May 11, 2022: Journalists for Human Rights is launching a new project to support Afghan media professionals in Canada.
The ‘Afghan Journalist-in-Residence Project’ will offer 10 fully paid placements at leading Canadian newsrooms including The Canadian Press, CTV News, Toronto Star, The Hamilton Spectator and Global News and we look forward to welcoming more publishers in the coming months. This program has been made possible with funding from Meta Journalism Project.
Since August 2021, JHR has helped evacuate and support more than 300 Afghan journalists and media professionals and their families. These placements are a continuation of that work and underscore the valuable contributions of Afghan professionals to Canadian media.
“The arrival of Afghan journalists in Canada represents a huge opportunity for newsrooms to integrate diverse skills and perspectives in their workforce,” said Rachel Pulfer, Executive Director of Journalists for Human Rights. “JHR is pleased to support Afghan journalists in continuing their careers in Canada and ensuring that their vital voices are heard. We look forward to seeing the powerful results of this partnership.”
Newsrooms will select and hire candidates and maintain editorial oversight while JHR will provide training on human rights reporting for participants and stakeholders. Once the project is complete, JHR and MJP will report on the project impact and learnings.
“Providing a safe and welcoming environment to newcomers is core to the values that make us Canadian. We’re proud to partner with Journalists for Human Rights on this program and play a supporting role in the resettlement of Afghan journalists in Canada,” said Marc Dinsdale, Head of Media Partnerships, Meta in Canada, “The extensive experience of these veteran journalists will enrich our newsrooms and communities and further promote a diverse and vibrant news ecosystem in Canada.”
Interested applicants and publishers can contact Jordan MacInnis at [email protected]