2006 Annual Report

ANALYSIS ADVOCACY ACTION

Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom ment Freedom House is an independent Freedom ultimately depends on nongovernmental organization the actions of committed and that supports the expansion of courageous men and women. We freedom in the world. Freedom is support nonviolent civic initiatives possible only in democratic political in societies where freedom is denied systems in which governments are or under threat and we stand in accountable to their own people; opposition to ideas and forces that the rule of law prevails; and challenge the right of all people to freedoms of expression, association, be free. Freedom House functions as belief and respect for the rights a catalyst for freedom, democracy of minorities and women are and the rule of law through its guaranteed. analysis, advocacy and action.

How We Work

Guided by a nonpartisan, diverse board of ADVOCACY trustees, Freedom House takes the intangible Freedom House helps focus the world’s attention values of freedom and translates then into a on core issues of freedom and democracy and strong tangible impact through combining encourages policymakers to adopt strategies that analysis, advocacy and action. advance the spread of freedom around the world. ANALYSIS ACTION Freedom House is widely recognized as the defi ni- By providing training and support to democracy tive source of information on the state of freedom advocates, Freedom House assists in advancing around the globe for its array of publications and indigenous reform efforts around the world. reports on global democratic trends. Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom CONTENTS

Message from Our Leadership 2 Analysis 4 Advocacy 8 Action 12 Map of Freedom 14 Financial Statements 24 Donors 26 Bicycle ride organized by the National Forum for Youth and Culture presenting a petition to Jordanian members of parliament demanding Offi ce Locations 27 more laws to protect women Board and Staff 28

FREEDOM HOUSE Freedom House 2006 Annual Report

Over 65 years ago, Freedom House was the 1980s and 1990s as countries in Latin America, launched by a small group of distinguished men Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union cast and women to advocate for American policies sup- off military dictatorships and communist autocra- porting the defense of freedom and the promotion cies for democratically elected leaders. Since then, of democratic values and human rights, at home the global scorecard has remained essentially the and abroad. In the years since, Freedom House has same, with the gains registered in the past ten years earned a reputation as a clear voice for the universal in countries like Mexico, Indonesia and Ukraine be- right of individuals to be free, a center for indepen- ing offset by backsliding in other countries like Rus- dent analysis and critical writing about the nature sia, Venezuela, Thailand and Pakistan. Meanwhile, of freedom, and a source of support for those seek- almost two thirds of the world’s population living in ing to advance freedom in their own societies. Not Free societies live in China, a country that has Since Freedom House’s founding, the right of taken economic strides forward not yet matched by individuals to enjoy essential freedoms has been gains in political freedom and human rights. enshrined in international covenants, embraced by A particularly worrisome trend is the growing regional and multilateral institutions, reiterated by “backlash” against democracy—triggered by the government policy, and most importantly, advanced revolutions in Serbia, Georgia and Ukraine—and by courageous individuals around the world. spearheaded by resource-rich authoritarian regimes.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP In the 35 years since Freedom House fi rst These countries—including China, Russia, Venezu- began publishing its fi ndings from Freedom in the ela, Iran and others—appear to be committed to a World, the expansion of freedom has been impres- well-coordinated campaign with the aim of sup- sive. Just a quarter century ago, in 1981, Freedom pressing freedom at home and abroad. House found only 54 countries, or 33 percent of To date, that growing threat has not been the world’s total at the time, to be Free. In 2006, countered effectively by a strategic and coordinated 90 countries, or 47 percent of the world’s countries, approach by the world’s democracies. Instead, the were categorized as Free. issue of freedom and its promotion has become Yet, this year’s fi ndings also raise concerns about whether the global expansion of freedom will continue. Much of the dramatic gains occurred in

Th rough a multi-pronged approach of analysis, advocacy, and action, Freedom House can provide

meaningful and eff ective support PRINCET

to people around the world in their O N UNIVERSIT struggle for greater freedom. Y

2 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

While discussions and even

disputes over tactics and methods LEADERSHIP OUR FROM MESSAGE A of supporting freedom can and should take place, we who live in freedom must not remain paralyzed over whether and how to fi ght back against those whose interests lie in REEDOM HOUSE F denying freedom to others.

dangerously polarized and caught up in a wave of funding—from individuals, corporations, and foun- anti-Americanism. The Bush Administration is dis- dations—is critical to gaining and not losing ground tracted by a messy and internationally and domesti- in securing rights and freedoms around the world. cally unpopular war in Iraq. In Europe, which as a Through a multi-pronged approach of region boasts the largest percentage of free coun- analysis, advocacy, and action, Freedom House can tries in the world, EU members spend more energy provide meaningful and effective support to people on distinguishing their approach from that of the around the world in their struggle for greater free- U.S. and trying to achieve internal consensus than dom. From highly-regarded analytic surveys, to our acting on critical opportunities to provide support support to human rights defenders in Uzbekistan to those struggling for freedom. In Latin America, and Venezuela and a new generation of civic leaders Africa, and the Middle East, those who are com- in the Middle East, to facilitating the free fl ow of mitted to the ideals of freedom and democracy are information in Kyrgyzstan and Iran, to speaking out similarly loath to ally themselves with a supposedly against the democratic deterioration in Russia and U.S.-centric agenda. Thailand and for an effective United Nations effort To continue this current state of affairs is to support human rights, we believe that Freedom dangerous. Democratically elected governments House has made a difference. must renew—and reinvigorate—their efforts to We hope that this report will give you a sense of work together to encourage and support freedom’s what we have done in the past year and inspires you advance. Moreover, it is the responsibility of indi- to lend your support in our continued efforts to rein- viduals—and civic groups—within those societies vigorate the advance of freedom around the world. to also recommit themselves to the promotion of fundamental human rights. While discussions and even disputes over tactics and methods of support- utive Director ing freedom can and should take place, we who live in freedom must not remain paralyzed over whether and how to fi ght back against those whose interests lie in denying freedom to others. Increasing private Peter Ackerman, Chairman

