Hong Kong: IFJ report explores challenges for Hong Kong journalists in the diaspora
NUJ backs calls by the International Federation of Journalists for greater action by governments and organisations to support Hong Kong journalists who have fled the country.
“Journalists in Exile: A Survey of Media Workers in the Hong Kong diaspora” reveals the experiences of journalists across countries including the UK, Australia, Canada and United States after fleeing hostile environments to media workers in Hong Kong.
Since Beijing's imposition of National Security Law in 2020, journalists in Hong Kong have faced increasing restrictions to press freedom while subjected to harassment and intimidation, leading to concerns for their safety.
The new report analyses survey findings and reveals challenges faced by the Hong Kong diaspora including accessing training and opportunities, low confidence in language skills and sustaining livelihoods through journalism.
Recommendations include a need to increase support for existing media platforms reporting on China and Hong Kong, and for schemes to consider the specific mental health needs resulting from state intimidation, surveillance and threats.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said:
“As the crackdown on media freedom in Hong Kong forces journalists to seek safety in the UK, government must act now to ensure necessary funding is available to support transition and integration. We welcome today’s report by the IFJ including recommendations on training and will continue our work supporting HongKonger journalists."
The IFJ said:
“We hope this report and its recommendations can encourage some necessary conversations and inspire strategies and innovative programs from governments, unions, funders and media development organisations to support Hong Kong’s journalists and diaspora media outlets endeavouring to deliver independent reporting on greater China and to keep their story going.”
Read the report. “Journalists in Exile: A Survey of Media Workers in the Hong Kong diaspora.”
Last year, the IFJ published The Story That Won’t Be Silenced: Hong Kong Freedom of Expression Report 2022.