The UJF has called on Finland to take account of the tough situation facing journalists and media workers in Afghanistan and where possible to grant them visas to Finland. In an appeal sent today to Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, the union also points out the imperative for evacuations. The situation of human rights and freedomRead More
Dear Ukrainian colleagues, As the war continues in your country, you keep on working to keep your citizens informed, to protect them from lies and disinformation and to help them overcome the horrors of the ruthless attack on your democracy. We, your colleagues in Finland think of you every day, admiring your courage and yourRead More
The Foundation to Promote Journalistic Culture (known by its Finnish acronym Jokes) is providing €30 000 to support the work of the journalists’ safe haven residency. The residency project was initiated by the Union of Journalists in Finland (UJF) and is being run by the international organisation Artists at Risk. The aim of the residencyRead More
The latest horrifying photo-facts from the liberated Ukrainian cities of Bucha and Irpin show that crimes against humanity are happening right now. Russian troops in Ukraine are not only fighting the Armed Forces of Ukraine but also practicing torture, executions and even burning up civilians. This is a real genocide against the Ukrainian people, andRead More
The Taliban’s rapid advance into Kabul and the accompanying takeover in Afghanistan have endangered the safety of journalists working in the country. People who have been working with the West are also particularly at risk. “The UJF is deeply concerned about the situation of our Afghan colleagues. All journalists are now afraid,” said union presidentRead More
Helsinki (29.04.2021 – Heikki Jokinen) Targeting, harassment or cyberbullying are an unfortunate reality for many people due to their work. The problem is growing, and the unions are working to help victims both in a practical way and through political action. Problems occur in many jobs: from supermarket cashier to police and journalists. In 2019, Read More
The UJF and other media organisations plus the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) have drawn up a checklist for the press and other media to use when reporting on cases of suicide. The organisations publicised the checklist at a seminar on suicide, held in Helsinki on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September. TheRead More
The UJF has expressed concern at the worsening situation in Belarus and the treatment of journalists trying to carry out their work. The police have violently put down protests that erupted following the presidential elections. Violence has also been used in some places specifically to stop the free flow of information. At least 25 journalistsRead More
The protests that erupted in the US following the killing of George Floyd have spread throughout the country. In some instances rioters have attacked journalists, but the assaults by law enforcement against journalists have been unprecedented. “We’ve never witnessed this before”, said UJF president Hanne Aho. “The Union of Journalists in Finland voices its supportRead More
The UJF has welcomed the draft legislation drawn up by the Ministry of Justice and published 27 May aimed at tackling threats and trolling by making them subject to prosecution. The draft bill results from the goal outlined in the programme of the current government to intervene more forcefully in systematic acts of harassment, threatsRead More