In 1971, writers and scholars came together with a vision to be a voice for the persecuted. That vision continues today
As we celebrate our 50th birthday, we know our work is far from done
read more
CATEGORY: About Index
Peter Calvocoressi
The historian and wartime codebreaker was one of the four original trustees of the charity behind Index on Censorship
Stuart Hampshire
The philosopher was one of the four original trustees of the charity behind Index on Censorship
Elizabeth Longford
The biographer was one of the four original trustees of the charity behind Index on Censorship
Stephen Spender
The poet was one of the four original trustees of the charity behind Index on Censorship
Twenty-four organisations express solidarity with the Swedish media outlet Realtid
Index among those bodies supporting journalists ahead of the first hearing in their UK defamation case
Index welcomes the launch of the National Action Plan to protect journalists
The plan has been developed with the National Committee, of which Index is a member
Index statement on Alexei Navalny
Putin critic has been sent to a Russian penal colony following his show trials
The Government’s policy paper on higher education: free speech and academic freedom
Index on Censorship responds to seven specific policy proposals, including the appointment of a Free Speech and Academic Freedom Champion
Belarus: Index strongly condemns actions against journalists and human rights defenders
Belarusian Association of Journalists and the Human Rights Centre “Viasna” have been targeted
Index Awards 2017: Celebrating defenders of free expression
Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. We publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech. We believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution – no matter what their views.
Index’s aim is to raise awareness about threats to free expression and the value of free speech as the first step to tackling censorship.
Index relies entirely on the support of donors and readers to do our work.
We work in four ways:
Informing
Index on Censorship publishes an award-winning quarterly magazine that has featured some of the world’s best-known writers. We publish original creative writing and articles about free expression from across the globe.
Our website offers additional information to help people understand the current threats to free expression globally. And we reach a wider audience through social media.
Influencing
Each year, Index on Censorship identifies some of the greatest threats to free speech around the world and develops advocacy campaigns to push for change in legislation or public attitudes. We choose topics where our work can make a significant impact – and deliberately choose areas where others might not be focused. You can see our current areas of focus on our Campaigns and Projects work.
We use a mixture of research, reporting, direct advocacy and media campaigning to achieve our goals.
Debating
Index on Censorship believes that free expression encourages more open and tolerant societies. We actively promote debate with an exciting series of events each year to help people better understand the value of free speech. This includes performances, exhibitions, talks and concerts. We are also regularly quoted in international media on free expression issues. Read more about our current events programme here.
Supporting
Index on Censorship directly supports groups and individuals facing censorship through our Freedom of Expression Awards Fellowship. The fellowship offers a year-long programme of tailored support to a small group of fellows selected for their outstanding work in the fields of journalism, arts, campaigning and digital advocacy. Read more about this innovative work here.