Freedom House Launches New Report: Democracy under Lockdown

Today, Freedom House released the findings of extensive research on the health of global democracy and human rights during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on a survey of 398 experts as well as analysis from Freedom House’s global network, the report shows the coronavirus is undermining democracy globally by giving governments new opportunities to curtail political freedoms. It is also making it harder for NGOs, the media, opposition parties, and citizens to hold governments accountable.

This worsening of democratic conditions exacerbates an existing global crisis for democracy that has so far resulted in 14 consecutive years of decline in political rights and civil liberties, as documented by this year’s Freedom in the World report.

Democracy under Lockdown is OUT NOW.
 

Top Takeaways:  COVID-19’s Threat to Democracy

• Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the condition of democracy and human rights has grown worse in 80 countries.
• Experts expect a negative impact on democracy and human rights as a result of the pandemic over the next three to five years.
• Despite setbacks, activists and citizens are resisting the new limitations they face, often utilizing online platforms to engage with expanded audiences and form new partnerships.

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