Article 19
Description
ARTICLE 19 is an international organisation working to defend and extend freedom of expression. It describes itself as a think-do organisation that combines research with frontline action. It was founded in 1987 and named after Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It works for a world in which everyone can express themselves freely and take part in public life without fear of discrimination.
Its work covers both the freedom to speak and the freedom to know. It is organised around three global objectives: expanding access to accurate digital information, building safer and more resilient communities where people feel free to express themselves, and rooting digital governance and technology in human rights.
The organisation combines cutting-edge research and legal and policy analysis with frontline work. This work is delivered through nine regional hubs around the world. It seeks to propel change by sparking innovation across the wider freedom of expression movement.
It works with individuals, communities, civil society organisations, state actors, tech companies, media regulators and international standards bodies. It provides direct support, including legal defence, to journalists and activists who are threatened, imprisoned or harassed because of their work. Testimonials from journalists in Mexico, Poland, Bangladesh, Algeria, Togo and elsewhere describe receiving legal, financial and advocacy support during imprisonment or court cases.
ARTICLE 19 maintains offices including in Nairobi, London, Amsterdam, Mexico City and Dakar.
Latest news
Serbia: Solidarity with rights advocate Massimo Moratti as he faces expulsion
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), press freedom and free expression coalition partners express our firm support for our colleague Massimo Moratti, the Senior Research Affiliate for the Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT), as he faces expulsion from Serbia in apparent...
18 Sep 2026
UN: Address transnational repression of Belarusian civil society
ARTICLE 19 expresses our steadfast support for the work of the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus. We remain deeply concerned about the continued transnational repression of Belarusian journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors in exile, including through digital means...
18 Sep 2026
UN: Human rights crisis continues in Iran
ARTICLE 19 thanks the Fact-Finding Mission for their important report which shows us how people in Iran are in a human rights crisis, caught between intensifying repression from their government and renewed conflict and insecurity owing to the war with the United States and Israel. This crisis...
18 Sep 2026
Belarus: Andrei Aliaksandrau is finally free, but the fight continues
ARTICLE 19 is thrilled to welcome the release of our friend and former colleague Andrei Aliaksandrau, alongside 24 other political prisoners. Andrei spent over five years in prison in Belarus for his crucial media and human rights work. While this is a day we’ve waited and advocated for so long...
17 Sep 2026
Türkiye: End attacks on LGBTQ+ organisations, activists and protesters now
We, the undersigned organisations, condemn the large-scale police raids and detentions targeting LGBTQ+ activists and human rights defenders, organisations, and community spaces across Türkiye. We call for the immediate protection and release of those detained, and respect for their procedural...
16 Sep 2026
Iran: Four years after Mahsa Jhina Amini’s death, repression continues
Four years after Mahsa Jhina Amini’s death in the custody of Iran’s ‘morality police’, the authorities continue to repress dissent, violate fundamental rights, and deny justice to victims and their families. ARTICLE 19 calls on Iranian authorities to end the crackdown, release those detained for...
16 Sep 2026
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