ARTICLE 19 is an international think–do organisation that propels the freedom of expression movement, locally and globally, to ensure all people realise the power of their voices.
Our story
Since 1987, ARTICLE 19 has worked for a world in which all people everywhere can freely express themselves and actively engage in public life without fear of discrimination.
Curious about our biggest wins over the past 4 decades?
Our name
Our name was inspired by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which all of our work seeks to uphold, protect, and extend worldwide:
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
What we do
We champion the two interlocking freedoms that, together, make up the right to freedom of expression: the freedom to speak and the freedom to know. When either of these freedoms come under threat, ARTICLE 19 is there to resist.
Together with our partners, we:
Think
We develop cutting-edge research and legal and policy analysis to drive change worldwide.
Do
We lead work on the frontlines of expression through our 9 regional hubs across the globe.
Propel
We propel change by sparking innovation in the global freedom of expression movement
All our work falls under our 3 Global Objectives:
- A new digital era for all: Accurate and reliable data and information are publicly accessible and empower individuals to seize their rights.
- Safer communities, stronger voices: More inclusive, protected, and resilient communities and individuals feel free to express themselves in public and media.
- Information is power: Digital spaces, governance, services and technologies will be rooted in human rights and enable the diversity of human experience.
How we create change
From individuals and communities to civil society organisations, from state actors to tech companies, and from media regulators to international standards-setting bodies, building bridges is our unique contribution to defending freedom of expression at a structural and policy level.
Thank you to all of the ARTICLE 19 team. Without their legal defence, I would surely still be silenced and imprisoned or already dead like certain friends who we have already lost.
– Lydia Cacho (Mexican investigative journalist)
I want to thank you for your commitment to bringing light to Evan [Gershkovich]’s case. Your contribution made a meaningful impact on the efforts to bring Evan home.
– Almar Latour (Publisher, The Wall Street Journal)
ARTICLE 19 has been a crucial ally, standing by me in court and speaking out against the harassment I endure. Their presence and support mean a lot.
– Grzegorz Rzeczkowski (Polish journalist)
I am a great admirer of ARTICLE 19. They are leaders among champions of freedom of expression. They manage to not only relentlessly mobilise against the age-old threats of censorship and the repression of dissent, but also draw our attention to new challenges in the digital age.
– Irene Khan (UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion)
Gratitude to ARTICLE 19 for strengthening and making our ancestral presence and power possible at this forum [Internet Governance Forum 2023].
– Peripheral, Favela, Quilombola, and Indigenous Media Coalition (Brazil)
ARTICLE 19 has been by my side
always … providing financial support to continue [with] the court [case] and … arranging financial support from other organization[s] as well for my livelihood.
– Shafiqul Islam Kajaol (Bangladeshi photojournalist)
The support I received from ARTICLE 19 during my imprisonment is precious and invaluable. … [Their] support and rallying to all initiatives of
solidarity with my cause came to me while I was behind
bars. It was an honour to know this. And my gratitude to you will remain eternal.’
– Khaled Drareni (Algerian journalist)
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that ARTICLE 19 has done to secure our release. … Thank you for everything. May God bless you abundantly.
– Ferdinand Ayité (Togolese journalist)
ARTICLE 19 is an organisation that for many has made the difference between life and death … Thank you for what you did for me and hundreds of my countrymen. Without your help I would probably not be standing here in front of you today.
– Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African anti-apartheid activist)
Our values
We hold ourselves to the high standards we set for others. We are coherent on matters of law and policy wherever we work in the world. We value visibility, objectivity, and the accuracy of our work.
We know good information can enable powerful action. We are clear, open, and honest in our dealings with each other and the outside world.
Our network of supporters and partners is the lifeblood of our organisation. We seek to build productive and inspiring relationships based on the trust our partners, supporters, and donors place in us.
We respect each other and we listen to each other. We actively defend those whose voices are marginalised.
We say what we mean and we do what we say, speaking with one voice wherever possible. We work hard to make sure our learning and reporting is the best it can be.
We are tenacious: we will find every possible avenue to seek changes in law and practice to secure the freedoms associated with our mission.
We are proud of our expertise and always ready to share what we know. We seek to explore the boundaries of our field to benefit the freedoms we protect.
