As AAP engaged with potential nominees this year, a number of publishing houses under consideration expressed concern over increased public recognition, fearing additional reprisals from local governments for both the recognition and their underlying work of disseminating materials that are critical of current regimes or politicians, or depict underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
“From government censorship and book bans to harassment and arrests, pressure on the global publishing community has reached unprecedented levels,” commented Terry Adams, Chair, AAP Freedom to Publish Committee and Digital and Paperback Publisher, Little, Brown and Company. “This year we heard from numerous publishers from various parts of the world who were grateful to be considered for recognition, but who also live in fear of the additional scrutiny, harassment, and danger that such an honor might bring. As a result, this year’s award is for the many houses who quietly fight the battle for free expression under impossibly difficult circumstances.
“We realize that the empty hole at the center of this year’s award might seem to represent a missed opportunity to recognize some one individual publisher, and so in making this announcement we cannot emphasize strongly enough that the danger, the outrageous levels of censorship, the deep fears of reprisal, and the freedoms that are very much on the line make this the most important award we’ve ever given.
“On behalf of AAP’s Board of Directors and Freedom to Publish Committee, we send a loud and clear message to publishing professionals who are under siege for their bravery, their determination, and their sacrifice: we see you.”
About the AAP International Freedom to Publish | Jeri Laber Award:
The International Freedom to Publish Award, which was established in 2002, recognizes publishers outside the United States who have demonstrated courage and fortitude in defending freedom of expression. The award was created in honor of Jeri Laber, a co-founder of Human Rights Watch and founding member of AAP’s Freedom to Publish Committee. In some instances, the honoree’s particular circumstances may prevent him or her from accepting the award or communicating in person.
Recent honorees include Editorial Dahbar, Venezuela (2022), F&G Editores, Guatemala (2021), Jagriti Publishing House, Bangladesh (2020), and NB Publishers, South Africa (2019).
About AAP:
AAP | The Association of American Publishers represents the leading book, journal, and education publishers in the United States on matters of law and policy, advocating for outcomes that incentivize the publication of creative expression, professional content, and learning solutions. As essential participants in local markets and the global economy, our members invest in and inspire the exchange of ideas, transforming the world we live in one word at a time. Find us online at publishers.org, or on twitter at @AmericanPublish.