News
Resilient journalism: a response to the challenges faced by displaced journalists
Violence, persecution, and forced displacement impact those who seek to report the truth in contexts marked by corruption, organized crime, and state repression.
In response to this reality, the Federation of Journalists of Latin America and the Caribbean (FEPALC), with the support of UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), has launched the “Resilient Journalism” project.
This initiative aims to protect displaced journalists and ensure they can continue with their journalistic work. Through a comprehensive approach, the project not only addresses immediate safety and shelter needs but also provides tools for professional reintegration and recognition in host communities.
Displaced journalists face significant barriers in securing safety and resuming their professional work. These challenges include the lack of a recognized professional accreditation, limited legal and psychological support, and invisibility before local authorities. Moreover, their inability to work contributes to the expansion of news deserts—areas where the absence of local information weakens democracy and fuels disinformation.
The project aims to directly benefit at least 150 displaced journalists, with a priority focus on women journalists, who will represent 60% of the beneficiaries. Beyond ensuring their safety, the initiative seeks to facilitate their professional reintegration through an International Press Card and the creation of support networks.
“Journalism is the backbone of transparency and accountability. Without journalists, societies lose access to crucial information for decision-making. With ‘Resilient Journalism,’ FEPALC reaffirms its commitment to democratic values, recognizing that protecting those who report is protecting the right of communities to be informed,” emphasized Zuliana Lainez, Vice President of FEPALC.
Key components of the project:
- Establishment of a Specialized Support Unit within the Latin American Federation of Journalists
This unit will monitor the situation of displaced journalists in countries of the region. The monitoring process will include gathering information on risks and specific needs, as well as coordinating shelter activities in host countries like Costa Rica, Peru andUruguay, Additionally, the unit will be responsible for designing manuals and guides to facilitate asylum, refuge, and forced displacement processes. These resources will serve as references for both affected journalists and allied organizations. - Adoption of an International Press Card
The project proposes the development of an International Press Card issued by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) as a valid credential across the region. This document will not only provide professional recognition to displaced journalists but will also serve as a validation tool for those seeking asylum. The implementation of the press card will be supported by strategic partnerships with international organizations such as UNHCR and IOM, which will assist in screening and verifying applications. Additionally, meetings will be organized with key stakeholders to validate the mechanism for adopting and using this document. - Training and Capacity-Building
The project includes the organization of five training workshops—four virtual and one in-person—designed to train union leaders across the region. These workshops will cover essential topics such as the legal framework for asylum and refuge, practical security tools, and strategies for implementing local protection policies. Participants will include representatives from journalists' unions, observers from UNHCR and IOM, and human rights specialists. This component aims to empower unions to become key actors in protecting displaced journalists.
This project emerges as a follow-up to the "Supporting Media Spaces for Journalists in Displacement" project, organized by SOCOLAC with the support of UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). It also responds to the recommendations made during the meeting of organizations working with displaced journalists, held in April 2024 in San José, Costa Rica.
UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) promotes the development of media in developing countries, countries in transition, and those affected by conflict or post-conflict situations.
As the only multilateral forum within the United Nations system designed to mobilize the international community around media development, the Programme supports projects in this field while seeking agreements to ensure a conducive environment for the growth of a free and pluralistic press.
