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Dear John,
The findings from Freedom in the World 2023, show that some of the year’s most dramatic shifts took place in Africa, where several countries underwent changes in leadership.
There was a stark contrast between the new governments in the region that seized power through irregular means and those that entered office through free and fair elections. Authoritarian power grabs led to rapidly worsening freedom conditions in Burkina Faso and Tunisia, for example, while political rights improved following opposition victories at the ballot box in Kenya and Lesotho.
Free and fair elections, with a genuine opportunity for opposition gains, are essential to democracy and good governance over the long term. Existing democratic governments in Africa and all those with an interest in freedom and security on the continent should continue to advocate for competitive, transparent balloting in every country.
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Standing Together for Freedom
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As part of this week’s Summit for Democracy, more than 80 leading democracy and human rights-focused organizations from around the world released “A Civil Society Declaration of Democratic Principles” coordinated by Freedom House, The George W. Bush Institute, and the McCain Institute. Katie LaRoque, deputy director for policy and advocacy, reflects on the Summit and takes stock of what’s at stake.
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Imprisoned Without Just Cause: #FreeThemAll
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Freedom House joined the U.S. Department of State, and the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania for a panel discussion of political imprisonment worldwide. Sviatlana Tsihanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic movement, gave the keynote address. Watch the recording of this powerful event below.
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Freedom House 2023 Annual Awards
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Since 1943, our annual Freedom Awards have recognized outstanding leaders who have championed freedom and democracy. This year's awardees include Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian Opposition Leader and Prisoner of Conscience, the Women of Iran and Hon. Michael A. McCarthy, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia.
We invite you to join us for Freedom House's Annual Awards on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
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Political Prisoner Spotlight
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Nasser Zefzafi led the non violent Hirak protests in the Rif, a region in Morocco home to many Indigenous tribes. Zefzafi was arrested in 2017 and received a 20-year prison sentence, but his commitment to nonviolence and justice is as remarkable as his resilience.
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Freedom House in the News
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Freedom House is hosting, moderating, and
participating in various upcoming events.
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Newsletters
The China Media Bulletin
A monthly newsletter that offers unique insight on censorship, media freedom, and internet freedom issues related to the People's Republic of China, drawing on both English and Chinese-language sources
The Hong Kong Media Bulletin
A monthly email newsletter that provides unique insight into media freedom and freedom of expression issues in Hong Kong, and a spotlight on initiatives by Hong Kongers and their global supporters.
All our newsletters are available for subscription here.
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Defend Democracy,
Champion Freedom.
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