ARTICLE 19 champions freedom of expression and the free flow of information as fundamental human rights that underpin all others. We take our name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It states: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.
ARTICLE 19 believes that freedom of expression and of information is not a luxury but a basic human right: it is central to achieving individual freedoms and developing democracy.
When people are denied freedom of speech or access to information, they are denied the right to make choices about their lives. Freedom of expression and access to information are essential to achieving equality for women and minorities, and to protecting children's rights. They are crucial to respond to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, to fight against corruption and to ensure equitable and sustainable development.
ARTICLE 19 works to make freedom of expression a reality all over the world:
•ARTICLE 19 works worldwide – in partnership with 52 local organisations in more than thirty countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East - to lead institutional, cultural and legal change.
•ARTICLE 19 monitors threats to freedom of expression in different regions of the world and develops long-term strategies to combat them.
•ARTICLE 19 undertakes authoritative and cutting edge research and monitoring, advocacy and campaigning work.
•ARTICLE 19 produces legal analysis, set standards, and advocate for legal and judicial changes.
•ARTICLE 19 carries out advocacy and training programmes in partnership with national NGOs to enable individuals to exercise their human rights.
•ARTICLE 19 engages international, regional and State institutions, as well as the private sector, in critical dialogue.
Founded in 1986, ARTICLE 19 was the brainchild of Roderick MacArthur, a US philanthropist and journalist. Its International Board consists of eminent journalists, academics, lawyers and campaigners from all regions of the world. ARTICLE 19 is a registered UK charity (UK Charity No. 327421) based in London with international staff present in Africa, Latin America and Canada. We receive our funding from donors and supporters worldwide who share a commitment to freedom of expression.
ARTICLE 19, 6-8 Amwell Street, London EC1R 1UQ, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 20 7278 9292 Fax: +44 20 7278 7660 info@article19.org http://www.article19.org