3 ANALYSIS

FREEDOM HOUSE Freedom House’s rigorous methodology in monitoring global freedom has earned the organization a reputation as the leading source of information on the state of freedom around the world. Through its standard-setting publications, Freedom House calls attention to global trends in democracy and shines a public light on dictatorships and abuse. ANALYSIS 5 the Advance of Freedom of the Advance g ndings oratin g einvi R chief economic advisor to to advisor chief economic putinpresident —andrei illarionov, former former illarionov, —andrei Freedom in the World 2007 in the World Freedom Freedom House presents fi of “Russia’s slide from ‘Partly ‘Partly from slide “Russia’s in Freedom Free’ ‘Not to Free’ well-known rating House’s ected the grim reality system refl rst fi watched of us have many the inside.hand from Freedom reports helped have House’s stir needed and overdue much Russia both in debates policy and abroad.”

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ria d Challenge obstacles The Millennium to democracy. Account, a new per d political rights and civil liberties ratings as key crite im cymakers has grown signifi 9 hensive set of indicators nates those regions which su Journal democracy’s development.” enables ested observers to assess the progress o f Freedom in the World in the Freedom For 34 s an

FREEDOM HOUS FREEDOM E ANALYSIS 941999 6 1994 Global Press Freedom civilsociety; process; electoral society: democratic essentialtoa insevencategories and ratings 1 SovietUnion.Publishedannuallysince the former areas in29countriesandadministrative democratization N Nations in Transit l states inrepressive thatisespeciallyacute problem agrowing theinternet, tocensororcontrol efforts onstate alsofocuses survey dent media.Thepress ofindepen- theoperation whichrestrict ic pressures violationsagainst content, the for environment ofthelegal asummary andprovides in eachcountry w f ofMediaIndependence Survey Published since1980, Freedom the Press of Freedom House2006AnnualReport i reed k 995 at orld. Thesurve e C i ons o , h f m in194c Nations inTransit rom Central Europe to the Eurasian region o region totheEurasian Europe Central rom UBRO ONRE YPESFEDMSTATUS FREEDOM PRESS BY COUNTRIES OF NUMBER ina, Iran, Cu ina, Iran, i n Trans Not Free: 56 Partly Free: 63 Free: 67 Free: 63 Free: Partly 56 Not Free: it t measures progress andsetbacksin progress measures y o assessesthelevelof untries andterrit b p a, an t ress, ress, provides in-depthanalysis provides Freedom ofthePress:AGlobal d covers trends inmedia trends covers p Zim j ournalists, andeconom olitical infl b a b o we ries ar uences on p . ress freedom ress Total: 186 o und the f - and Former the Union.” Soviet Central Europe and Eastern cares freedomwho about in resourceessential for anyone of information it an make Its accurate analysis and wealth world. post-Communist the in study state of the ofdemocracy annual comprehensive truly in “Nations Transit j media; nationalgovernance;local udicial —janos kis, centraleuropean university, budapest f ramework; andcorruption. ramework; UBRO ONRE YPESFEDMSTATUS FREEDOM PRESS BY COUNTRIES OF NUMBER Not Free: 66 Partly Free: 53 Free: 68 Free: 53 Free: Partly 66 Not Free: is the only isthe T ota l : 186 ANALYSIS 7 - - ortant - p e U.S. h m i t d non-govern as an d discussions and y ds olic s, an progress, as well as the Advance of Freedom of the Advance k p f g rossroa an C h -t oratin k g in y areas o concern that could be ad concern that could is an h f f einvi R ies, t lomatic efforts and reform assistance. d p o enge Corporation, USAID, an enge Corporation, USAID, anizations cite b

ll g l a h senior fellow, hoover fellow, senior stanford institution, university or l or their analysis. f artment of State in their —larry diamond, —larry p e Countries at the at Countries olicymakers identi rogrammatic decisions, many scholars, intergov- n addition to servingthe Millen as a tool used by p to highlight areas o dressed in di I nium C D p ernmenta menta basis “ Crossroads collection of outstanding in-depth, yet concise and of assessments accessible of democratic the state governance in countries or uid fl politically are that An important. strategically invaluable supplement to World in the Freedom and an indispensable and scholars for handbook makers.” policy - , - p ity, l i ress an b p d e y or trends h j tion and y. p aunc l at are at a criti

ress freedom h ly p surve : 193 ) t s l lly ota T the Pres overnment accounta f is a survey of government annua s g

d g ht the role that a free press g hli om House recent g d Freedom o Freedom , Free s—examinin y ear, and detailed historical data since ear, e (30 reviewe g y d rehensive information about wi p ormance in 60 strategically important countries ld anded section of its websiteanded section of its dedicated to f p or ountries at the Crossroad emocrac lays in sustainingmonitoring a health and or each reedom. web-based resource This new provides n an effort to hi The in-depth, comparative analyses and quantita tive ratin civil liberties, and anticorru rule of law, transparency—are international designed to help C per w cal crossroads in determining their political future. global and regional pages highlighting ma f 1980 from the Crossroads the at Countries d ex f com around the world and includes an interactive ma New Web-Based Resource for Resource Web-Based New Launched Freedom Press I p Not Free: 72 Partly Free: 48 Free: 73 NUMBER OF COUNTRIES BY PRESS FREEDOM STATUS 2004 ADVOCACY

