PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion of the activities carried out to promote intellectual freedom as a human right.Design/methodology/approachFocuses on the work of FAIFE – the Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression, an apolitical body that is a vehicle of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Describes the historic role of FAIFE, its successes, challenges faced, discusses future endeavors and assesses its long‐term success.FindingsAssesses FAIFE’s principles and objectives and finds its initiatives exemplified in the transparent and free access online users have to its publications. Uses examples from Cuba, Tunisia, China and the USA to present issues of intellectual freedom and the involvement of FAIFE. Finds that intellectual awareness is increased through research and collaboration. A major challenge remains in financing FAIFE’s activities; and seeking funding detracts from its other objectives. Raises doubts over FAIFE’s long‐term success rate in bringing about significant change.Originality/valueOf interest in the long‐term to assess how successful FAIFE’s influence on human rights issues has been.