Ukraine: UNESCO implementing new emergency measures to protect journalists

By Christian Flammia Paris. UNESCO announced new emergency measures to protect journalists in Ukraine, to help displaced Ukrainian journalist unions to continue their work and to support the free flow of information about the war. The Organization is providing an initial batch of 125 sets of Personal Protective Equipment as well as training on hostile environments. Thousands of journalists are reporting from the ground in Ukraine, many without the necessary protective equipment or training. This especially includes local Ukrainian journalists who previously reported on local issues and have been thrust into the role of war correspondents, unprepared for the risks they now face. UNESCO is providing them with an initial batch of 125 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), consisting of bullet-proof press vests and helmets. They will be distributed from next week by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), via its Press Freedom Centre in L’viv, and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). NESCO is working with the International Federation of Journalists to relocate the offices of Ukraine’s two journalist unions to Poland, close to the border with Ukraine. This relocation will ensure that the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), with more than 4000 members, and the Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine (IMTUU), with around 2000, can continue to provide practical support to all journalists in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighbouring countries. https://www.ifj.org/