted the state of freedom of expression in Thailand.
![The Council of Europe Conference of Ministers of Justice, in Strasbourg, France, 14 October 2019, Utku Ucrak/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/europe-slapps-council-of-europe-strasbourg-getty-768x512.jpg)
Over 100 rights groups call on the Council of Europe to act on the growing threat of SLAPPs
“A self-standing recommendation should be issued with clear guidance on measures needed to discourage SLAPPs and dismiss them at an early stage, to sanction those who use SLAPPs or threaten to do so, and to provide financial and legal support to those targeted by SLAPPs”.
![A session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, 19 June 2020, Xinhua via Getty Images](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/international-un-human-rights-councils-special-procedures-getty-768x511.jpg)
HRC46: UN Member States must protect the independence of Special Procedures
“We are deeply concerned by continued attacks on the Special Procedures and efforts to undermine their independence. We urge all states to affirm their commitment to human rights and the effectiveness of the international human rights system, by rejecting and condemning these efforts.”
![](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/france-global-security-bill-protest-senate-getty-768x512.jpg)
Freedom of expression in decline in France
“ARTICLE 19 is concerned about a series of draft laws and decisions in France that significantly impede the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information. These include the Global Security Bill, the dissolution of certain non-governmental organisations, and the Bill to strengthen “respect for republican principles.”
![Demonstrators and Indian Youth Congress activists wear masks depicting environmental activist Disha Ravi, during a protest against her arrest and a recent fuel price hike, New Delhi, India, 22 February 2021, JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/india-disha-ravi-arrest-farmers-protests-getty-768x511.jpg)
India: Government and tech firms should uphold privacy, free speech
Several civil society groups have expressed concern over the actions of the Indian government that violate free expression and privacy rights as authorities intensify the suppression of criticism related to the ongoing farmers’ protests.
![General view of a Parliamentary session in Tehran, Iran, 22 October 2020, Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/iran-parliament-majles-penal-code-religions-getty-768x511.jpg)
Iran amends law to further stifle freedom of expression
New amendments to Iran’s Islamic Penal Code will empower authorities to further choke free expression and target religious and ethnic minorities, while providing fertile ground for arbitrary arrests and detentions, says ARTICLE 19.
![UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet speaks on Belarus via video-link during a session of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland, 25 February 2021, FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images](https://ifex.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/belarus-un-high-commissioner-michele-bachelet-getty-768x512.jpg)
ARTICLE 19 and BAJ: UN must take further action on Belarus
“Where violations prevail, the UN must take action. As such, it is essential that this Council puts greater accountability mechanisms in place to collect and preserve evidence of crimes under international law, and ultimately ensure that perpetrators are held accountable”.