Freedom of expression

'Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’ Article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

 

Authoritarianism is on the rise around the world, which means censorship is too. Throughout history, when repressive regimes come to power they often clamp down first on writers, artists and publishers. This is presumably because they fear the power of words and pictures to stir feelings, liberate ideas and encourage dissent. The pen is still feared as much as the sword.

 

At Red Page we are mindful that no one working with the written word can thrive without freedom of expression. We stand for writers’ and readers’ rights. 

 

In 2025, Nicky will be chairing two panel discussions on freedom of expression: one on behalf of English PEN at the London Book Fair (12 March) and the other at the IBBY Europe conference at Bologna Book Fair (3 April). More information and links coming soon.

​

Illustration: This booklet was jointly published by Amnesty International UK and Waterstones in 2013. The cover illustration is by Syrian cartoonist Ali Ferzat, who was arrested by the Syrian state police for using his cartoons to poke fun at the regime. They broke his hands to stop him, but thankfully it didn’t work.