Tuesday, 26 March ‘24
This week’s overview of key events and links to essential reading.
Court Orders Further Investigation on Russian Accused of Torture
Investigators will now check whether the accused is deceased, a prisoner of war or a fugitive.
Tanzania: Police Under Scrutiny Over Disappearances
“The issue inflicts immense anguish upon families left not knowing whether their loved ones are alive, suffering, or dead.”
On the Forever Front
Occupied and shelled, Lyman struggles to rebuild amid the sounds of increased shelling.
Tuesday, 19 March ‘24
This week’s overview of key events and links to essential reading.
Project Sunflowers
With the support of volunteers in 19 countries, testimony is being collected in a secure database to be used in future justice processes.
Russian POW Arrested for Murder
The rifleman is suspected of shooting and killing a Ukrainian soldier after he had surrendered.
Holding on in the Magical Forest
Tough terrain makes the attack - and defence - of the Lyman pocket a challenging prospect for both sides.
Ukraine’s Uncertain Prospects
Two years into the full-scale war, a nation grapples with questions over international support, military capacity and its own unity.
World Press Freedom Day 2024
On World Press Freedom Day we focus on local journalists facing myriad challenges in the tireless pursuit of truth and their enduring efforts to bring meaningful change.
Highlights from IWPR’s Consortium to Support Independent Journalism in Latin America (CAPIR).
An investigation by ContraCorriente, one of the investigative units IWPR supports in Honduras, revealed abuses including robbery, torture and kidnappings allegedly inflicted on citizens by police officers. The investigation also addressed how the state of emergency, in place since 2022, has allowed these abuses to occur with impunity. The authorities deny responsibility, claiming that organised criminal groups are using replica uniforms to pose as police officers.
A transnational publication by the investigative units of Plaza Pública and Criterio media revealed the huge extent of Asian cigarette smuggling in northern Central America. In addition to the health problems and millions of dollars lost to tax evasion, this also finances organised crime trafficking of drugs, weapons and humans. The investigation highlighted the failure of institutional efforts to stop this problem, aggravated by the complicity of officials who help falsify documents.
A story by the IWPR beneficiaries Guardiana and La Nube media outlets revealed the unauthorised sale of "medical preparations" to treat mental illnesses such as depression in a market in Cochabamba, one of Bolivia's largest cities. The story showed how products were marketed without information about their ingredients, including unlicensed natural remedies from Peru and Brazil. In response, the Cochabamba department of health announced it would increase the number of police operatives in the market where these products are sold.
Journalism in Conflict: Reporting from Ukraine and Beyond
Founder Anthony Borden reflects on the 30-year journey of IWPR and how local voices meet the challenge of global disinformation.
Human Rights in Africa
Six-part podcast looks at how telling crucial stories can change lives on the ground.
Moldovan Media and Officials Fight Fake News Together
A lack of accurate government information provides fertile ground for false narratives to feed distrust and ultimately destabilise the country.
Ukraine Justice Report
IWPR project will document long, painful and essential journey to bring Russia’s military impunity to an end.
Central Asian Analysts Meet Georgia’s Vibrant Civil Society
Cross-border visit supports delegates’ research and analytical skills and builds regional cooperation.
Vietnam: Former IWPR Mentor Receives International Press Freedom Award
Imprisoned writer honoured for her tireless work seeking to hold authorities to account.
Go Viral Festivals Spark Collaboration Across Central Asia
Events travel to region’s five capitals with the aim of inspiring creativity and cross-border connections.
Moldovan Journalists Explain High Cost of Disinformation
Media literacy seminars in more remote parts of the country highlight danger of fake news.
Moldovan Media Learn New Skills to Build Resilience
Programme provides emergency response to fighting fake news surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Ukraine Justice Report
Countering Disinformation in Moldova
Ukraine War Diary by Anthony Borden
Democratic accountability comes from journalists investigating their own societies – IWPR provides a much needed platform and support for those reporting from some of the most dangerous and difficult places in the world.
Disinformation is a major global threat , especially in conflict and post-conflict areas. IWPR performs a vital mission, building up local voices as a bulwark against this challenge.
IWPR fills a critical gap by helping local journalists to focus on human rights and justice issues. In the process, it contributes to democratic transitions, and demonstrates that the best war reporting is not about military conflict, but human consequences.