Statement: International Organisations For Authors, Publishers, Booksellers and Libraries Call For Key Freedoms to Be Respected

Below, a Joint Statement From:

• International Authors Forum
• PEN International
• International Publishers Association
• European and International Booksellers Federation
• International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

In recognition of the increasing efforts to restrict books, those who write them, publish them or make them available to readers, five organisations representing authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries worldwide have issued a joint statement. Tis underlines the essential and interconnected nature of the freedom of expression and the freedoms to read, and publish, and urges governments and citizens to ensure these freedoms are respected in law and in practice.

Individual authors, publishers, booksellers and librarians are encouraged to sign the statement which will be presented at a number of international book sector events throughout the year. The first event will take place at London Book Fair on Thursday 14th March.

You can read the statement (in English, French, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic) below and here. You can sign the statement here.

Commenting on the statement Karine Pansa, President of the IPA said: ‘It is so important that our book sector stands together. Publishers need authors who feel they can write freely and we need booksellers and libraries who can stand up for the books we publish and help them find readers.’

‘PEN International reaffirms its commitment to freedom of expression, publishing, and reading. In societies where these liberties thrive, diverse voices can freely contribute to public discourse, fostering informed debate, critical thinking, and civic engagement. Let us stand united in preserving these essential liberties, for they are the lifeblood of our democracies,’ said Romana Cacchioli, PEN International Executive Director.

Vicki McDonald, IFLA President, added: ‘Libraries globally advocate for the freedom to read, not only as a goal in itself but also as a key driver of a world of informed, enabled people. We also deliver on this every day, to all members of our communities. But this freedom can only happen if there is also freedom of expression, and the freedom for publishers to support the creation and dissemination of new ideas. I’m therefore happy to join with our friends at the IPA, EIBF, IAF and PEN International in setting out this statement.’

EIBF Co-President, Jean-Luc Treutenaere, said “We’re proud to be co-signing this important and timely statement on behalf of the international bookselling sector, and standing alongside authors, publishers and libraries. At a time when censorship is on the rise, the book sector must stand firm and united in its mission to provide access to all kinds of books for the ultimate benefit of readers”

International Statement On the Freedom of Expression, and the Freedoms to Publish and Read

With the core purpose of providing access to a wide variety of written works for all, we have come together to support the freedoms to express, publish and read. It is our belief that society needs enlightened citizens who, based on accurate knowledge and information, make choices and participate in democratic progress. Authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries have a role to play in this which should be recognized, valued, and enabled.

True freedom to read means being able to choose from the broadest range of books sharing the widest range of ideas. Unrestrained communication is essential to a free society and a creative culture but carries with it the responsibility to resist hate speech, deliberate falsehoods and distortion of facts. Authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries make an essential contribution to guaranteeing this freedom.

Subject to the limits set by international human rights law and standards, authors must have guaranteed freedom of expression. Through their work we understand our societies, build empathy, overcome our prejudices and reflect on provocative ideas.

Equally, booksellers and librarians must be free to present the full range of works, across the ideological spectrum, to all. They should not have that freedom constrained by governments or local authorities, individuals or groups seeking to impose their own standards or tastes upon the community at large, even when this is done in the name of the ‘community’ or of its majority.

For booksellers and librarians to present the broadest range of written works, there must be the freedom to publish. Publishers must be free to publish those works which they believe important, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or might even be considered offensive by some in particular groups.

It is the responsibility and mission of publishers, booksellers and librarians, through their professional judgement, to give full meaning to the freedom to read by providing everyone with access to authors’ works.  Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not necessarily endorse every work they make available. While individual publishers and booksellers make their own editorial decisions and selections, access to writings should not be limited on the basis of the personal history or political affiliations of the author.

The risk of self-censorship due to social, political or economic pressures remains high, affecting every part of the chain from writer to reader. Society must create the environment for authors, publishers, booksellers and librarians to fulfil their missions freely.

We therefore call on governments and all other stakeholders to help protect, uphold and promote the three above freedoms – of expression, and to publish and read – in law and in practice.

Direct to Complete Release (Including Complete Statement in English, French, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic)

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Companies (Publishers/Vendors), Libraries, News, Publishing