Unfortunately, JhJ's help is still essential for survival

The wave of refugees from Ukraine is growing by the hour. Many journalists, however, still want to stay in the country and continue to work at the risk of their lives to report on the war. Others cannot leave at the moment because fleeing would be too dangerous or they are worried about their relatives.

Journalisten helfen Journalisten e. V. was founded in 1993 because our colleagues in Germany did not want to just stand by and watch journalists being targeted and driven out of the country during the war in former Yugoslavia. At that time, we at least wanted to help alleviate the suffering and distress of colleagues and their families who had to experience death, injury, expulsion and flight.

It is to be feared that media workers will again be targeted in the war that Russia has launched against Ukraine. Once again, journalists will be driven out of the country, deprived of their livelihoods and forced to seek protection abroad. Especially tragic is the fact that media workers from Belarus, who had recently found refuge in Kiev, are now becoming refugees again.

JhJ will try to support journalists in need when their cries for help reach us. In solidarity, with donations, tailored to the particular need.

30 years ago, we were careful not to be drawn to one side of the warring parties. In the same way, we now see that Russian media workers who are committed to freedom of the press and freedom of expression are also threatened and in need. We need to respond to that as well.

And we want to keep in mind the endangered and fled colleagues in other countries who need our help and support in other crisis areas, such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and many African states.

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