The International Federation of Journalists joined today the campaign launched by its affiliate in Brazil, the Federaçao Nacional dos Jornalistas (FENAJ), to defend the diploma of journalism as a compulsory requirement for exercising professional journalism, as recognised in Brazilian law.

The campaign was the central theme of the 33rd congress of FENAJ which took place from 20^th -23^rd August in Sao Paulo, attended by over 300 delegates from 31 affiliated unions.

In opening the congress, IFJ President Jim Boumelha expressed solidarity on behalf of IFJ unions worldwide saying "You union does great credit to Brazilian journalism and we are pleased to note the tremendous work that FENAJ is doing in defence of journalists' social and professional rights. In particular, your fantastic campaign to defend the diploma and regulation of the profession has been hailed everywhere as exemplary and we will do our best to mobilise all our unions to give you the support you need and you deserve."

The next few weeks will be crucial for the campaign as the Federal Supreme Court (STF) is due to deliver a ruling on this matter. Union members, professors of journalism, researchers, lawyers and press forums representatives are joining forces to defend the regulations of the profession, enshrined forty years ago in federal law through regulation 192, which they believe guarantee quality of the media and high standards.

Minister of Labour, Carlos Lupi, who addressed delegates promised to set up a federal commission and organise a public debate. It would be left, however, to the Supreme Court to clarify the law and determine the outcome.

President of FENAJ, Sérgio Murillo said "Our profession faces a serious risk of regressing if we loose this regulation gained after years of struggle. Those interested in making this happens are media organisations wanting to hire staff without fulfilling their social obligations and even paying them adequate salaries. This harms journalism and increases casualisation in newspapers and TV. Furthermore it is an attack on the quality of information and the right of citizens to be informed."

Prior to the opening of congress, Boumelha joined a mass picket of the ministry of labour by FENAJ members and other trade unionists to draw attention to the impact on quality of media if the STF rules not to uphold the requirement of the diploma.

Boumelha pledged an international campaign on behalf of the IFJ in support of FENAJ, and called on all IFJ affiliates to send the attached letter of protest to the president of the Supreme Court Gilmar Mendes and his Chief of Cabinet.

For more information contact the EFJ at +32 2 235 2200
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide