NUJ members organise 48 hours of further action in solidarity with Palestinian journalists
Members across the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe organised 48 hours of further action this week to commemorate colleagues killed in the current Gaza conflict and to highlight the vital importance of press freedom.
Between 26-27 August, members came together to show support for their colleagues in various ways, including by organising and attending vigils and protests, building on wider solidarity actions over the last two weeks.
At least 219 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed over the last 22 months, according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The latest solidarity actions started just days after Israeli forces killed at least 20 people, including five journalists and media workers in double tap airstrikes on Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis.
Virtual vigil
On Wednesday 27 August the NUJ held a virtual vigil for all the journalists and media workers killed in the Gaza conflict. This included a period of silence to commemorate every journalist killed, followed by speeches from the NUJ general secretary and joint presidents and vice-president, the union’s Continental European Council chair, and the International Federation of Journalists’ general secretary. The vigil started with a reading of ‘A Night in Al-Hamra’ by Iraqi poet Saadi Youssef and ended with Seamus Heaney’s ‘From the Republic of Conscience’.
During the event Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:
"We are together today and that is powerful and that is right. But we did not want to have to be here. We did not want to have to gather to remember our sisters and brothers, your colleagues, killed in the course of their work, as we have gathered many times before; to send our condolences to so many families and to our sister unions. To remember so many lives taken and those continuing to work in unimaginable conditions - many of whom are the most vulnerable freelances or contractors.
“We do not accept the killing of journalists, wherever it takes place. We do not accept the targeting and murder of journalists. We do not accept impunity. We do not accept that death is a price to be paid.
“We remember all those killed alongside journalists, as civilians and as workers in their own professions and send our solidarity. The constitution of our union includes Rule 1, part b) subsection vi. the defence and promotion of peace.
“The worldwide outrage we have seen, the clear rejection of these horrors must lead to a stop. An immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and an end to the cycle of violence is the only rational response to this devastating death and destruction.
“As always in times of crisis NUJ members have acted. It has been powerful to see the branch events taking place across our union, in Brussels, in Edinburgh, Belfast, London, Dublin, Bristol, Glasgow, Derry, Cardiff, in Italy, and there are others planned in Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham and further events in London and Dublin tonight. We recognise and salute the tireless work of the IFJ and our sister unions. Our calls are united: Stop killing journalists.
“Press Freedom for Gaza. End the ban on international media entering Gaza. International journalists must be allowed access to Gaza to undertake this work alongside their Palestinian colleagues to whom we owe a collective debt.
“We call for the International Criminal Court to investigate the targeting of journalists; for the international community to uphold the UN convention that recognises the rights of civilians, including journalists; and for states to adopt a new UN convention that specifically protects journalists and recognises our globally critical work.”
Brussels
On 26 August, around 500 people, including members of the NUJ Brussels and Netherlands branches, gathered outside the Mont des Arts in Brussels. The event was organised by the IFJ in collaboration with Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS) and other affiliated unions.
© The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Belfast
On 26 August, the NUJ Belfast and District branch held a second solidarity vigil at Writer’s Square in Belfast, which was attended by a range of trade unions, human rights groups, and journalists from newsrooms across the city.
© Kevin Cooper
Riace
On 26 August, members also held a solidarity event in Riace, a small hilltop town in Calabria, southern Italy, that was recently twinned with Gaza city. Domenico Lucano, Riace mayor, and Kate Holman, NUJ Life member, added their voices to the demand for an end to the killing of journalists.
© Kate Holman
London
The London Freelance branch held a second vigil outside Downing Street on 27 August. Members carried commemorative cards and read the names of colleagues killed in Gaza by Israeli forces. Prominent politicians also joined, including Jeremy Corbyn, Independent MP for Islington North, and Ayoub Khan, Independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr. Prior to the event, members handed in a letter co-signed by London-based branches directly to 10 Downing Street, setting out demands and questions to prime minister Keir Starmer.
© Abdullah Bailey
Dublin
On 27 August, 200 people attended a vigil organised by a group of NUJ members at the Spire on O'Connell Street in Dublin.
© John McElroy
Oxford
The Oxford and District branch held a solidarity vigil on 27 August at Bonn Square in the city centre.
© Zoe Broughton
Derry
The Derry & North West branch held a second solidarity vigil on 27 August at The Guildhall, Derry.
© Anton McCabe
Newcastle
The Newcastle branch will hold a vigil on Thursday 28 August from 5:30pm at Grey’s Monument, 150 Grainger St, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Cardiff
The Welsh Executive Council will hold a vigil on Thursday 28 August at 5:30pm in Cardiff’s Central Square by the Betty Campbell statue.
Leeds
The NUJ Leeds & West Yorkshire branch will hold a vigil on Monday, 1 September from 5.30pm at the Workers Memorial outside Leeds City Art Gallery.
Nottinghamshire
Members of the Nottingham branch will hold a vigil for colleagues killed in Gaza on Monday, 1 September from 5.30pm at Station Street, near to Nottingham Railway Station.