Challenges & Support Needs of Exiled Journalists from Sudan, South Sudan & Ethiopia in Kenya
Berlin: Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) (2023), 13 pp.
"This report presents the findings from two focus group discussions held with exiled journalists from Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, organised by MiCT/IPAEA. The workshops took place at the Baraza Media Lab in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 5th and 7th of July, 2023. The aim was to understand the unique challenges and needs of these journalists living in exile, with the ultimate goal of identifying ways to support them more effectively.
Key findings: • Legal Challenges: Journalists face significant legal hurdles, including difficulties with visa renewals, obtaining work permits, and achieving refugee asylum status. Systemic corruption and security issues exacerbate these challenges. • Language Barriers: Sudanese journalists, who predominantly speak Arabic, and East African journalists face language barriers that hinder their integration into Kenyan society and limit their ability to work effectively. • Financial Constraints and Accommodation Issues: High accommodation costs in Nairobi and limited income opportunities place a significant financial burden on journalists. • Lack of Equipment and Workspace: Many journalists lack essential journalism equipment and secure workspaces with reliable internet access, hindering their ability to work effectively. • Healthcare Access and Psychological Support: Access to affordable healthcare and insurance is a significant challenge for many journalists. There is also a clear need for psychological support to help journalists cope with trauma and stress. • Capacity Building: Journalists expressed a need for capacity-building programmes and training opportunities to enhance their skills and improve their work.
The report concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges, including advocating for legal support, establishing language classes, exploring financial assistance chemes, securing funding for essential journalism equipment, partnering with healthcare providers, implementing psychological support programmes, and developing capacity-building programmes. These recommendations provide a roadmap for supporting these journalists more effectively in their crucial work." (Executive summary)
Key findings: • Legal Challenges: Journalists face significant legal hurdles, including difficulties with visa renewals, obtaining work permits, and achieving refugee asylum status. Systemic corruption and security issues exacerbate these challenges. • Language Barriers: Sudanese journalists, who predominantly speak Arabic, and East African journalists face language barriers that hinder their integration into Kenyan society and limit their ability to work effectively. • Financial Constraints and Accommodation Issues: High accommodation costs in Nairobi and limited income opportunities place a significant financial burden on journalists. • Lack of Equipment and Workspace: Many journalists lack essential journalism equipment and secure workspaces with reliable internet access, hindering their ability to work effectively. • Healthcare Access and Psychological Support: Access to affordable healthcare and insurance is a significant challenge for many journalists. There is also a clear need for psychological support to help journalists cope with trauma and stress. • Capacity Building: Journalists expressed a need for capacity-building programmes and training opportunities to enhance their skills and improve their work.
The report concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges, including advocating for legal support, establishing language classes, exploring financial assistance chemes, securing funding for essential journalism equipment, partnering with healthcare providers, implementing psychological support programmes, and developing capacity-building programmes. These recommendations provide a roadmap for supporting these journalists more effectively in their crucial work." (Executive summary)
Introduction -- Methodology -- Findings -- Comparison of Findings -- Recommendations
