Championing Media Rights and Human Rights in India

Where Freedom of Expression Finds Its Voice

The Samvaad Rights Foundation stands at the forefront of defending the democratic pillars of free press and fundamental human rights across India. We provide critical legal support, relentless monitoring, and strategic advocacy to protect those who speak truth to power. Your support is essential to sustain this vital work and build a society where information flows freely and justice is accessible to all.

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Our Mission & Vision

Samvaad Rights Foundation is deeply committed to safeguarding the fundamental rights of journalists, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens across India. We operate with the conviction that a free, independent press and robust protection for human rights are not just ideals, but the indispensable cornerstones of a thriving, accountable democracy. In a landscape where these rights are increasingly challenged, our work provides a crucial line of defense. Our mission is to empower those who face threats for exercising their constitutional rights, offering them the support, knowledge, and legal recourse they need. We actively monitor the environment, documenting violations with meticulous detail to hold perpetrators accountable and inform the public and international community. Through strategic advocacy, we strive to influence policy and legal frameworks, pushing for reforms that strengthen protections for freedom of expression and assembly. Our vision is an India where the truth can be reported without fear of retaliation, where the media can operate independently without undue pressure, and where justice prevails for all individuals, irrespective of their background or beliefs. We envision a society where dialogue is open, rights are respected, and every voice has the opportunity to be heard and protected. This vision drives every initiative we undertake, from providing urgent legal aid to organizing grassroots human rights education programs.

How We Make a Difference

Your support empowers our crucial work in areas vital to a free and just society.

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Legal Aid for Journalists

We provide essential legal support, including consultation, representation, and assistance with legal costs, to journalists facing harassment, intimidation, baseless lawsuits, or criminal charges aimed at silencing their reporting. Our network of experienced lawyers is ready to defend press freedom in court.

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Press Freedom Monitoring

Our team meticulously documents and reports on violations of press freedom across India. We track incidents of violence, censorship, legal threats, and online harassment, compiling comprehensive reports that highlight trends and hold perpetrators accountable. This monitoring is crucial for advocacy and awareness.

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Advocacy for Media Law Reform

We engage constructively with policymakers, legal experts, and civil society organizations to advocate for laws and policies that protect media independence, enhance transparency, and ensure the safety of journalists. Our research and recommendations aim to create a legal environment conducive to free expression and responsible journalism.

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Journalist Safety Training

We conduct vital training programs equipping journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate challenging and dangerous reporting environments. This includes digital security awareness, physical safety protocols, risk assessment, and resources for psychological support, ensuring they can work safely.

Why Your Membership Matters

Becoming a member of the Samvaad Rights Foundation is more than just a donation; it's an active investment in the health of India's democracy and the preservation of fundamental rights. Your contribution directly fuels our ability to act swiftly and decisively when press freedom is under threat or human rights are violated. You become an indispensable part of a movement dedicated to ensuring that vital stories continue to be told and that those who tell them are protected. From supporting a journalist facing a politically motivated lawsuit to enabling our team to monitor press freedom across diverse regions, your membership translates into tangible impact. You are not just funding operations; you are empowering defenders, enabling legal victories, and supporting systemic change. Join us and stand in solidarity with journalists and advocates working tirelessly for truth and justice.

  • Directly contribute to critical legal aid for journalists facing peril.
  • Support the vital work of monitoring and reporting press freedom violations across the nation.
  • Fund our strategic advocacy efforts for stronger media protection laws.
  • Receive exclusive, in-depth updates and reports on our impact and activities.
  • Gain invitations to members-only events, webinars, and discussions with experts.
  • Join a dedicated community of like-minded individuals committed to defending fundamental rights.
Explore Membership Options
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Choose Your Level of Support

Every contribution, regardless of size, strengthens our ability to defend rights and promote a free press.

Supporter

Ideal for individuals who want to show their solidarity and support our foundational work.

₹500/year
  • Exclusive quarterly newsletter with impact updates.
  • Optional recognition on our website as a valued supporter.
  • Invitations to open public events and awareness programs.
Become a Supporter

Advocate

For those who want to make a more significant impact on our core programs and outreach.

₹2000/year
  • All benefits of the Supporter tier.
  • Exclusive access to members-only webinars and online sessions.
  • Early access to published reports and research findings.
  • Impact spotlights showcasing where your funds are making a difference.
Become an Advocate

Champion

Join the forefront of the fight for rights with the deepest level of engagement and impact.

₹5000+/year
  • All benefits of the Advocate tier.
  • Opportunities for named sponsorship of specific programs (e.g., a safety training workshop).
  • A personalized annual impact report detailing the outcomes of your support.
  • Priority invitations and potential special access to all Samvaad Rights Foundation events.
Become a Champion

Stories of Impact

See how your support makes a real, tangible difference in the lives of journalists and communities we serve.

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"The legal team at Samvaad Rights Foundation was absolutely instrumental in my acquittal from a baseless defamation charge filed simply because I reported inconvenient truths. Their expertise, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the harrowing court process were literally life-saving for my career and my safety. They are true defenders of rigorous, independent journalism when it faces its greatest threats."

- Priya Sharma

Investigative Journalist

Photo of Arjun Singh

"Reporting from remote and often hostile environments is challenging, but Samvaad Rights Foundation's safety training gave me the practical skills, crucial awareness, and the confidence I needed to navigate these risks more effectively. Knowing how to assess threats, protect my digital footprint, and react in a crisis is invaluable. Their support network is vital for photojournalists like me working on the ground."

- Arjun Singh

Photojournalist

Photo of Sunita Rao

"As someone who works within the legal system, I deeply appreciate the systemic change Samvaad Rights Foundation is pushing for through their advocacy work. Their efforts to highlight flaws in existing media laws and propose reforms are crucial for creating a healthier, more equitable media landscape in India. I am proud to be a member and support their vital work protecting the very foundations of our democracy."

- Sunita Rao

Human Rights Lawyer

Photo of Rakesh Kumar

"When our community faced intense pressure after speaking out on a local issue, Samvaad Rights Foundation stepped in to provide crucial legal guidance and amplified our story through their network. They empowered us to understand our rights and stand firm against intimidation. Their presence made a significant difference in ensuring our voices were not silenced."

- Rakesh Kumar

Community Activist

Photo of Fatima Khan

"Running an independent news outlet is increasingly challenging, especially when navigating complex legal threats. Samvaad Rights Foundation has been an invaluable resource, offering timely advice and expertise that has helped us defend our reporting. Their existence provides a safety net for independent voices that are essential for a well-informed public."

- Fatima Khan

Editor, Independent News Platform

Latest News & Updates

Stay informed about our recent activities, press freedom developments, and how you can take action.

Cover image for the 2023 press freedom report

Report: State of Press Freedom in India 2023

Our annual report provides a comprehensive overview of challenges faced by journalists last year, detailing key incidents, legal hurdles, and the impact on media independence...

Read Summary →
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Upcoming Webinar: Digital Security for Journalists

Join our upcoming online session on protecting your digital footprint, secure communication methods, and safeguarding sensitive sources in an increasingly surveilled digital environment...

Register Now →
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Case Highlight: Successful Defense of XYZ Journalist

Details on a recent legal victory for a journalist we supported who was facing arbitrary detention. This case underscores the critical importance of timely legal intervention...

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Get in Touch

Whether you have questions about our work, want to explore partnership opportunities, or need to reach out for support, we are here to listen and assist. Contact us via phone, email, or visit our office in New Delhi.

Phone:

+91 11 6799 3343

Address:

18 Barakhamba Road, 3rd Floor, New Delhi, Delhi, 110001, India

Become a Member

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