IFJ calls for support in condemning the massacre of at least 30 journalists in Mindanao Province, southern Philippines.
(IFJ/IFEX) – IFJ Asia-Pacific and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) are seeking region-wide support for a Global Day of Solidarity on December 9, 2009 to condemn the massacre of at least 30 journalists in Mindanao Province, in the southern Philippines, on November 23. This is the single worst atrocity against media personnel in worldwide history. Prior to the massacre, at least 75 journalists had been killed under the Arroyo government and only four cases have seen successful prosecutions. Outside of Iraq, the Philippines has become the most dangerous country for journalists this century. The IFJ is sending an international mission to Manila from December 4-10 to support the NUJP, provide solidarity to journalists and the families of victims, and send the clearest message possible to the Government that this is an outrage they will not be allowed to forget.
We request your help to reinforce this message, to demonstrate our sorrow, anger and determination that this atrocity will not go unpunished. To do this, the IFJ calls on all affiliates to join the December 9 Global Day of Solidarity, which will coincide with a press conference by mission members and the NUJP in Manila, one day before International Human Rights Day on December 10.
For campaign tools and information about the Global Day of Solidarity, click here