Freedom House North Korea project director and daughter attend rally to promote human rights in North Korea

FREEDOM HOUSE Freedom House is a leading advocate for freedom. In a time when the very concept of freedom is under attack by those whose power and wealth is based on the suppression of freedom, Freedom House works to amplify the voices of the oppressed and to galvanize the resolve of those who already enjoy freedom to take action. Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Addressing the Global Crackdown cal not only for the advancement of human rights ADVOCACY on Freedom of Association around the world, but also for the overall credibil- ity and effectiveness of the UN as an international In an effort to stifl e opposition voices, a number institution. of governments—most recently Russia, Venezuela, Freedom House has been actively advocat- Zimbabwe, and Peru—have taken new steps to limit ing for a strong and effective Council that lives up the actions of domestic civil society activists and re- to its mandate. On September 6, Freedom House strict citizens’ freedom of association. Often accom- Executive Director Jennifer Windsor testifi ed before plished through legalistic means, such as requiring a subcommittee of the House International Rela- lengthy registration processes for all NGOs, the tions Committee on existing and potential areas for restrictions also cut down on the ability of interna- concern at the Council, as well as the body’s few tional organizations and governments to assist civil positive developments. She concluded by urging the society within these countries. Throughout 2006 U.S. government to be more engaged in shaping the Freedom House convened meetings, conferences, Council’s fi rst year. and working groups in the U.S. and abroad to bring Just prior to the start of the Council’s third greater public awareness to this disturbing trend. session in late November, Freedom House issued a report assessing the Council’s performance during its fi rst six months of existence. The report highlighted the Council’s inability to address the world’s most egregious human rights abuses in its fi rst two ses- sions and called upon members of the UN Democ- racy Caucus to counter those on the Council who would prefer that the Council protect the rights of E abusers over the rights of those they abuse. FREEDOM HOUS Freedom House co-sponsors a panel event during the 3rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva featuring civic activists from Venezuela, Tunisia, and Vietnam, as well as government representatives from the U.S., Italy, and South Korea

New UN Human Rights Council —For Better or Worse?

The new UN Human Rights Council, which held its fi rst session in May 2006, was created to replace the disgraced UN Commission on Human Rights. The

success of the new Human Rights Council is criti- HOUSE OF REPRESENTITIVES U.S.

Freedom House Executive Director Jennifer 9 Windsor presents testimony to the Congress ADVOCACY

FREEDOM HOUSE “We who have the privilege of living and speaking out in freedom should never let our own comforts cause us to seek the status quo while others are denied those freedoms.” —freedom house’s paula schriefer speaking at candle light vigil for murdered russian journalist, anna politkovskaya Spotlight on Russia’s Beleaguered participated in a candlelight vigil outside the Democrats Russian embassy to express its sadness and outrage over the killing of one of the few courageous indepen- Since Russia’s rankings slid from the Partly Free to dent voices in Russian journalism and to highlight the the Not Free category in 2005, Freedom House has continuing decline of Russia’s press freedom. stepped up its efforts to help Russia’s democrats draw international support. Through press releases, Religious Intolerance in Saudi op-eds, visits to the region and other activities, the Textbooks Highlighted organization has actively raised concerns about increasing repression and the loss of freedoms in Freedom House’s Center for Religious Freedom, which Russia. Prior to the G-8 meeting in St. Petersburg, raises awareness of restrictions on religious freedom Freedom House held an outreach visit in Moscow around the world, issued a major report, “Saudi to disseminate the results of its reports and discuss Arabia’s Curriculum of Intolerance,” highlighting lan- democracy with leaders of the human rights com- guage in current Saudi textbooks that demonizes Jews, munity, journalists and civil society. After the trip, Christians and Muslims who do not subscribe to the Freedom House Deputy Executive Director Thomas Wahhabi sect of Islam. The report contradicts repeated Melia presented testimony on the democracy decline claims by senior Saudi offi cials that their educational in Russia before the U.S. Helsinki Commission. materials have been thoroughly revised, and was key in Freedom House has continued to vigilantly moni- generating a discussion with the Saudi government on tor the implementation of the Russian NGO law its role in propagating religious intolerance. In addition that was signed by President Putin in January and to the report, the Center continued to draw attention convened a roundtable discussion in Washington to the countries in which serious infringements on with the International Center for Not-for-Profi t Law religious freedom occur, including China, Cuba, Egypt, on the registration process. Following the murder India, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Ara- of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, Freedom House bia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Vietnam.

