Exiled Journalists Network : Projects

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Press Freedom House

EJN plans to establish a safe house for exiled journalists.

Modelled on La Maison des Journalistes in Paris, Press Freedom House will provide accommodation, medical and psychological support, Internet access and training opportunities for newly arrived journalists persecuted by regimes with no respect for press freedom.

In recent years there has been a frightening increase in the number of media professionals killed, imprisoned or harassed. Murderers of journalists appear to enjoy impunity.

Reviewing provision for those who seek asylum in the EU, the 2006 MediaWise report Exiled Journalists in Europe reveals that once here many face years of uncertainty and poverty with little prospect of returning to their trade. Bemma Donkoh, UK representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, says in her Foreword: “Creating opportunities for journalists in exile is not the sole interest of those working with refugees and the media – it should concern any society that claims to value freedom of the press.”

Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, EJN board member and former editor of ExpoTimes in Sierra Leone, is leading EJN efforts to establish Press Freedom House.

“Most of my colleagues, including my younger brother and I, were imprisoned, tortured and forced to leave our homes and careers,” he says. “In Paris I saw the value of a safe house to help people adjust and re-establish contact with their families. In the UK the EJN is a useful forum for making contacts and finding work. Press Freedom House will combine the strengths of both approaches.”

SUPPORTERS SAY...
“With Britain recognised worldwide as a bastion of democracy and free speech, media professionals here must be happy to welcome journalists who have been forced out of their countries because of their work. Having a Press Freedom House to provide basic initial support could certainly be a first practical step to achieving this. By the nature of their work, journalists often find themselves in the line of fire, sometimes even here in the UK. I am sure that editors everywhere will be pleased to know that a project like this existed if any of their colleagues were to get into difficulty with the authorities.”
Bob Satchwell, Executive Director, Society of Editors

”It is often the bravest journalists who are forced to flee their countries. Press Freedom House would give them some breathing space. I support the idea of liaising closely with Reporters Sans Frontieres and the Committee to Protect Journalists to ensure that the people we help are those who really need it.”
Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor, Channel 4 News

“The murder and intimidation of journalists around the world hits tragically new levels every year. Those who are lucky enough to escape should find help and support from those in the UK who are fortunate enough to never to have to bear that fate. Alan Rusbridger and all journalists at The Guardian whole heartedly support efforts to provide a refuge and a new base from which people can rebuild their lives and careers, ensuring they can continue the fight for the fundamental values which all journalists share.”
Chris Elliot, Managing Editor, The Guardian

“……. interested to read the ideas behind your Press Freedom House Project. The Government strongly believes that a press fee from state intervention is fundamental to democracy in UK.”
Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Culture Secretary

Make Press Freedom House A Reality
To find, fund, equip and run Press Freedom House in the world’s greatest media city, we need support of prominent figures, especially in the media and public life. With their backing we will seek assistance from public authorities, funding bodies and media companies to make it happen.

If you would want to assist in any way please contact EJN board member Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw: pfh@mediawise.org.uk or 0845 002 0167