Freedom of Expression in the Middle East
Ten years ago, a wave of protest swept the Middle East and north Africa. Launched with an eyewitness account from Egypt’s Tahrir Square, IWPR’s Arab Spring reporting project featured voices from across the region; journalists, human rights defenders, activists and ordinary people caught up in a time of extraordinary change.







Why Local Voices Matter
The real heroes are those on the ground, fighting to bring truth to light.
"Always when I think of press freedom I think of my colleague Jamal Khashoggi... Jamal’s work is not over – it lives on in the spirit of every reporter working to bring truth to light."
Janine di Giovanni
Senior Fellow at Yale University
Georgia’s Political Crisis Intensifies
Detention of opposition leader sparks new protests.
Why Local Voices Matter
The real heroes are those on the ground, fighting to bring truth to light.

Cuba: New Dollar Shops Fuel Division
Economic measures supposed to ease the effects of the pandemic are increasing inequality.
Armenia: "Bring Our Sons Home"
Families of detainees demand answers about the fate of loved ones.
Syria: The Burning Man
From reporting on war in Aleppo to protests in the streets of Paris.
Belarus: Struggle for Change Continues
Exiled opposition leaders call for international support in their fight for democracy.
Ukraine: Will Radical Action Against Pro-Russian TV Work?
Zelensky’s latest blow to Kremlin propaganda may not be sustainable.
2021: The New Global Concern
Against the loss of life and economic devastation suffered in the pandemic, the world can at least take hope from science and the emerging vaccines. Yet another “new normal” has emerged with long-term consequences potentially even more dangerous – disinformation.

"Driven by state powers and extremist operators, and fuelled by unregulated, conflict-driving social media, disinformation spreads even more quickly than a virus."
Anthony Borden
IWPR Founder & Executive Director
Democratic accountability comes from journalists investigating their own societies – IWPR provides a much needed platform and support for those reporting from some of the most dangerous and difficult places in the world.
Disinformation is a major global threat , especially in conflict and post-conflict areas. IWPR performs a vital mission, building up local voices as a bulwark against this challenge.
IWPR fills a critical gap by helping local journalists to focus on human rights and justice issues. In the process, it contributes to democratic transitions, and demonstrates that the best war reporting is not about military conflict, but human consequences.
Covering Coronavirus in Cuba
IWPR’s network of reporters in Cuba are defying one of the most repressive media environments in the world to expose mass government disinformation over the Covid-19 crisis.

Cambodia: Combatting Covid-19 Misinformation
Radio call-in show unpicks fake news and conspiracy theories around the virus.
Syria: Empowering Women Through Journalism
“We fight a criminal regime as well as society’s restrictions.”

Covering Coronavirus in Cuba
Regime mismanagement and fake news continues to fuel the crisis.
IWPR Trainees Receive Bosnian Prize
Reporters honoured for work on those facing discrimination and exclusion.
Central Asia: Imams Turn Influencers
Ground-breaking IWPR programme trains moderate clerics to combat extremist propaganda online.
IWPR Investigation Highlighted by Global Network
Article revealed massive corruption in Tajikistan’s car safety system.
Malala's IWPR Roots
Global pioneer for girls’ education began her campaigning work with flagship Pakistan project.
editor's picks
Cuba: Childbirth Policy Endangers Mothers and Babies
New protocols introduced to reduce the number of caesareans may be putting lives at risk.
Karabakh: Hatred and Euphoria Are Fuelling Madness
Independent, dissenting Azerbaijani voices have never been so ostracised.
Azerbaijan’s Coronavirus Cover Up
Officials obscure systemic failings – aided by an uncritical media.
New Iraqi Law Threatens to Strangle Dissent
Government poised to adopt far-reaching legislation on online expression.
Rwanda: How Trade in Banned Alcohol Wrecks Lives
Investigation reveals that police collusion fuels lucrative smuggling industry.
Philippines: Sweeping Violence Under the Carpet
Abuses, including the sexual exploitation of children, rising under lockdown.