Exile Hub pays tribute to media professionals facing threats and persecution through a campaign to highlight the importance of protecting their crucial voices in conflict areas.
Chiang Mai, Thailand, (May 3, 2024) –Exile Hub, a non-profit organization formed in the aftermath of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar to support media professionals and human rights defenders, today launched its campaign dedicated to championing media expression. Through compelling narratives from recipients of its Critical Voices Fellowship program, Exile Hub aims to spotlight the critical importance of defending media freedoms in tumultuous times.
The program’s participants, predominantly journalists and media professionals fleeing conflict-affected Myanmar or who are currently in hiding, share their compelling stories via curated voice clips on Exile Hub's campaign platform [www.exilehub.org/onlymyvoiceleft]. Representing diverse backgrounds, these individuals range from promising young reporters with nascent careers that were abruptly halted to seasoned journalists whose life's work was disrupted by the suppression of media freedoms.
Following the February 2021 coup, Myanmar witnessed widespread protests, which were met with crackdowns by the military junta. Amidst this upheaval, media work was severely curtailed, with draconian restrictions imposed on independent journalism. Journalists faced censorship, arrests, and intimidation for reporting on the unrest, leading to the closure of media outlets and the persecution of media professionals. This situation, which has unfortunately persisted, not only constrained the flow of independent information within Myanmar but has also endangered the lives and livelihoods of the media here.
“It is critical that we prioritize the safety and security of Myanmar media professionals, who routinely face severe repercussions for fulfilling their essential duty of informing the public. The systematic efforts to suppress media have compelled many to conceal or retreat from public view, even in online spaces, resulting in the loss of opportunities, income, dignity, and their very identities. Despite these challenges, their voices remain their most potent and fundamental means of expression. Our goal is to uphold their right to free speech and journalism by shedding light on their plight and advocating for the support they need. By doing so, we not only help safeguard their work but also advance the broader cause of human rights, democratic principles, and social justice," said Yucca Wai, Research Director at Exile Hub.
An Exile Hub research report reveals that 84.8% of journalists currently in exile, including a significant representation of women, cited the dire security situation and threats directly linked to their journalistic work as the primary reason for their departure from Myanmar.
1 As of April 2024, Reporters Without Borders reports that Myanmar continues to detain 62 journalists and media workers,
2 reflecting one of the highest rates of imprisonment globally. This alarming statistic underscores the challenges facing media practitioners here amidst broader political repression. Since the coup, over 26,000 individuals have been arrested as political prisoners,
3 painting a grim picture of the systemic stifling of dissent and free speech.
For the past three years, Exile Hub has been active in supporting journalists, media professionals, and other human rights defenders, through a range of support programs and assistance that are tailored to their unique needs. These include its Critical Voice Fellowship (CVF), Critical Voices Production Grants (CVG) for media, vocational and professional development courses, emergency funds support, mental health and psychosocial support workshops, and other ongoing initiatives.
“As we endeavor to amplify the voices of Myanmar's media community, we would like to urge individuals and organizations worldwide to stand in solidarity and support the crucial efforts of defending the media’s right to work in the face of adversity,” added Yucca Wai, Research Director at Exile Hub.
About Exile Hub
Exile Hub is a non-profit organization that was formed in the aftermath of the 2021 military coup in Myanmar to support human rights defenders and media professionals facing immediate threats for their essential work in promoting freedom, justice, and democracy. We are dedicated to empowering and protecting their voices so that they can safely carry out their professions free from persecution. We are committed to providing our steadfast support, resources, and advocacy through a wide range of initiatives, including the Critical Voices Fellowship (CVF), Critical Voices Production Grants (CVG), capacity-building training, emergency funds support, mental health and psychosocial support workshops, and other ongoing activities. Exile Hub envisions a world where human rights defenders and media professionals can use their voices freely and safely, without fear of persecution or reprisal, where their essential contributions to society are recognized, respected, and protected.
For more information, please visit Exile Hub’s website at https://www.exilehub.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Exile Hub:
For English language inquiries:Contact Person Name: Joseph AnderssonContact Person Email: joe@exilehub.org
For Myanmar language inquiries:Contact Person Name: Ma WanContact Person Email: wan@exilehub.org
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