UNESCO to launch Regional Support Network for Displaced and Refugee Journalists in Central America

The UNESCO Cluster Office in Costa Rica will launch the  Regional Support Network for Displaced and Refugee Journalists in November as part of regional celebrations to observe the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

Through this project, displaced and refugee journalists and their families will receive psychological support and training in areas related to digital safety. The project will also promote solidarity among this group of human rights defenders who play a major role in strengthening freedom of expression in the region.

Due to many factors including intimidation, harassment, digital threats, assassinations and impunity, some journalists flee their homelands for safer destinations. In addition, the psychological effects and trauma related to this displacement and threats to their safety affect their lives and their ability to continue performing their jobs as journalists.

This situation has been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic which has affected the economic situation of journalists and provoked an increase in anxiety and depression as a result of the confinement and other measures taken to control the spread of the virus.