France has launched a major initiative to support the safety and professional continuity of journalists working in exile with the “Voix en Exil” programme. Financed by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and implemented by a consortium including Canal France International (CFI), Singa, La Maison des Journalistes (MDJ), and Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF), the programme addresses the urgent needs of journalists forced to leave their countries due to threats or persecution.

The first cohort of the programme includes 18 journalists from eight countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, and Belarus. Over six months, participants receive safe accommodation, psychosocial support, mentorship, and training, as well as guidance to integrate into the French media ecosystem.

This initiative complements France’s broader efforts to protect journalists and media freedom, including legal safeguards for journalistic sources, protection against abusive litigation (SLAPPs), and operational measures for the safety of journalists in the field. “Voix en Exil” represents a concrete, practical step to ensure that journalists at risk can continue their work safely, contributing to media pluralism and the public’s right to reliable information.

More about the project here