About the International Freedom to Publish Committee

Founded in 1975, the International Freedom to Publish Committee is one of the first groups in the world formed specifically to defend and broaden the freedom of the written word. Its goal is to promote the principles of free expression set out in Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. That goal is at the center of the committee's founding statement:

"Writing and publishing are the greatest peaceful means of educating the human race. Accordingly, the freedom of writers and publishers everywhere to express themselves as they wish...without fear or intimidation is a paramount concern of American publishers.The Committee is pledged to protect and promote the rights of publishers and authors around the world by every available means."