IMS taking part in international mission to Ukraine

International Media Support (IMS) is taking part in an international fact finding mission to Ukraine to gather first-hand information about the problems facing the country’s journalists and offer them solidarity and support

The international mission, taking place from 19-21 February, has been arranged in partnership with a number of international professional associations and freedom of expression groups. The mission came about in response to a tumultuous period of political and social unrest in Ukraine during which freedom of expression has been continuously violated and it is estimated that over 150 journalists have been injured.

The three-day international mission aims to:

  • Research the current situation regarding journalists’ rights violations in Ukraine
  • Outline the plan for international advocacy and continued attention to journalists’ rights protection in Ukraine
  • Discuss possible formats and mechanisms of assistance for journalists whose rights were violated and who suffered during the events in Ukraine from the end of November 2013
  • Discuss and develop strategies and outline an action plan for the follow up activities of the partnership

During the course of the mission, the mission participants will meet with journalists who have suffered during the crisis, and meet with Ukrainian media lawyers, human rights activists and media NGO’s.

The mission will also hold discussions with government officials. A meeting has been arranged with the Parliament Committee for Freedom of Speech which brings together politicians, civil servants, judicial representatives and members of the police force.  Visits will also be paid to Maidan (the Independence square), and local TV press centres.

The organisations involved in the international partnership mission are:

  •  International Federation of Journalists and European Federation of Journalists
  •  World Association of Newspapers
  •  Article 19
  •  Reporters Without Borders
  •  International Media Support (IMS)
  •  Open Society Foundations
  •  Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the OSCE

For more information about the mission, please contact lwn@mediasupport.org.

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