“Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Ukrainian journalists!,” EFJ Head Ricardo Gutiérrez at NUJU’s exhibition in Brussels

Ricardo Gutiérrez, Secretary General of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), finished his speech at yesterday’s opening of the photo exhibition titled Ukraine: Journalists In War Zones in Brussels in Ukrainian, saying Слава Україні! Слава українським журналістам! [Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Ukrainian journalists!].

The main goal of the exhibition, jointly organized by the EFJ and the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), is to draw the attention of the world public to the important role of journalists during the war and the need to hold russians accountable for war crimes.

– We need evidence about this war; we need to document war crimes! And journalists play a fundamental role in this, said Ricardo Gutiérrez.

He thanked everyone who supports journalists in Ukraine – the UNESCO, International and European Federations of Journalists, the Swiss Fondation Hirondelle, and many others.

– But we are in Brussels. And we call on the European Union to also support the activities of the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers of the NUJU and to finance the printing of local newspapers in the de-occupied and front-line territories, said Ricardo Gutierrez. – The European Union announced the allocation of EUR 28 million to support the Ukrainian government in strategic communications, but we also call for support for journalists on the ground.

The exhibition pays particular attention to journalists who lost their lives while working on the front lines. Since the beginning of the russian invasion of Ukraine, 16 journalists have been killed fulfilling their professional duties, and the total number of media workers who have become victims of russian aggression exceeds 70 people, including both civilian journalists and journalists who have been mobilized into the army.

The photographs presented at the exhibition titled Ukraine: Journalists In War Zones show the work of journalists in various cities and regions of Ukraine. Twenty-six photographs are presented, including the works of famous Ukrainian and international photographers, including Pulitzer Prize and World Press Photo laureate Yevhen Maloletka, photographer of the Associated Press news agency in Ukraine Efrem Lukatsky, famous Ukrainian military photographers Kostiantyn Liberov and Vlada Liberova (LIBKOS) and Yan Dobronosov, Dmytro Kliuchko, and Andrii Andriienko.

Ukraine’s Representation to the European Union called the opening of the exhibition “an inspiring event.” “As we viewed the powerful photos and videos that showcase the remarkable work of these journalists, we were reminded of the sacrifices they make to bring us the truth, even in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. Their unceasing desire for justice and unwavering devotion to the truth are both humbling and inspiring,” the Representation’s message on Facebook reads.

The Head of Communications and Campaigns of the IFJ, Pamela Moriniere, spoke about the common vision of threats and the solidarity of journalists from different countries.

“The most powerful solidarity campaign ever conducted by the International and European Federations of Journalists is a campaign in support of Ukrainian journalists,” she said. – Even the smallest unions of journalists from different countries transferred either funds, protective equipment, devices, or humanitarian aid. Together with the headquarters of UNESCO, we support the activities of an effective network of Journalists’ Solidarity Centers in Ukraine.”

The Ukraine: Journalists in War Zones exhibition will take place in Brussels from October 17 to 23 at the site of the Ukrainian Civil Society Hub (Luxembourg Square near the premises of the European Parliament).

NUJU Information Service