Index on Censorship

Description

Index on Censorship promotes and protects freedom of expression as a universal human right. It draws on Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. As a general principle, it advocates for more speech rather than less.

It argues that expression should only be restricted in narrow circumstances, such as direct incitement to violence. It monitors whether such restrictions are being misused to justify unwarranted clampdowns. The organisation has published a magazine featuring censored writers and artists for over 50 years. It describes free expression as needing constant vigilance to survive.

Index issues public statements and joint statements with partner organisations on threats to journalists and free expression around the world. These have covered countries including Serbia, Kosovo, Hungary, Algeria and Hong Kong. It also campaigns on issues such as library access to banned books in the UK and funding for public broadcasters.

It participates in the Media Freedom Rapid Response coalition and the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists. This has included fact-finding missions to countries such as Serbia and Kosovo. It also gives an annual Freedom to Publish Award to writers who have shown bravery in publishing against pressure from powerful people or institutions.