10 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Campaign to Highlight Plight of US in October. Freedom House helped publicize the ADVOCACY North Koreans Continues event as part of its wider efforts to educate the public about the situation in North Korea. The musical and Throughout 2006, Freedom House continued its Freedom House’s role in supporting it were covered work of drawing attention to the plight of North in an October 6 Washington Postt article, “N. Korea Koreans, who bear the burden of living in one of the Gulag Play Draws Standing Ovation.” world’s most repressive and brutal regimes. North Korea is the sole country to have received the lowest possible ratings in Freedom House’s annual Freedom Freedom House Promotes Leader- in the World survey for all 34 years the data has been ship and Rule of Law in Africa collected. The ratings are a refl ection of life in a Africa in 2006 remained one of the least free regions regime that includes public executions, an extensive in the world and is home to some of the world’s gulag system containing tens of thousands of politi- worst human rights abuses, including the ongo- cal prisoners, forced labor, and frequent periods of ing genocide in Sudan. As part of an effort to draw hunger and even starvation. increased attention to the promotion of democracy Freedom House partnered with European and in Africa, Freedom House took steps to open a small Asian NGOs to bring together international leaders offi ce in Johannesburg, South Africa. This followed from Europe, the United States, Korea, and Japan for on the footsteps of the “Africa at a Crossroads” conferences in Brussels, Rome, and Washington. In conference held earlier in the year in Washington, DC Brussels, Freedom House facilitated the fi rst public to address the challenges of promoting democracy hearing on the North Korean human rights problem on the continent. In December 2006 Freedom House at the European Parliament in March. On September premiered a two-week pilot training for 25 young 7, 2006, Italian MEP Marco Pannella and his col- leaders in Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa on leader- league Szent-Ivanyi successfully guided through a sec- ship, ethics, and the rule of law. Freedom House envi- ond European Parliament resolution on North Korea. sions the training as the fi rst of a four-part series that Freedom House also helped bring an important will be offered as a long-term, permanent leadership musical about life in a North Korean prison camp to program on the continent, providing real-life skills the U.S. Yoduk Story, a musical directed by Jung Sung to those in government, civil society, and the private San and based on real events that took place at the sector who are seen as emerging leaders and agents Yoduk prison camp in North Korea, premiered in the of change in their communities.

“Th e leadership project was a great leap to taking responsibility in our respective areas. It gives us something to work for; we got support and validation on issues which we could possibly have not achieved on our own. Young people like me have hope in our future leadership at all levels.” —participant at freedom house leadership training in kenya 11 ACTION

A woman presents case studies on youth activism for a University awareness program in Jordan

FREEDOM HOUSE Working directly with democratic reformers on the front lines of the struggle for democracy in their own countries, Freedom House acts as a catalyst for freedom by strengthening civil society, defending human rights and facilitating the free fl ow of information and ideas. Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Jordanians Overcome Taboos to ““Memoirs of a Woman’ is the story of ACTION Address Family Violence hundreds if not thousands of women. While the promotion of women’s rights is high on Stopping my husband’s violence the Jordanian government’s agenda, strong legal and cultural obstacles, including popular support occupied my thinking while I was for “honor killings,” remain engrained in Jordanian society. Freedom House support to Jordanian civil watching the play. Seeing the harmful society organizations for awareness-building activi- violent acts of the husband in the ties such as radio programs, interactive theatrical performances, and university bike rides are chang- story and how dreadful these acts ing people’s attitudes and putting pressure on could be on me and my children made law-makers to diminish family violence in Jordan. Freedom House’s unique approach combines the me start thinking of doing something.” cross-fertilization of people and programs to create interactive partnerships and innovative program- —jordanian woman ming tools that build the capacity of civil society and enhance the links between rural and urban communities as well as governmental and nongovernmental sectors and the media. Such opportuni- ties have inspired non-tradi- tional ways for these groups to work together and address the sensitive issue of violence against women and women’s rights in both open and closed environments, from universities to tribal commu- nities to national media and Parliament. F REED The Performing Arts O

Center presents an M H

interactive play on O USE family violence.

13 Freedom House 2006 Annual Report MAP OF FREEDOM

Global Trends in Freedom

Free 57 (34%) 79 (41%) 85 (44%) 90 (47%) Partly Free 57 (34%) 59 (31%) 59 (31%) 58 (30%) Not Free 53 (32%) 53 (28%) 48 (25%) 45 (23%)

14 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom A O FREEDOM OF MAP

15 Freedom House 2006 Annual Report

Promoting Access to Information New Webzine Lets Iranians Speak outset, Gozaar has provided a unique Out on Freedom outlet for a range of highly reputable journalists, political analysts, human In September 2006 Freedom House launched rights proponents, bloggers, com-

ACTION Gozaar, a monthly Persian- and English-language mentators, and satirists to express journal devoted to the discussion of democracy their views on politics, international and human rights issues in Iran. In response to the affairs, education, culture, and the Iranian government’s ongoing attempts to stifl e the arts. Interest in the “webzine” has free fl ow of information in Iran, Gozaar provides an grown steadily since its inaugural edi- inclusive and provocative space for the discussion tion with the website recording one million hits by of a myriad of issues related to freedom. From the mid-November. “I am grateful that your site is focusing on defending human rights. I hope you will continue your eff orts on this important issue. Th is is a step forward in achieving human rights in Iran.” —a reader in iran

“I came across Gozaar … and was most impressed “I study human rights at a university in Tehran. I by it. My compliments on the superb and much- am thankful for your high-quality magazine. I look needed eff orts …” —mehran in california forward to reading more articles on human rights.” —roja in iran

“… this site is a much- needed vehicle for freedom of expression for Iranians.” —nami from iran

