A practical, verified resource hub for journalists forced into exile
Journalists forced to flee their countries face layered challenges: immediate safety risks, legal uncertainty, loss of income, professional isolation, and long-term psychological strain. This interactive directory brings together trusted global organizations, networks, and tools offering emergency aid, relocation support, legal assistance, funding, mental health resources, and professional continuity for exiled journalists.
How to use this directory: Browse by support type, region, or urgency. Most organizations listed accept confidential requests directly from journalists.
Emergency & Relocation Support
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Scope: Global
Type of support: Emergency aid, relocation, visas, legal & medical assistance, financial support
RSF operates one of the largest emergency assistance mechanisms for journalists at risk or already in exile.
Key services:
- Emergency relocation and evacuation support
- Visa and administrative assistance
- Legal, medical, and financial aid
- Support to continue journalistic work in exile
🔗 Assistance Desk: https://rsf.org/en/support-exile-journalists
Reporters Respond – Free Press Unlimited
Scope: Global
Type of support: Rapid emergency response, safety equipment, legal & psychosocial aid
Designed for urgent situations where journalists face imminent threats before or during exile.
Key services:
- Emergency grants
- Legal and safety assistance
- Psychological support
- Protective equipment
🔗 Program page: https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/projects/reporters-respond-emergency-and-legal-support
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Scope: Europe
Type of support: Shelter, legal aid, financial & psychological support
ECPMF focuses on journalists under threat in Europe and those seeking refuge within Council of Europe member states.
Key services:
- Journalists in Exile Programme
- Temporary shelter and relocation
- Legal and safety consultations
- Mental health support
🔗 Support hub: https://www.ecpmf.eu/support
Coordinated Global Networks
Journalists in Distress (JiD) Network
Scope: Global
Type of support: Referral & coordination network
JiD connects journalists in danger to a trusted network of press freedom organizations.
Why it matters:
- Prevents duplication of aid
- Speeds up access to the right organization
- Covers emergency, legal, medical, and relocation needs
🔗 Network access: https://www.journalistsindistress.org
International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN)
Scope: Global (city based)
Type of support: Safe haven & residency programs based)‑based)
ICORN provides temporary refuge for persecuted journalists, writers, and artists through host cities worldwide.
Key services:
- Safe residency programs
- Local integration support
- Long‑term safety and stability
🔗 Learn more: https://www.icorn.org
Support for Exiled Media & Newsrooms
JX Fund – European Fund for Journalism in Exile
Scope: Global (Europe based operations)
Type of support: Financial grants, legal aid, organizational development based operations)
JX Fund supports exiled journalists and media outlets rebuilding their work abroad.
Key services:
- Start‑up and operational funding
- Legal and arrival support
- Peer networking and mentorship
- Psychological support pathways
🔗 Programs & network: https://jx-fund.org
Network of Exiled Media Outlets (NEMO)
Scope: Global
Type of support: Peer-to-peer collaboration & advocacy
A journalist led network strengthening collaboration between exiled newsrooms.
Key resources:
- Exiled Media Toolkit
- Operational and sustainability guidance
- Collective advocacy and visibility
🔗 Network hub: https://www.exiled.media
Toolkits, Training & Professional Resources
International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) – Exiled Media Toolkit
Scope: Global
Type of support: Practical guides, training & sustainability tools
A comprehensive toolkit for journalists and media outlets operating in exile.
Includes:
- Exiled Media 101 (starting over in exile)
- Fundraising and sustainability guidance
- Network building strategies‑building strategies
- Mental health resources
🔗 Toolkit access: https://ijnet.org/en/toolkit/exiled-media
Freelance‑Focused Support
Rory Peck Trust
Scope: Global
Type of support: Emergency grants & welfare support for freelancers
Supports freelance journalists and their families facing crisis, injury, or forced displacement.
Key services:
- Emergency financial assistance
- Therapy and rehabilitation funding
- Family support
🔗 Trust website: https://rorypecktrust.org
Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources
Exile often comes with trauma, isolation, and chronic stress. Several organizations above provide referrals, but additional resources include:
- IJNet mental health guides for exiled journalists
- Peer‑support models within JX Fund and NEMO
- Psychosocial aid through RSF and Free Press Unlimited
Seeking psychological support is not a weakness; it is a survival strategy.
Need Immediate Help?
If you are a journalist in danger or already in exile:
- Document the threat (dates, actors, evidence)
- Contact an emergency support organization (RSF, Reporters Respond, JiD)
- Seek legal and psychosocial support early
- Connect with peer networks to avoid isolation
Free Press Alliance maintains this directory as a living resource. Organizations and links are verified, but availability may change. Journalists are encouraged to reach out confidentially and directly.