The Global Expression Report 2023 is out now

View in your browser

John, freedom of expression is under threat and in decline across the world

Dear John,

Globally, 80% of us have less freedom of expression than we had a decade ago. That’s more than 6 billion people in more than 80 countries.

These are the findings of ARTICLE 19’s Global Expression Report 2023, available today.

The Global Expression Report – which this year presents the data-driven study as an interactive set of maps and visualisations – unveils insights and trends from around the world, highlighting both advances and challenges to our fundamental rights.

The number of people living in countries that restrict freedom of expression is at the highest point in two decades. What’s driving the decline in freedom of expression? Why are our rights around the world under threat, and what can we do about it?

Go to the interactive report

How free are we?

Some of the key findings include:

In the Americas, the Regional Expression Score fell by 8 points, emphasising the serious impact of restrictions on large populations.
In Asia and the Pacific, autocratic regimes like Hong Kong continued to entrench their rule, contributing to a downward shift in the overall Regional Expression Score.
In Europe and Central Asia, the majority of countries were Open. However, this region has seen a shift in the last decade. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 had a significant impact on human rights and freedoms, with Russian forces committing crimes against journalists and media workers.
In the Middle East and North Africa, no countries are categorised as Open, and the region confronts significant challenges in protecting and promoting the right to freedom of expression. In Iran’s restrictive environment, people face threats, imprisonment, and even the death penalty.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, there are no Open countries, with states like Ethiopia going to extreme lengths to restrict information about the brutal conflict in the Amhara and Oromia regions. However, countries such as The Gambia, Angola, Malawi, and Zambia saw several score hikes, indicating some positive development.

While some regions have experienced declines, others have seen advances, highlighting the need for continued efforts to protect and promote free speech globally.

Delve deeper into the insights and analysis at globalexpressionreport.org

Help us raise awareness about the state of freedom of expression by sharing our report online using the hashtag #Gxr23

Share the #GxR23

By understanding the challenges and opportunities, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and free world.

Find out more

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences.