Reiterating the organisation’s position since the February 2022 Russian invasion and subsequent outbreak of war, the Board of WAN-IFRA reaffirms its commitment to stand alongside Ukrainian publishers, journalists, and media professionals in support of their continued resistance and courageous efforts to report the news and inform the public.
Despite ongoing atrocities and an increasingly dangerous situation for media professionals, the Ukrainian media remains steadfast in performing its essential role.
Furthermore, the Board of WAN-IFRA calls for additional financial support to be provided to the Ukrainian media to maintain its resistance and ensure continued access to essential information for as long as this crisis continues.
It urges concerted and coordinated efforts amongst major international donors to ready the funds necessary to rebuild the Ukrainian media sector once the war is won. Additionally, the Board of WAN-IFRA calls for long-term planning and strategic preparation to accompany locally driven initiatives.
Finally, the Board of WAN-IFRA encourages the Ukrainian authorities to ensure all efforts towards the eventual reconstruction of the independent media sector can be undertaken within an enabling environment that protects fundamental rights and guarantees press freedom to the highest international standards.
Show your solidarity
Our colleagues in Ukraine are battling to keep the independent press alive. Since the beginning of the war, WAN-IFRA members have generously donated over €200,000 to keep the presses rolling and the people of Ukraine informed. Without this support, countless stories would otherwise have gone untold and numerous titles would have simply disappeared. The costs of producing reliable news in a war zone are astronomical.
The Board of WAN-IFRA is once again calling on the international press to step forward with financial assistance: the coming weeks and months will be crucial for the survival of local news, and our colleagues in Ukraine are appealing for an urgent, impactful contribution to guarantee independent coverage over the coming six months.
Now is the time to act. Donate today at this link.
