A decade of struggle for journalists’ rights – ECPMF

This autumn, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) celebrates 10 years of activity. During this time, the ECPMF has become an important European partner of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) in the field of media freedom.

The centre was founded in Leipzig in June 2015 at the initiative of the Sparkasse Leipzig Media Fund and the famous German journalist Hans-Ulrich Jörges, author of the European Charter for Press Freedom.

The choice of Leipzig was symbolic: in 1989, the Peaceful Revolution began here, which contributed significantly to the fall of the East German regime.

Seminars, public discussions, media workshops and film screenings are being held in various European countries to mark the anniversary.

The centre records violations of journalists’ rights every day, provides legal assistance, develops protection programmes and conducts research. As part of the Hannah Arendt Initiative, the organization pays special attention to supporting Ukrainian journalists who work under threat.

“I am currently in the ECPMF Shelter Program,” says Ukrainian journalist, the NUJU member Iryna Avramenko. “I have the opportunity to take a break from the war and work on my articles in safe conditions. I congratulate my colleagues on their anniversary and thank you for everything!”

The anniversary year was marked by a new important project: together with partners at ECPMF, we launched Shelter City Leipzig.

This is a safe space for journalists and human rights defenders from all over the world who are in danger. In this way, Leipzig joined the international Shelter City network, confirming its role as a city of solidarity, democracy and human rights.

NUJU Information Service