Few recent events have put the absolute importance of media freedom as starkly in the spotlight as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During times of crisis and conflict, we rely on journalists and media workers for accurate, timely, and potentially life-saving information. However, in a cruel irony, at the same time, these moments in history are also when media workers find themselves subject to the most severe threats to their livelihood and wellbeing.
One year has passed since the invasion began, and in that year we have recorded the tragic deaths of at least nine media workers who died in the course of their work in Ukraine. We have also registered 154 media freedom violations in the country – including physical assaults, kidnappings, verbal and legal attacks, censorship, and damage to property.
At times like these, we need journalists and media workers more than ever. With that, they need more support than ever. Below, we have listed the support we have offered to Ukrainian journalists and media workers in this past year, and outlined how you or your colleagues can apply for similar support should you need it.