On 24 February 2023, it will be one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ/EFJ) are launching a new fundraising campaign to support Ukrainian journalists on the ground.
Ukraine became the deadliest country for journalists in 2022 with 12 colleagues killed in the course of their work, according to the IFJ’s Killed List, and the needs are immense.
The war still rages, and affects all dimensions of journalists’ lives from increasing insecurity, to the need for protection equipment and safety training and humanitarian aid for those forced to flee.
As a response to the emergency situation, the IFJ and EFJ launched a Special Safety Fund in March 2022 to provide crucial support to our two affiliates in Ukraine, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and the Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine (IMTUU).
The emergency appeal was a clear illustration of international solidarity. It secured massive support, not only in terms of money raised – the most we have ever raised in any appeal – but also the practical assistance delivered by our affiliates and the journalism community all over the world.
Thanks to their partnership with UNESCO, they have established six Journalists’ Solidarity Centers across Ukraine, managed by NUJU, which serve as temporary work spaces for journalists, provide them with access to psychological and legal support, protective and medical equipment, as well as hosting training sessions on safety and first aid, among other services.
However, the war drags on and money is running low. Ukrainian journalists need our support more than ever, and this is only possible with your support and solidarity.
