IFJ is calling on the public to prepare for a Global Day of Action on 23 November to mark the one-year anniversary of the world's single biggest atrocity perpetrated against journalists. Find out what you can do here (in English only).
(IFJ/IFEX) – 5 November 2010 – The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), are calling on the public to prepare for a Global Day of Action on November 23 to mark the one-year anniversary of the world’s single biggest atrocity perpetrated against journalists.
On November 23, 2009, 32 journalists and media workers were brutally murdered in a massacre of at least 58 people in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao in the southern Philippines.
The IFJ and many other international organisations are coordinating global activities, including online Facebook and Twitter protests, while the NUJP and its local partners in the Philippines will run an intense program of events throughout the Philippines in the lead up to and on November 23.
Join the campaign and remind journalists and media workers in the Philippines that we remain firmly committed to supporting them as they continue their struggle for justice and protection.
Ways to Take Action on November 23, 2010: Global Day of Action
Set up meetings and write letters:
• Organise for a delegation from your organisation to meet with Philippine Ambassadors and consular officials in your home country, to alert them to your concerns for journalists in the Philippines, and to demand that those responsible for the Ampatuan town massacre are brought to justice.
• Deliver a letter to the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, via the Philippines consulate or embassy in your country (a template letter is attached below). Please adapt the letter according to your preferences.
• The attached fact sheet outlines details of events in the Philippines since the massacre. Include this fact sheet with your letters to President Aquino. Also use it to inform media in your country of the situation in the Philippines.
• Write to Foreign Ministers and officials of your home country to request that your Government demand that the Philippines administration takes action to address the massacre and achieve justice. A template letter is attached below. Please adapt the letter according to your preferences, and include the fact sheet with your letter.
Participate in social media actions:
Participate in online protest actions organised through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IFJ-Asia-Pacific/144789058887748?v=wall
Leading up to November 23:
Begin a series of actions that will build up to the Global Day of Action on November 23.
Here are some suggestions:
• Prepare a condolence register or book which can be signed by members of your school, workplace, union or organisation. Share the signatures with the NUJP and IFJ.
• Write letters of support and solidarity to the NUJP. Send them to the IFJ at ifj@ifj.org or to IFJ Asia-Pacific at ifj@ifj-asia.org to be delivered to the NUJP.
• Encourage your colleagues and friends working in the media to run news and feature reports on the Maguindanao atrocity and the continuing efforts to secure justice – do not let this issue fade.
• Let everyone know about the Global Day of Action on November 23, and continue to express your outrage at the Maguindanao atrocity.
Publicity:
Please send photos and information about your protest actions to the IFJ at ifj@ifj.org and ifj@ifj.asia.org. Your reports will be compiled and shared publicly by the IFJ and the NUJP to show solidarity with our colleagues in the Philippines and the strength of a united global demand for justice.
In the Philippines:
See draft summary of activities to be conducted by the NUJP in the Philippines.
In Solidarity,
The IFJ
Template letter to President Aquino
Template letter to foreign ministries
Template cover letter to embassies for letter to President Aquino
