The fund will be used to support the cause of journalists in Africa who are increasingly becoming attacked and abused now more than at any time in recent history - they are beaten by law enforcement agents, they are arrested and detained without trials, and media stations are being demolished for publishing anti-government reports, etc. This act is threatening and undermining provisions on press freedom enshrined in constitutions of most of these countries.
According to UNESCO, in 2019 alone, 6 journalists have been killed in Africa. This is aside the over 40 that have been imprisoned on the continent. Despite embracing democracy, most African countries are not friendly to journalists. Overtime, the press is muzzled and not allowed to do its work - journalists are attacked and killed and media houses are burnt down.
The intended outcome of this fundraising is to ensure that AMDF has resources to act quickly and dynamically to the threats against press freedom and journalists in Africa by providing emergency medical and shelter support to attacked journalists. AMDF will also carry out advocacy and sensitisation activities to ensure safety of journalists.
More public officials and law enforcement agents will become sensitised on the need to protect journalists and uphold press freedom. More journalists will be encouraged to keep doing their work, knowing that their courageous work will be appreciated and recognised. Emergency medical assistance and temporary shelter will be available to attacked journalists. Volunteers will be empowered to track press freedom violations and advocate for better environment for the press.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
