The University of Illinois Press has joined with the Association of University Presses, the International Authors Forum, and others in signing the International Statement On the Freedom of Expression, and the Freedoms to Publish and Read.

From the International Publishers Association’s website:

“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. This 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.”

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

You can sign the statement here.