WHAT WE DO

ABOUT

Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. We publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech.

We believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution – no matter what their views.

Index’s aim is to raise awareness about threats to free expression and the value of free speech as the first step to tackling censorship.

Index relies entirely on the support of donors and readers to do its work.

We work in four ways:

INFORMING

Index on Censorship publishes an award-winning quarterly magazine that has featured some of the world’s best-known writers. We publish original creative writing and articles about free expression from across the globe.

Our website offers additional information to help people understand the current threats to free expression globally. And we reach a wider audience through social media.

INFLUENCING

Each year, Index on Censorship identifies some of the greatest threats to free speech around the world and develops advocacy campaigns to push for change in legislation or public attitudes. We choose topics where our work can make a significant impact – and deliberately choose areas where others might not be focused. You can see our current areas of focus on our Campaigns and Projects work.

We use a mixture of research, reporting, direct advocacy and media campaigning to achieve our goals.

DEBATING

Index on Censorship believes that free expression encourages more open and tolerant societies. We actively promote debate with an exciting series of events each year to help people better understand the value of free speech. This includes performances, exhibitions, talks and concerts. We are also regularly quoted in international media on free expression issues. Read more about our current events programme here.

SUPPORTING

Index on Censorship directly supports groups and individuals facing censorship through our Freedom of Expression Awards Fellowship. The fellowship offers a year-long programme of tailored support to a small group of fellows selected for their outstanding work in the fields of journalism, arts, campaigning and digital advocacy. Read more about this innovative work here.

Be the first to know!

Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that defends people’s freedom to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution. We fight censorship around the world.

ndex on Censorship will not share, sell or transfer your personal information with third parties. You may may unsubscribe at any time. To learn more about how we process your personal information, read our privacy policy.

You will receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription to the weekly newsletter, monthly events roundup and periodic updates about our projects and campaigns.

STATEMENTS:

Media outlets excluded from UK Home Secretary’s trip to Rwanda

Index raises second Council of Europe alert over exclusion of journalists seen as critical of Government's immigration policy

The UK Government must honour its pledge to resettle Afghans at-risk

The number of Afghan journalists and media workers who are in imminent danger remains incredibly high, inside the country and beyond

UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition welcomes end of Realtid case

Index and other coalition members continue to call for urgent action to be taken against SLAPPs after settlement of case against Swedish business publication

UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition reiterates its support for Carole Cadwalladr

Index joins other members of the coalition in welcoming court’s dismissal of majority of appeal in legal action against journalist in Arron Banks case

Belarus: Free Andrei and Irina now

Index on Censorship and ARTICLE 19 call for charges against human rights defenders to be dropped

Letter to Justice Secretary: Adoption of a UK Anti-SLAPP Law

Editors, journalists, lawyers and academics write to Dominic Raab to express support for the Model UK Anti-SLAPP Law launched by the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition

Italy: a call in support of Roberto Saviano

The Italian writer is facing a lawsuit for aggravated defamation initiated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Coalition of journalism organisations slams the National Security Bill

Index, RSF, the NUJ and openDemocracy say the overly broad and vague way the bill is currently drafted could see journalists labelled as spies

Anti-SLAPP measures cannot come fast enough

New rules cannot come fast enough as Kazakhstan university endowment fund associated with former president issues legal proceedings against UK media outlets

The Online Safety Bill must be completely overhauled

Index calls on the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to ensure legislation does not damage rights to freedom of expression and privacy

Index supports The Shift News in freedom of information battle with the government of Malta

The media outlet had requested details of dealings between government entities and Media Today co-owner Saviour Balzan

Index on Censorship files media freedom alert after Sinn Féin MLA legal action

Index on Censorship is concerned at the lawsuits that have been filed against journalist Malachi O’Doherty and columnist Ruth Dudley Edwards. Both are being sued individually by Sinn Féin politician Gerry Kelly MLA, who is claiming aggravated damages for comments they...

FEATURED:

Burkina Faso’s media freedom under attack

by Benjamin Lynch | Jun 17, 2021 | Africa, Burkina Faso, News and features

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Burkina Faso is supposedly one of Africa’s gems when it comes to press freedom. In a continent full of countries with extremely poor records on how they treat the media, the Western African state has, traditionally, set a better...