Yemen Journalists Union Warns of Media Workplace Collapse on Press Freedom Day

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Yemeni Journalists Union issued a stark warning, highlighting that the press in Yemen faces complex challenges that undermine freedom of expression and expose journalists to unprecedented security risks, professional pressures, and financial hardship.

The union described the media work environment in Yemen as increasingly restricted and unsafe. This environment is characterized by direct violations, including persecution, interference in journalistic work, and economic pressures, all of which severely impede journalists' ability to perform their duties with freedom and independence.

According to the union, journalists are enduring difficult living conditions due to low wages, a lack of social protection, and job instability. The fragile institutional structure of the media sector and ongoing division have contributed to a significant decline in professional safety.

The union emphasized that multiple intervening parties and a lack of accountability have entrenched a culture of impunity. It asserted that a serious and comprehensive approach is required to reinstate press freedom as a fundamental and non-negotiable right.

The union expressed profound concern over systematic incitement campaigns, direct threats, and repeated harassment targeting female journalists, both in the workplace and online. These practices aim to exclude them from the media profession and undermine their work, constituting a double violation based on gender that demands clear condemnation and urgent protective measures.

On this occasion, the Yemeni Journalists Union extended its congratulations to the International Federation of Journalists on its centenary, commending its history of defending press freedom, advocating for journalistic liberties, and providing continuous support to Yemeni journalists facing crises and violations.

The union also reiterated that the crisis of unpaid salaries for journalists, particularly those in state-run media, represents one of the most serious threats to their livelihood and professional stability, constituting a clear violation of their fundamental rights. It renewed its call for the government to expedite the payment of outstanding salaries and implement sustainable solutions to ensure regular payments, thereby preserving the dignity of journalists and enabling them to fulfill their duties.

Furthermore, the union called for the immediate restitution of the Yemeni Journalists Union headquarters in Aden, which was previously seized. It urged the government to swiftly reclaim and return the premises to the union, thereby strengthening its capacity to serve journalists and defend their rights.

The union conveyed deep concern regarding the deteriorating health of colleague Walid Ali Ghalib, the deputy head of the union's branch in Hodeidah, who is being held by the Houthi militia. The union holds his captors fully responsible for his safety and demands his immediate release and urgent provision of necessary medical care.

It was noted that nine journalists remain in detention under disturbing circumstances. These include Wahid Al-Sufi, who has been forcibly disappeared since April 2015; Nabil Al-Sadaawi, abducted since October 2015; Walid Ghalib, deputy head of the Hodeidah branch; along with Abdulaziz Al-Nom, Abduljabbar Ziyad, Hassan Ziyad, Abdulmajeed Al-Zailai, and Asim Mohammed. Additionally, journalist Naseh Shaker, employed by the legitimate government, has been detained since November 19, 2023, by elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council.

The Yemeni Journalists Union called for an immediate cessation of all forms of violations against journalists, guaranteeing their safety, and releasing all detained journalists, foremost among them Walid Ali Ghalib. It also demanded that they receive adequate medical care and an end to politically motivated prosecutions and trials.

The union stressed the necessity of strengthening judicial independence, ensuring it is not used as a tool to pressure journalists, and improving their economic and professional conditions, primarily through the consistent payment of salaries. It also advocated for the establishment of a media environment based on pluralism and independence, free from political polarization.

The union appealed to the international community to support press freedom in Yemen and exert pressure to protect journalists. It believes that rescuing journalism in Yemen requires a comprehensive vision integrating local and international efforts, prioritizing freedom of expression, and placing the dignity and safety of journalists at the forefront.

The union reiterated its commitment to defending journalists' rights and working towards a free, responsible, and safe media environment.