Country: Germany

Reporters Without Borders Germany offers journalists from crisis areas the opportunity to complete a comprehensive training program on digital security and to become a multiplier for digital self-defense.  

Escort for journalists at demonstrations and vigils in Saxony, Germany

Mental health support

The maximum duration of a fellowship is 6 months. The number of awarded fellowships depends on the available funds.

Short stay 2-3 months in Dordrecht, Netherlands for reflection & recharging if under pressure Including: shelter; modest contribution to livelihood; care as needed; social network; opportunity to acquire certain expertise or skills (e.g. self-care, safety, stress management), depending on the individual preferences; depending on the guest, we organize exhibitions, film screenings or discussion evenings for Dordt’s public.

For those at risk, the helpline offers guidance to strengthen digital security practices and avoid potential threats. In cases of active attacks, it provides rapid-response emergency assistance.

Protection programme for human rights defenders

Financial aid for urgent needs, including living expenses, medical treatments, or travel. Assistance for displaced journalists and writers fleeing war zones or persecution. Emergency help for health crises or families in dire situations.

Legal representation and trial monitoring; Humanitarian assistance and dependent support; Equipment replacement if confiscated or damaged; Improving physical security of home or office; Medical expenses, including psycho-social support; Temporary relocation, including for dependents affected by the threat.

Funds for security improvement (for example digital security software); Legal Aid; Humanitarian support; Funds for security improvement (for example specific security improvements like steel doors or security cameras); Psychosocial support; Emergency fund for temporary relocation.

Small grants for psychological and medical care for incidents directly related to threats and crises caused by one’s work as a journalist; Three months of temporary relocation assistance in the event of crisis or threat; Legal aid to counter threats of imprisonment or censorship; Non-financial assistance in the form of information about additional access to resources.

The list of types of activities eligible for emergency financial and material support to Human Rights Defenders at risk includes: Physical security; Digital security; Communications; Capacity building in security; Secure transportation; Legal support; Medical support (including psycho-social support and rehabilitation) Humanitarian assistance (including family support); Urgent relocation; Urgent monitoring, reporting and advocacy; Other

If confronted with legal action as a result of the reporting: Funding for legal defence; Advice to find a lawyer; Technical legal support to lawyer; Support to bring legal action to compel the state to protect the journalist’s rights if they have been violated, including to investigate abuses and bring perpetrators of attacks to justice.

Costs eligible for financial support or direct material support to human rights defenders and organisations include the following: physical security; digital security; communications; medical support (including psycho-social support andr ehabilitation) to defenders who have suffered a medical condition as a result of their peaceful human rights activities; legal support for human rights defenders judicially harassed; humanitarian assistance (including family support); support to temporary relocation where necessary; capacity building in security; secure transportation; urgent monitoring, reporting and advocacy; etc.

Logistical support to journalists when they resettle in exile; Placement in safe havens and short-term emergency; fellowships around the world; Basic living expenses; Funds for psychosocial support and medical aid; Legal support fund.

Assistance in drawing up contractual documents, files necessary for administrative follow-up, for example. Application for international protection or asylum.

Financial support following an emergency resettlement, legal or medical fees, replacement of equipment, etc. Legal fees if you are wrongfully prosecuted; Resolution of most urgent needs if you decide to flee abroad because of threats and persecution; Support to threatened journalists to find a safe refuge; Financial and administrative support for families of journalists to cope with the consequences of the reprisals to which their loved-ones have been exposed; Financial and administrative support for medical care if you are a…

Support in the asylum procedure, including preparation of statements Referral to lawyers, legal counselling in regards to immigration and social law financial support in individual cases (lawyer’s fees, German courses, psychotherapy, etc.) Referrals to internship and training opportunities Network building of journalists in exile as well as with German and international institutions and news organisations

Provide legal representation for arrested journalists. Offer financial emergency assistance, medical or psychological care, and replace destroyed equipment.

Replacement of hardware or software which has been taken, lost or stolen. Purchase of more secure hard- and/or software and costs related to installation of the new systems. Technical or non-technical activities to respond to urgent issues such as internet blockages. Measures to improve physical security (related to information management and digital security). Measures to address the psychological and psychosocial impacts of digital threats and risks.

Funds can be used for: Access to professional training courses and workshops to enhance journalism skills. Assistance with the recognition of academic degrees and professional qualifications. Language courses relevant to journalistic work and coverage of translator/interpreter costs. Financial support for legal consultations in labour, asylum, residence, and media law. Access to psychosocial support and coverage of therapy costs. Financial assistance for acquiring necessary journalistic equipment and materials.

Temporary relocation programme to Leipzig, Germany safe and discreet place to continue investigating and publishing, to rest and to recover (max. 6 months) rent-free, furnished apartment in Leipzig health insurance and psychological counselling (optional) monthly stipend of 1,000 euros travel expenses to and from Leipzig (arrival and departure) visa costs participation in journalism-related training workshops networking opportunities a workplace in the ECPMF office and the opportunity to work (pro bono) with ECPMF’s press team on self-selected subjects

Safety measures in the form of temporary national or, if necessary, international relocation of the defender and/or their family members. Subsistence assistance, meeting the most basic needs of the defender and/or family members. Medical assistance when the defender has been attacked or to cover medical needs related to their commitment. Legal aid, covering legal costs when the defender is prosecuted or has taken legal action.

Consultations, strategic advice and representation in domestic courts and/or international human rights institutions

Legal support in the field of work and social matters

Legal support

Financial support to cover lawyer’s fees and assistance in accessing relevant legal representation; General guidance; Access to expertise in policy and law making; Engagement in national or international litigation; Provision of independent analysis, observation or advocacy around a case.    

Support for litigation of a case through multiple instances, from first instance through to the final appeal. Example: a challenge before the European Court of Human Rights against police use of facial recognition technology.

Financial support for general living expenses; Financial support for medical assistance; Financial support for a safe passage

Travel medical insurance and loan of protective equipment