WHAT WE DO

ABOUT

Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for, reports on 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 its 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.

Be the first to know!

Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that defends people’s freedom to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution. We fight censorship around the world.

Index on Censorship will not share, sell or transfer your personal information with third parties. You may may unsubscribe at any time. To learn more about how we process your personal information, read our privacy policy.

You will receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription to the weekly newsletter, monthly events roundup and periodic updates about our projects and campaigns.

STATEMENTS:

Ukraine: Index and partners mourn death and demand justice for Victoria Roshchyna

Organisations welcome the opening of an investigation into the death of the Ukrainian journalist who died in unclear circumstances while in Russian detention

Georgia: Press freedom and the safety of journalists in peril

Findings of a recent press freedom mission to Georgia by the Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Platform, of which Index is a member

Russia: Index welcomes release of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Evan Gershkovich from jail

The vocal critic of Vladimir Putin and the Wall Street Journal reporter are among a number of people released as part of a prisoner exchange

Iranian cartoonist Atena Farghadani sentenced to six years in prison

Facing “harshest punishment” for her activism,
Atena Farghadani must be released immediately

Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who faces the death penalty

Sting, Margaret Atwood, Elif Shafak and Coldplay join more than 100 artists, musicians, writers and leading cultural figures to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi

Musician faces death sentence after three years of judicial harassment, including arrest, imprisonment and torture

Statement: Iranian dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death

Index on Censorship has issued a joint statement with ARC and PEN America condemning a decision by an Iranian revolutionary court

Joint letter to mark 1000 days of hunger strike by Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace

Index has joined with more than 25 other human rights organisations to call for the release of the Bahraini human rights activist

Index reiterates our urgent call for Assange to be freed

The final stage of Assange's UK appeal begins today. The international community must unite in their support to free him

The international community must resist Hong Kong’s attempts to threaten human rights across the globe using the National Security Law

Eight pro-democracy activists living in exile in the UK, USA and Australia, including Nathan Law (pictured), are the subject of arrest warrants and rewards for information leading to their capture

Media outlets excluded from UK Home Secretary’s trip to Rwanda

Index raises second Council of Europe alert over exclusion of journalists seen as critical of Government's immigration policy

The UK Government must honour its pledge to resettle Afghans at-risk

The number of Afghan journalists and media workers who are in imminent danger remains incredibly high, inside the country and beyond

UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition welcomes end of Realtid case

Index and other coalition members continue to call for urgent action to be taken against SLAPPs after settlement of case against Swedish business publication

FEATURED:

Donald Trump’s re-election is disastrous for free speech

by Jemimah Steinfeld | Nov 6, 2024 | News and features, United States

Today is a day of despair – but it is also a day for those of us who genuinely care about free expression to come together to protect and promote it

Index on Censorship announces 2024 Freedom of Expression award shortlist

by Index on Censorship | Nov 4, 2024 | Awards, Fellowship 2024, News and features, Press Releases

At a time of growing conflict, threats and censorship, the shortlist for this year’s Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression award highlights the courageous work carried out by individuals and organisations around the world to defend free expression, the right to know and oppose censorship