The IFJ and YJS have initiated a survey to evaluate the impact of Yemen’s ten-year conflict on journalists. With at least 45 journalists killed since 2014, the survey will highlight the dire state of press freedom, including the challenges faced by women journalists. Recent attacks demonstrate the ongoing threats to media workers, prompting the IFJ to advocate for their safety and rights.

The ongoing war in Yemen, which has persisted for a decade between the Houthi movement and the Saudi coalition supporting the recognized government, severely impacts the journalistic community. This conflict has contributed to political instability and hostility towards the press, with journalists facing numerous dangers, including the dismissal of media workers, incitement, censorship, shutdowns of media outlets, kidnappings, and exile. Since 2014, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) report at least 45 journalists have lost their lives in this perilous environment.

In light of these dire conditions, the IFJ and YJS are launching a survey aimed at assessing the experiences and safety of journalists and media workers amidst the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the survey will examine the specific challenges faced by women journalists, who encounter pronounced discrimination in both their social and professional environments. Results from this survey are expected to contribute to a comprehensive report, with support from the Norwegian Union of Journalists (NJ), to be released on World Press Freedom Day, May 3.

Yemen remains dangerous for journalists and trade unionists, as demonstrated by a recent attack on Mohammed Shubaita, Secretary General of the YJS and Assistant Secretary General of the Federation of Arab Journalists (FAJ). In May 2024, Mr. Shubaita was injured in a shooting incident while traveling in a vehicle near the Ministry of Information in Sana’a but fortunately survived.

The activities of journalists’ unions are consistently hampered, as shown by the seizure of the journalists’ union headquarters in Aden by armed individuals linked to the Southern Transitional Council in February 2023. Operations only resumed in November 2024 after significant external pressure, including a condemnation from the IFJ regarding the actions taken against the YJS.

Despite a decade of serious violations against media personnel, there have been glimmers of hope. In April 2023, four journalists, previously sentenced to death by a Houthi court, were freed as part of a prisoner exchange after eight years of imprisonment. This release was hailed as a positive development and a triumph for organizations advocating for their freedom.

Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary, stated, “We welcome this crucial work of promoting journalists’ safety and defending their rights in one of the world’s most hostile environments for journalists. The IFJ pledges its unwavering support to Yemeni journalists, and it will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with their union, the YJS.”

As a call to action, the IFJ urges the Yemeni government and armed factions to cease acts of intimidation against journalists and to ensure the immediate release of all detained media workers.

The article underscores the profound challenges faced by journalists in Yemen amidst a decade-long conflict. Through a newly launched survey by the IFJ and YJS, there is a focus on assessing the dire conditions surrounding media freedom and the safety of journalists, particularly women. While recent events, such as the release of four incarcerated journalists, signal some progress, ongoing violence and intimidation remain pressing concerns. The IFJ continues to advocate for journalist rights, emphasizing the need for government action to protect media personnel.

Original Source: www.ifj.org

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