Freedom House is an international NGO that has been advocating for democracy and human rights since 1941. With annual reports on freedom and press freedom, it promotes political rights worldwide and supports civil rights movements as well as democratic activists.
Freedom House is an international non-governmental organization that was founded on October 31, 1941, in New York. Among the founders were prominent figures such as Wendell Willkie, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dorothy Thompson, Rex Stout, and Herbert Bayard Swope. The organization emerged in response to totalitarian National Socialism and advocated for the entry of the USA into World War II on the side of Great Britain at that time[1][2][4].
Freedom House is based on the belief that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their citizens. The main mission of the organization is to promote liberal democracies worldwide and defend human rights and civil liberties. Freedom House advocates for the spread of democracy, political freedom, and human rights and is a clear voice against dictatorships and human rights violations[1][2][5].
Freedom House is particularly known for its annual reports:
In addition, Freedom House supports the establishment of independent media, non-governmental think tanks, and the core institutions of electoral politics in post-communist societies. The organization is also engaged in defending dissidents and democratic activists worldwide[1][2].
Freedom House continuously works to promote human rights and democratic principles. Some of the key initiatives include:
Freedom House is primarily funded by the US government, other governments such as Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway, as well as semi-public and private foundations. Significant supporters also include the Open Society Foundations of George Soros and the EU Human Rights Program. The organization has about 300 employees worldwide and maintains offices in several countries, including Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Jordan[1][2].
In May 2024, Russian authorities declared Freedom House to be an "undesirable organization," highlighting the ongoing significance and influence of the organization in global human rights work[1].
Freedom House remains an important voice for democracy and freedom, tirelessly advocating for the spread and defense of liberal democratic values.
