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Democracy during Pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak presents a range of new challenges to democracy and human rights. Repressive regimes have responded to the pandemic in ways that serve their political interests, often at the expense of public health and basic freedoms. Even open societies face pressure to accept restrictions that may outlive the crisis and have a lasting effect on liberty.

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A young woman wearing a protective mask looks at her smartphone while passing by a grafitti representing two big watching eyes in Berlin, Germany on April 1, 2020. Illustrative Editorial (Photo by Emmanuele Contini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Freedom on the Net 2020: The Pandemic's Digital Shadow

The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating a dramatic decline in global internet freedom, contributing to a broader crisis for democracy worldwide.

A protester wears a face mask at a political demonstration in Bolivia during the coronavirus pandemic. Credit: Aizar Raldes/AFP via Getty Images.

Special Report: Democracy under Lockdown

Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the condition of democracy and human rights has grown worse in 80 countries, according to the latest research from Freedom House in partnership with the polling and research firm GQR.

Travelers at the airport amid coronavirus pandemic

Principles for Protecting Civil and Political Rights During Pandemic

Freedom House calls on governments to protect civil and political rights during and after fight against the coronavirus pandemic by following these principles.