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
Azerbaijan’s Economy Faces Covid-19 Fallout
Lockdown measures and falling crude prices have taken their toll, despite official optimism.
Armenia Plans Vaccine Strategy
Supplies have yet to arrive in the country – and then there is public scepticism to overcome.
Cryptocurrency Threatens Abkhazia’s Energy Access
Investors are exploiting cheap power with dire consequences.
Georgia: Calls For Long-Term Economic Recovery Plan
Coronavirus has hit exports and imports as well as the crucial tourism sector.
Will Armenian Gain From New Regional Transit Routes?
Critics fear that risks outweigh any potential benefits.
Sanctioned Lawmaker Poses Challenge for Ukrainian President
US action presents serious test for Kyiv government.
Kazakstan’s Covid-19 Strategy: Vaccination Passports and QR Codes
Authorities will have to overcome anti-vaccine sentiment to implement digitised schemes.
Egypt's Invisible Revolution
A profound social and cultural transformation continues, despite a sustained assault on political freedom.
Writing for Syria
“When I see the people I’m reporting on, I can't just give up in despair.”
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.

Focus on Central Asia: Ilkham Umarahunov
IWPR project manager who coordinated a project aimed at preventing violent extremism and training religious leaders in how to use social media to communicate with young people.
Focus on Lebanon: Vanessa Bassil
The founder & president of the Media Association for Peace in Lebanon which works with IWPR on Aswat Horra, a regional freedom of expression project.
Central Asia: The Power of Conflict and Protest
Online event assesses the regional lessons and consequences of political dispute.
The Karabakh Conflict: Rising Above the Fray
IWPR discussion facilitates rare opportunity for dialogue.
Syria: Empowering Women Through Journalism
“We fight a criminal regime as well as society’s restrictions.”
FakeWatch Africa
Website to provide multimedia training and resources for fact-checking and investigations.
Central Asia, Covid-19 and Climate Change
Event hears that falling oil and gas prices may be a barrier to implementing greener policies.
Moldova: IWPR Funds Emergency Response
Initiative launched to campaign for media freedom during time of crisis.
Central Asia: Could Covid-19 Fuel Autocracy?
Expert event explores the impact on regional development and democracy.
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.