The war of aggression on Ukraine in violation of international law, which the Russian side is describing as a “special operation”, along with the large amount of false information that has been circulated in recent weeks, clearly shows the importance of independent reporting and the free flow of information, particularly in conflict situations. With a contribution of 100,000 US dollars (more than 90,600 euros) from Austrian Development Agency (ADA) funds, the Austrian government is providing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with resources to support the work of about 1,000 independent journalists in Ukraine.
This will make an important contribution to the freedom of expression and independence of media on site, said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg:
We welcome the rapid response from UNESCO to improve the safety of journalists in Ukraine, and we wholeheartedly support the planned activities. Especially now, comprehensive reporting from the war zones is of the utmost importance in order to be able to assess the situation correctly and take appropriate action.
The funds will be used to buy protective equipment like bulletproof vests, helmets and first-aid materials, which UNESCO will transport to the war zone as quickly as possible. In addition, they will finance technical equipment for reporting and support media professionals in exile and in humanitarian emergencies, including training courses on working in crisis regions.
Protecting journalists has been a central focus of Austrian foreign policy for many years. Media representatives risk their lives to ensure free, independent and objective reporting from conflict and crisis areas, like Ukraine right now. Our contribution will help make them more resilient,
said Foreign Minister Schallenberg.
The Austrian funds will also be used to relocate Ukrainian journalists’ offices to safe areas and to further staff a hotline for journalist safety.
Austria has been a member of UNESCO since 1948. As a specialised agency of the United Nations, UNESCO defends and supports the right to freedom of expression and the independence and pluralism of the media in every situation. It also supports the media in other crisis and conflict situations, such as in Afghanistan, Myanmar and Sudan, and addresses the urgent needs of journalists.