“A fantastic site and a great resource…” —steven in washington, d.c. EITH MELLNICK K

16 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Kyrgyz Printing Press Voice of Freedom Pushes for ACTION

November 2006 marked the third anniversary of Better Media Laws in Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan’s only independent printing press. The Through the campaign “Criminal Prosecution for press, which is run by a the Media Support Cen- Speech is Inadmissible,” the Voice of Freedom ter Foundation, a Kyrgyz NGO established with network has taken a leading role in pushing to the assistance of Freedom House, nearly doubled decriminalize existing defamation and insult laws previous year despite in Kyrgyzstan’s legislation. Voice of Freedom was ing the rising costs of initiated with the support of Freedom House and nding power of the Kyr- has grown to a network of nearly forty human rights tion by the state-owned defenders, NGO and youth activists, lawyers, and papers, the Foundation journalists.

Anti- Defamation Campaign Poster Freedom House 2006 Annual Report

Defending Human Rights and Safeguarding Justice Kazakhs Strive to Strengthen National Reconciliation Remains Fundamental Human Rights Priority for Algerian Human

Kazakhstan’s democratic processes and human Rights Defenders ACTION rights record have not paralleled the country’s eco- Nearly a decade after a brutal civil confl ict, national nomic success. In 2006, Freedom House supported reconciliation remains a top priority in Algeria. In local partners who have been conducting national the year following the September 29, 2005 refer- advocacy campaigns in three areas—freedom of endum on General Amnesty in Algeria, Freedom association, freedom of expression and judicial House supports the efforts of human rights orga- reform. Freedom House provides funding, technical nizations, victims’ rights organzations, women’s assistance and targeted skills training, which will associations and the media to continue to pursue culminate later this year in the development of a an inclusive, democratic and legitimate national productive dialogue between these reformists and reconciliation process. the Kazakh government.

Participants at a national reconciliation training in Algeria. Some mothers of missing persons carry photos of their loved ones. USE O M H O REED F

18 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Amplifying the Voices of Uzbek ACTION Human Rights Defenders

Effectively assisting human rights defenders in Uzbekistan is both a critical need and a challenge in post-Andijan Uzbekistan. Since its offi ce and re- source centers were closed down by the government in January 2006 (along with those of most other in- ternational and many local NGOs), Freedom House has continued its work of amplifying the voices of “We lost a battle Uzbek human rights defenders through training and networking. The creation of a Central Asian when the Uzbek network of human rights defenders has helped to government kicked increase reporting to international media outlets and the submission of complaints to the UN and Freedom House other intergovernmental bodies overseeing human rights and torture issues. out of Uzbekistan, but we will lose the war, if Freedom House is no longer interested in Uzbekistan.” —uzbek human rights defender Freedom House 2006 Annual Report ACTION REEDOM HOUSE F

Mexican human rights defenders from Oaxaca and Chihuahua attend training on human rights documentation software

Mexican Activists Combat Venezuelans Seek Regional Ongoing Human Rights Abuses Support in Struggle for Human

While Mexico is a Free country according to Free- Rights dom House’s rankings, human rights violations— With the space to operate closing in almost all sec- including discrimination, lack of due process, tors of Venezuelan society, Venezuelan human rights violence against women (e.g. Ciudad Juárez) and defenders are reaching out to their counterparts the marginalization of indigenous peoples--remain elsewhere in Latin America to share experiences, a serious problem at the state level. Throughout strategies and skills in their struggle to defend against the course of its work in Mexico, Freedom House human rights abuses. Freedom House facilitates has assisted Mexican human rights defenders in these linkages by strengthening lawyers’ networks systematically documenting violations of both exist- within the country that provide legal defense, as well ing Mexican laws and of international treaties and as by building the capacity of human rights defenders covenants to which Mexico is a signatory party. to monitor and document human rights abuses.

20 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Supporting Democratic Civil Society

Freedom House Celebrates Freedom House’s Budapest offi ce is now the ACTION Ten-Year Anniversary of Civil headquarters of Freedom House Europe, an affi liate organization that takes a leading role in promoting Society Support in East Europe democratization in the greater European neighbor- —Steps up European Advocacy hood. Freedom House Europe advocates for emocracy and human rights to European states and In fall 1995, Freedom House opened up its fi rst supports the transfer of experience from Central formal fi eld offi ce, located in Budapest, Hungary. Europe to the Balkans, the former Soviet Union and The new project based out of that offi ce linked civil other parts of the world embarking on democratic society activists throughout Central and Eastern reform. Europe who faced a “Under this program myriad of similar chal- [supported by Freedom House], lenges as their countries Ukrainians Keep an Eye on Local struggled to transition for the fi rst time in the history Governments to democracy. Freedom of Romania, the civil society House provided early In the aftermath of the Orange Revolution, Ukrai- has a direct impact in the support to think tanks nians struggle to consolidate democratic reform at selection of candidates running and policy-oriented both the national and local levels. Freedom House for Parliament, establishing a NGOs in the region that has provided training and mentoring to Ukrai- contributed not only to nian NGOs so they can monitor and infl uence the mechanism of civic control and a thriving civil soci- functioning of municipal and regional governments, a dialogue with the political ety sector but also to which have the most immediate impact on people’s parties on what they considered many of the substantial everyday lives. In Sevastopol, a citizens’ group used to be their sole responsibility.” democratic reforms that their training to fi rst identify issues of greatest —center for have since taken hold. concern to residents and then organize a successful independent As democracies solidi- initiative with the local government that dramati- journalism fi ed in Central Europe cally improved the provision of communal services and the Baltic States, through the support of condominium owner as- Freedom House’s support for civil society turned to sociations. the south and east where the transition experiences could be shared. Ukrainians organize a training workshop for citizens of Sevastopol on monitoring their local government Freedom House 2006 Annual Report

