William Horsley is CFOM’s International Director. He has a leading role to promote CFOM’s global mission to strengthen international protections for free and independent media and freedom of expression through research and analysis, advocacy, topical public events and seminars and policy advice to governments and media. He also engages with inter-governmental organisations, such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe.
His International Director’s Column focuses on issues of media freedom across the world alongside providing a snapshot of the advocacy work that William does. You can find his pieces below.
The Commonwealth and the art of How Not To Do It
CFOM International Director William Horsley co-wrote the research report on media-related laws and practices in Commonwealth member countries. This article was first published in the Commonwealth Round TableIn Charles Dickens’ novel Little Dorrit, the Circumlocution...
COMMONWEALTH RESEARCH REPORT SAYS PUNITIVE LAWS IMPEDE FREE SPEECH; AND SEEKS SWEEPING REFORMS
National laws in many of the 56 Commonwealth member countries severely impede press freedom and unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression. That is the damning finding of a research report published on 9 September 2025 by the Commonwealth Human Rights...
Some journalists’ rights are at risk in Bangladesh’s transition to democracy
Updated 2 July 2025London recently provided an international stage for the Chief Advisor to the Bangladesh government and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus (right), to present a positive account of his efforts to unite the nation and restore...
Three faces of impunity: Obstacles to justice for journalists
Photo Credit: Council of Europe One: Lack of Political will On 9 April 2021 Greek investigative journalist Giorgios Karaivaz was gunned down outside his Athens home in broad daylight by two men on a scooter. Police said the professional style of the assassination...
At 75 the Commonwealth Promises to Protect Media Freedom. But How?
William Horsley, CFOM International Director First published on Oxford Human Rights Hub. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa in late October 2024, leaders of the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth marked the organisation’s 75th...