To mark World Press Freedom Day 2025 on Saturday, May 3rd, we’re launching a new campaign to raise funds to assist journalists-in-exile.
Last year, two thirds of all those seeking our help were freelancers who had either been forced from their homes or needed to escape in fear of their lives. At a time of unprecedented global instability and democratic decline, their journalism provides a vital window into places that might otherwise go dark. Since they risk their lives making our world safer, the least we can do is help them find temporary sanctuary.
For the past year, the Rory Peck Trust has led a coalition of press freedom and other organisations, urging the UK to follow Canada, Germany and others and introduce an emergency visa for journalists-at-risk.
But escaping is only the start We’re launching a new programme to support the growing numbers of freelance journalists-in-exile, both in the UK and around the world. We’ve called the project ‘Belong’—it will provide advice, support and learning, built around three key pillars: community, partnership and opportunity.
We don’t just believe in journalism, we believe in journalists. We’ve supported more than 3,000 freelancers over the past 30 years. With your help, we can support many more. And thanks to the support of ‘GiveMatch’, every pound you donate will be doubled. By doing so, you can help us continue to protect those on the frontlines of independent journalism.
And you too can show you stand with freelancers and stand with journalists in exile.