Supporting Democratic Change

Serbian NGOs Continue to Push R for Reform

Serbia’s civil society, which was a powerful force

ACTION for bringing democratic transition to Serbia, has continued its efforts to help Serbia consolidate ANTI-TRAFFICKING CENTE ANTI-TRAFFICKING as a democracy. Freedom House supports efforts Serbian activists design materials for by Serbian nongovernmental organizations to get “Until Violence Stops” campaign citizens involved in resolving local and national-level problems; in reestablishing economic, social, and cultural ties with its neighboring countries; and in “With support from Freedom promoting national reconciliation. House, our “Until Violence Stops!,” campaign to promote Bridging the Multi-Ethnic Divide in Kosovo awareness of domestic abuse As the fi nal status of Kosovo remains under delibera- attracted the kind of attention tion by the international community and the govern- ment of Serbia and Montenegro, Freedom House and support that is practically is supporting civic initiatives among multi-ethnic unheard of in Serbia. Civic communities designed to alleviate ethnic tensions in the province. This timely program addresses critical groups came together with everyday issues for Kosovars of all ethnicities, such as freedom of movement, youth engagement, religious media and even government freedom, local government cooperation, objective agencies to promote and media reporting, and cultural events. support the campaign.” European Exhibit Generates —sandra lubinkovic, Awareness of Cuba’s Human anti-trafficking center Rights Struggle tosgraphs of renowned Italian artist Oliviero Toscani, With support from Freedom House, a European the exhibit is a powerful testimony to the continued NGO has developed a traveling photo exhibition struggle for political liberties in Cuba. Over the past entitled “Prohibido Pensar” (Forbidden to Think), year, the exhibit has been a unique cornerstone of the artistic renderings of 75 imprisoned Cuban Freedom House’s advocacy initiatives throughout dissidents from the March 2003 crackdown on the the European Union, including recent showcases in nation’s democracy movement. Based on the pho- Stockholm, Warsaw, and Zagreb.

22 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Reforming Family Law in Bahrain Supporting a New Generation of ACTION and Kuwait Reform Advocates in the Middle

With Freedom House’s support, experts in fam- East ily law and women’s rights are working with local Emerging civil society leaders in the Middle East stakeholders in Bahrain and Kuwait to develop are in great need of opportunities to network strategies for improving laws that impact the status with supporters, build skills, and form bonds with of women. In June 2006, on the eve of the fi rst elec- like-minded activists. Freedom House is providing tions in which Kuwaiti women were able to vote and support to young civil society advocates for peaceful stand as candidates for parliament, Freedom House political change from Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and conducted the only national pre-election survey Libya through professional fellowships in the U.S. measuring the impact of women’s suffrage and and Central and Eastern Europe, as well as through political participation on Kuwaiti voting patterns networking opportunities in the region. Addition- and views on women’s leadership. Although no ally, by working with prominent human rights pro- women were elected to offi ce, the election marked ponents in politics, media and civil society in both an important fi rst step and forced male candidates the U.S. and Europe, Freedom House is creating a for the fi rst time to emphasize their qualifi cations solidarity committee that will serve as one com- over personal relationships in order to gain the ponent of a larger protection strategy, labeled the votes of fi rst-time women voters. “Blue Umbrella.”

Andras F. Toth shares his experience in starting up Hungary’s fi rst volunteer center with Egyptian activist, Mohamed Omran. E FREEDOM HOUS

23 Freedom House 2006 Annual Report

Fiscal Year  Financial Statements

Freedom House FY2006 Income Statement

Combining Statements of Activities and Changes in Net Assets for Freedom House, Inc. and its Affi liates Period Ending June 30, 2006

Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Combined

Support and Revenue: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Federal Grants $20,998,613 $ — $20,998,613 In-kind contributions 2,060,653 — 2,060,653 Private Grants 1,664,042 116,913 1,664,042 Contributions 1,054,812 — 1,054,812 Investment income (loss) 110,188 — 110,188 Other Income 165,557 165,557 Net assets released from restrictions 341,667 (341,667) — Total Revenue and support 26,395,532 (341,667) 26,053,865

Expenses: Program services 22,563,970 — 22,563,970 Supporting services: Management and general 3,166,120 — 3,166,120 Fund-raising 277,166 — 277,166 Total expenses 26,007,256 — 26,007,256

Change in net assets 388,276 (341,667) 46,609

Net Assets: Beginning 5,350,878 341,667 5,692,545 Ending $5,739,154 — $5,739,154

24 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom IACA STATEMENTSFINANCIAL Freedom House FY2006 Balance Sheet

Combining Balance Sheets for Freedom House, Inc. and its Affi liates Period Ending June 30, 2006

Willkie Memorial of Freedom Freedom House Freedom House Freedom House, Inc. House, Inc. of Ukraine of Romania Combined

ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $3,616,318 — $7,370 $66,715 $3,690,403 Investments 222,537 3,757,888 — — 3,867,946 Receivables 2,841,901 — — — 2,841,901 Prepaid expenses 39,100 — — — 39,100 Furniture and equipment, net 217,988 — — — 217,988 Security Deposits 94,284 — — — 94,284 $7,032,128 $3,645,409 $7,370 $66,715 $10,751,622

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities Accounts payable and $1,947,967 — — — $1,947,967 accrued expenses Refundable advances 2,964,396 — — — 2,964,396 Deposits payable 26,981 — — — 26,981 Deferred rent 73,124 — — — 73,124 5,012,468 — — — 5,012,468

Net Assets Unrestricted 2,019,660 3,645,409 7,370 66,715 5,739,154 $7,032,128 $3,645,409 $7,370 $66,715 $10,751,622

25 Freedom House 2006 Annual Report

Freedom House Donors

$100,000+ Mr. Alan P. Dye Mr. and Mrs. John and Mr. Stephen Miller Mr. Peter Ackerman Mr. William S. Edgerly Lori Chesser Mr. Jonathan Norton Moore The Annenberg Foundation Mr. Stuart Eizenstat Mr. and Mrs. Jean and Mr. Daniel Morris The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for Democratic Eun Sook Choi Ms. Iola Morrisey Foundation Education Mr. Charles Costello Mr. Oscar White Muscarella Government of the Nether- Mr. Jeffrey C. Gore Ms. Carolyn Cyr Mr. Andrew Nathan The Harman Family Mr. Cortes DeRussy Mr. Eric Perich

DONORS lands, Human Rights and Peacebuilding Department Foundation Mr. Thomas Donovan Mr. and Mrs. Charles and The Lilly Endowment, Inc. Mr. John Joyce Dr. Glen M. Duncan Helina Piano The Lynde and Harry Bradley Mr. Max Kampelman Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. and Mr. Jeremy O. Priess Foundation Mr. Thomas C. Kang Eleanor Ehrenhalt Mr. and Mrs. George and The National Endowment for Ms. Kathryn Dickey Karol Mr. Elliot Eisenbach Nancy Putnman Democracy Ms. Nancy Lane Mr. Malcolm Elliot-Hogg Mr. Jeffrey Rehkemper Mr. David Rubenstein Mr. Bruce B. Lee Mr. Barry Epstein Mr. Daniel Roberts The Schloss Family Ms. Bette Bao Lord Ms. Lisa Erpelding Mr. David Roper Foundation Mr. Thomas Melia and Ms. Bridget Fernandes Mr. Stanley Rothman The Smith Richardson Ms. Amy Conroy Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Mr. and Mrs. Chester B. and Foundation The MeadWestvaco Mr. Edward Foulke Arlene Lisky Salomon U.S. Agency for International Foundation Mr. Ray Frankel Ms. Suzanne Saposnik Development Morgan Stanley- on behalf of Mr. Michael S. Fuss Ms. Raya C. Schapiro U.S. Department of State David Nastro Mr. James C. Geist Mr. Ronny Schaul Dr. Diana Negroponte Mr. Ian A. Gillespie Mr. Mark Schulte $50,000 to $99,999 New Hope Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Martin and Mr. Richard Sheehy Mr. and Mrs.Patrick J. and Mildred Gilman Mr. Daniel Sheingold John S. and James L. Knight Christina H. O’Rourke Mr. Anand Gnanadesikan Mr. Max Singer Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Mr. Peter Goddard Mr. Joshua Sled Mr. John C. Whitehead Sushma Palmer The Goodrich Quality Ms. Kathryn Stratos $25,000 to $49,999 The Satter Foundation Theaters Ms. Patricia Swartz U.S. Trust Company Ms. Lori E. Gross Mr. Randolph Tritell Citigroup Voice of the Martyrs, Inc Mr. Thomas J. Gilgut Ms. C.H. Tucker JT International Mr. Wendell L. Willkie Mr. John K. Hanke Ms. Gail R. Tutino Ms. Jennifer Windsor Mr. Collen A. Jackson Ms. Molly Vanderloo $10,000 to $24,999 Mr. and Mrs. Gordon and Ms. Saket Vemprala Amgen- on behalf of $500 to $999 Frances Johnson The Vianda Playter Williams Kathryn Dickey Karol Mr. Thomas S. Foley Mr. Steven Katich Foundation Anonymous Mr. Andrew J. Guenthner Mr. Martin L. Kay Mr. Arthur Waldron Mr. Ned Bandler- The Ms. Marjorie S. Isaac Mr. Padraic Kenney Ms. Ruth Wedgwood Bridgewood Fieldwater Mr. Jay J. Mazur Mr. Dong-Gun Kim Ms. Jeanne M. White Foundation Ms. Youngsik Moon Mr. Archibald King, Jr Ms. Aaron Williams Ms. Hee Kyong Chung The Simmons Family Mr. Leonard Klein Mr. Jonathan Wilson Mr. William S. Edgerly Foundation Mr. Jason Kramer Mr. Donald Zeiller The F.M. Kirby Foundation Vanguard Charitable Ms. Joan R. Kremler Mr. Farooq Kathwari Mr. J.H. Werner Mr. Jae Ku Mr. David Nastro Mr. Anthony Lake Freedom House Open Society Institute $499 and Under Mr. Stallworth McGowin Europe Donors Mr. William L. Walton Larson Mr. Roberto Mejía Alarcón Balkan Trust for Democracy Mr. John Lawrence Mr. Christopher C. Andrews European Commission, $1,000 to $9,999 Mr. Dai Hoon Lee Anonymous (4) European Initiative for Ms. Jacqueline Adams Mr. Guenter Lewy Mr. John Arents Democracy and Mr. Ken Adelman Mr. Cullen Macbeth Bank of America Human Rights Mr. Bernard Aronson Mr. and Mrs. Herbert and Mr. Jamie Barclay Government of the Mr. Wayne D. Collins and Barbara Magidson Mr. Melvin Barger Netherlands, Ministry Ms. Mary Ann Bradshaw Mr. Peter Marcus Mr. and Mrs. Joel and of Foreign Affairs The Daniels Family Ms. MaryJo H. Matheny Sandra Barkan The National Endowment Thanksgiving Fund Sister Kateri McCaffrey Ms. Ellen Bork for Democracy The DHR Foundation Mr. Michael McFaul Mr. Murray Buttner Republic of Hungary, The Dow Jones Foundation Mr. Lawrence Miller Mr. Daniel Calingaert Ministry of Foreign Affairs

