An unprecedented crisis in freedom of expression is manifesting all over the world. This year's report provides an overview of current challenges to creative freedom and freedom of speech, in particular as a result of armed conflict, political unrest and digital repression. 

In chapters on the conflicts in Sudan and Gaza, the report considers the damage to arts and culture as a direct result of armed conflict as well as the global implications of increasing polarisation on free speech.

Suppression of creative freedom continues, with imprisonment, trials and fines against artists who made fun of or satirised political and religious figures, even royalty, including in China, Thailand and Jordan. Religious ‘insult’ laws have long been used against artworks that raise questions around religion, and artists are attacked by religious extremists.

As artists have become reliant on the internet to share and sell their work, the impact of the suppression of art by private corporations that own internet platforms is discussed in a chapter on visibility, accessibility and digital repression. 

Key recommendations

• All governments should uphold the full array of states’ obligations to respect, protect and fulfil the right of every person to freedom of artistic expression and creativity and access to cultural rights without discrimination on any grounds. 
• Abolish and amend legislation, executive orders, and by-laws that prohibit and restrict artists from taking part in any dimension of artistic life and the performance of their respective art forms.
• Abolish censorship boards and other prior censorship mechanisms. 
• Ensure that artist syndicates and other professional bodies are strongly encouraged to actively apply human rights principles when adopting and implementing their internal policies.
• At times of war and conflict, governments should take measures to: protect cultural property; refrain from using such properties in a manner that may expose them to destruction or taking acts of hostility against them; levy sanctions for destruction of cultural heritage, and; promote the need to protect cultural heritage.