Safe House
Background
The Fojo Safe House is funded under Sweden’s Special Initiative for Democratisation and Freedom of Expression and aims to offer journalists under severe, and acute, threat shelter for a shorter period. The Safe House is initially funded for 18 months, July 2010 - December 2011, and has resources to welcome maximum 18 journalists during the period.
Who can apply?
Working journalists under severe and acute threat, related to their profession.
What does the Safe House offer?
• An interim solution to address a severe and acute threat to a journalist’s life
• Maximum three months stay at Fojo’s Guest House, Kalmar, Sweden
• A possibility to document and reflect on the environment that instigated the threat
• A possibility to catch breath in a secluded and secure environment
• Limited medical and psychological support
• A possibility to interact with Swedish and international journalist colleagues
• A possibility to plan a long-term solution to the acute threat that led to the Safe House
• A possibility to be a guest lecturer at the Linnaeus University and Fojo Media Institute
• A possibility to follow lectures and seminars at the Linnaeus University and Fojo Media Institute
• A possibility to further develop journalistic skills through interaction with Swedish media houses
• A limited per diem covering meals during the stay
• An international network of press freedom organisations that could support long-term solutions for the journalist
What the Safe House does not offer
• The Safe House is not open to family members, but to the individual journalist only
• Degree courses in Journalism or other subjects are not offered by Fojo or the Linnaeus University
• The Safe House does not offer a long-term solution for journalists under threat
• Asylum support. The Fojo Safe House is not the first step to an asylum process in Sweden or the EC. The Fojo Media Institute has no authority or influence with government organisations and must abide by Swedish laws and regulations.
• Travel to and from Kalmar, Sweden, is not covered. Funding for this has to be secured from other sources.
How to apply?
Applicants should fill in the designated application form (available at www.fojo.se), either by hand or in the electronic form. The application form should be sent directly to the Fojo Media Institute or be handed over to a Swedish Embassy in the country of residence.
The selection process
After receiving the application Fojo Media Institute will verify the facts with the support of references given, Swedish Embassy staff and other international and national press freedom organisations. If the case is in line with the Safe House policy, and the Safe House has space, Fojo will continue the discussions with the applicant in close cooperation with the relevant Swedish Embassy.
The final decision on relevance of the applicant rests with the Swedish Foreign Ministry and Sida, i.e. with the Swedish Embassy that also handles the visa process.
After being selected
If the applicant is selected an individual travel plan will be agreed, aiming at a quick and safe exit from the threatening environment. Once at the Fojo Safe House an individual plan for the stay will be drafted with the support of Fojo staff.