26 Reinvigorating the Advance of Freedom

Freedom House  Office Locations

FREEDOM HOUSE, KYRGYZSTAN FREEDOM HOUSE, SERBIA LOCATIONS OFFICE 204 Abdrakhmanov Street 4th Floor Zmaj Jovina 34 720040 Bishkek 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Kyrgyzstan Lazar Nikolic, Director, Serbia and Kosovo Projects Stuart Kahn, Country Director for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzsttan FREEDOM HOUSE, UKRAINE Vul. B. Khmeltnitskoho 68, Apt. 68 FREEDOM HOUSE, KAZAKHSTAN 01030 Kyiv 158/160 Kunayev Street Ukraine Almaty 050021 Juhani Grossmann, Director, Civic Participation in Kazakhstan Elections in Ukraine Project Kregg Halstead, Director, Uzbek Human Rights Svetlana Franchuk, Director, Freedom House Ukraine Defenders Project Ivaneta Dobichina, Deputy Director, Kazakh Human Rights Defenders Project

FREEDOM HOUSE, HUNGARY Falk Miksa u. 4/2 1055, Budapest Hungary Roland Kovats, Director, Freedom House Europe

FREEDOM HOUSE, JORDAN P.O. Box 811946 11181 Amman Jordan Dianne Cullinane, Country Director, Jordan

FREEDOM HOUSE, MÉXICO Colima #65 Col. Roma, Deleg. Cuauhtemoc México DF México E

Luis Cervantes, Director, Venezuela US O

Human Rights Defenders Project M H O FREED Freedom House staff and Visiting Fellows from 27 Algeria, Romania and Tunisia Freedom House 2006 Annual Report

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Peter Ackerman, Chairman Kenneth L. Adelman Stuart Eizenstat, Vice-Chairman Alan P. Dye Mark Palmer, Vice-Chairman Kathryn Dickey Karol Walter J. Schloss, Treasurer Diana Villiers Negroponte Ned W. Bandler, Secretary, Governance and Ethics Offi cer P. J. O’Rourke Jacqueline Adams

Bernard Aronson Max M. Kampelman Azar Nafi si Antonia Cortese (Chairman Emeritus) David Nastro BOARD AND STAFF AND BOARD Carleton S. Fiorina Farooq Kathwari Andrew Nathan Thomas S. Foley Anthony Lake Carlos Pascual Malcolm S. Forbes, Jr. Nancy Lane David M. Rubenstein Theodore Forstmann Bette Bao Lord Richard Sauber, Of Counsel Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Chairman Emeritus) Calvin Sims Sidney Harman Jay Mazur Arthur Waldron Robert Hormats Michael McFaul Ruth Wedgwood John T. Joyce John Norton Moore Wendell L. Willkie II

Senior Staff

Jennifer L. Windsor, Executive Director Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Senior Researcher; Managing Thomas O. Melia, Deputy Executive Director Editor, Freedom of the Press Survey Carlyle F.H. Hooff, Chief Operating Offi cer Mohsen Marzouk, Director, Regional Civil Society Pro- Robert Herman, Director of Programs gram, North Africa Jennifer Koliba, Director of Finance Dima Malhas, Project Director, Reforming Family Law Program, Gulf region Jeffrey Mosser, Director of Human Resources Mariam Memarsadeghi, Senior Program Manager, Arch Puddington, Director of Research Middle East Paula Schriefer, Director of Advocacy Damian Murphy, Senior Program Manager, Central and Christopher Walker, Director of Studies Eastern Europe; Communications and Advocacy Offi cer Daniel Calingaert, Deputy Director of Programs Aili Piano, Senior Researcher; Managing Editor, Freedom Lisa Davis, Deputy Director of Programs; in the World Survey Director of RIGHTS Sanja Tatic, Managing Editor, Countries at the Patricia Gbeti, Deputy Director of Finance Crossroads Survey Richard Eisendorf, Senior Program Manager, Middle East Xavier Utset, Senior Program Manager, Latin America and North Africa Sasha Gupman, Senior Program Manager, Central Asia

28 For more information visit Freedom House at www.freedomhouse.org

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Participants at leadership training in Mombasa, Kenya FREEDOM HOUSE ANALYSIS ADVOCACY ACTION

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