IVAN members express solidarity with frontline journalists of Israel’s War on Palestine
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have paid the ultimate price for their dedication to journalism, and we reaffirm our commitment to a world where their sacrifices are never forgotten.
IPNEWS BD (International Desk): The members of Indigenous Voice Asia Network (IVAN), a network of indigenous journalists in Asia have expressed their solidarity with the fronline journalists of Israel’s War on Palestine in a statement today (14 November). In this joint statement they mentioned, “As indigenous journalists and media practitioners who are on the margins telling the truth from corners long forgotten or conflict-ridden, we state our unwavering solidarity with journalists who are reporting with facts from the frontlines of Israel’s war on Palestine. This unprecedented war has claimed the lives of 37 journalists and media workers since October 7 out of an estimated 11000 killed as per the report of the Committee to Protect Journalists which further states that as of November 6.”
In the statement they said, “37 journalists and media workers were confirmed dead: (32 Palestinian, 4 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese). 8 journalists were reported injured. 3 journalists were reported missing. 8 journalists were reported arrested. Multiple assaults, threats, cyberattacks, censorship, and killings of family members.
The deaths of journalists reporting from hostile environments are a grim reminder of the dire need to protect and support those who strive to report the truth—particularly those who have been killed or injured reporting from a long-standing and deadliest war yet. As per Reporters Without Borders, “more reporters killed during the start of war than in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen or Ukraine” including some who have lost their entire families, a ghastly fact we must collectively ensure does not recur to guarantee our basic human right and protection of truth versus the deluge of States sponsored propaganda.
The members of IVAN also said, “In the last decade alone, the world has lived through insurmountable odds from multiple climate and geopolitical humanitarian crises, shrinking civic spaces, and dismantling of global democracies; all of which have acerbated attacks on freedom of the Press, a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the right to access information. Never before has providing a voice to the voiceless and reporting on the human condition proved more life-threatening.”
The members of the Indigenous Voices in Asia network call for a thorough investigation into these tragic losses and a commitment to ending impunity for those responsible in the statement. They also asked governments, media houses, and civil society for unfaltering, sincere support and commitment to protecting the Press.
Expressing solidarity and deepest condolences to victimised journalist’s families,in this statement the indigenous journalists stated that “it is critical that journalists can carry out their vital work without fear of reprisal and for their safety, and that those who harm or target them are held accountable for their actions through due process.”
The signatories of this statement are the following: Mia Magdalena C. Fokno, Facts First PH, Philippines; Gwendolyn Gay L.Gaongen
104.7FM Radyo Sagada, Philippines; Amanda Mojilip, Media Unit Coordinator, PACOS Trust, Malaysia; Phnom Thano, Chairman, Indigenous Media Network, Thailand; Dev Kumar Sunuwar, Chairman, Indigenous Television, Nepal ; Antani Rema, Editor in Chief, IPNEWS, Bangladesh; Satej Chakma, Sub-Editor, IPNEWS, Bangladesh, Lalnunkimi Colney; East Mojo, Guwahati, India; Dr. Johnson Jament, Coastal Indigenous Peoples South India;Thamir Kashyap, Independent Journalist, Bastar, India; Jacinta Kerketta, Independent Journalist, Jharkhand, India; Makepeace Sitlhou, Independent Journalist, Guwahati, India, Nina J. Sangma, Communications Programme Coordinator, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, Thailand.
