(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: IFJ launches special humanitarian appeal over media deaths in Asia earthquake disaster The International Federation of Journalists has launched a world-wide appeal for humanitarian assistance to the families of journalists and media staff caught up in the Asia disaster. The action comes following news that as […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release:
IFJ launches special humanitarian appeal over media deaths in Asia earthquake disaster
The International Federation of Journalists has launched a world-wide appeal for humanitarian assistance to the families of journalists and media staff caught up in the Asia disaster. The action comes following news that as many as 25 members of the Aliansi Independen Jurnalis (AJI), the IFJ’s Indonesian affiliate, are missing, as well as 80 staff of Serambi Indonesia, a leading daily newspaper, after the earthquake and tidal waves five days ago that caused havoc in the Indian Ocean region and have claimed nearly 100,000 lives.
Within hours, IFJ unions began to respond to the call for solidarity with media colleagues and their communities across the region.
“Everyone should be making a contribution to the relief effort,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “We have established a special fund within our International Safety Fund to try to get assistance to our colleagues and their families as quickly as possible.”
In a message to all of its affiliates in more than 100 countries, the IFJ said that the Federation was in contact with its affiliates in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia in an effort to assess the impact of the catastrophe upon the media community.
“We know already that our colleagues in Indonesia have suffered a shocking level of loss,” said White. “Many others may also be in need. Any additional support to the international assistance effort that journalists and media workers can give will be greatly appreciated.”
The IFJ says that donations can be sent to
Asia Disaster Relief for Journalists and Media Staff
c/o IFJ Safety Fund
Fortis Banque
Agence Rond Point Schumann 10
1040 BRUSSELS
Account number: 210-0785700-52
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries.
