The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ/EFJ) praised the ”incredible show of solidarity” by JUADN who organized the mission in collaboration with the Unified Journalists Organization of Subsidiary Insurance and Health Care (EDOEAP) and supported by the Panhellenic Federation of Journalists Unions (PFJU).
The aid, which will be delivered to IFJ/EFJ affiliates the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) and the Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine (IMTUU), includes:
·87 first-aid kit bags donated by EDOEAP.
·€ 5,900 worth of electronic equipment, sleeping bags, backpacks and Covid-19 protection masks purchased by JUADN with PFJU financial assistance.
·Other electronic and communications equipment which was provided through "WIND" and "COSMOTE" telecommunication companies and “AEGEAS” Non-Profit Cultural and Charitable Foundation.
JUADN have also donated €2,000 in cash to the IFJ/EFJ International Safety Fund to support journalists under threat as a result of the war.
JUADN President Maria Antoniadou said: “Solidarity is our weapon. The Journalists’ Union of the Athens Daily Newspapers Executive Board from the first moment of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is in contact with the European and the International Federation of Journalists and Ukrainian journalists’ unions to provide assistance and support to our colleagues and their families”.
“JUADN in collaboration with EDOEAP and PFJU, stand by the side of Greek and Ukrainian colleagues to facilitate their work, defend media freedom and freedom of expression, because, as known in difficult times like in war, truth is the first casualty.”
The JUADN President is being accompanied by George Gavalas, 2nd Vice President, Machi Nikolara Special Affairs Secretary and George Votskaris Executive Board member.
Stavros Kapakos President of EDOEAP Executive Board and member of JUADN Executive Board said: "Greek journalists and media workers effectively express support to our Ukrainian colleagues struggling to provide news in unusual and particularly difficult conditions due to the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory and the ongoing military operations. In response to the call of Ukrainian journalists’ unions as well as the European and the International Federation of Journalists, we support our colleagues in Ukraine, sending essential medical supplies and declare we are ready to provide any possible assistance in the future.”
In a joint statement, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger and EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutierrez said: ”This is an incredible show of solidarity which is providing vital support to our colleagues in Ukraine. We remain committed to building on this kind of example to deliver ever more solidarity and humanitarian assistance as the war intensifies and more and more journalists are at risk”.