Freedom of Expression is a fundamental human right which underpins all other rights, including life… It is not a luxury
ARTICLE 19 is an international human rights organisation which defends and promotes freedom of expression and freedom of information all over the world.
We take our name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states:
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.
ARTICLE 19 believes that freedom of expression and access to information is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. The full enjoyment of this right is the most potent force to pre-empt repression, conflict, war and genocide; it is central to achieving individual freedoms and developing democracy.
We monitor, research, publish, lobby, campaign, set standards, and litigate on behalf of freedom of expression wherever it is threatened.
With partners in more than thirty countries across the globe, we work to strengthen national capacity to protect and promote freedom of expression and access to information.
We advocate for the implementation of access to information legislations to ensure transparency and strengthen citizen’s participation.
We campaign against the wide-spread use of defamation laws, restrictions on media and pluralism, and censorship to safeguard pluralism and diversity of views.
ARTICLE 19 is a registered UK charity (UK Charity No. 327421) and a charitable company based in London with international staff present in Africa, Latin America and Canada. We are supported by contributions from individuals, foundations and governments worldwide who share a commitment to freedom of expression.
Founded in 1987, ARTICLE 19 was the brainchild of Roderick MacArthur, a US philanthropist and journalist. Its International Board and Board of Trustees consist of eminent journalists, academics, lawyers and campaigners from all regions of the world.
