PARIS / PNN/

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, represented by its president Nasser Abu Bakr, has been elected first vice president of the International Federation of Journalists during the organization’s world congress held in Paris, with broad participation from media unions and associations worldwide.

The election is seen as the culmination of efforts by the Palestinian delegation at the المؤتمر, which featured extensive discussions on the conditions of journalists in conflict zones, ways to strengthen international protection for media workers, as well as issues related to press freedom and global trade union solidarity.

The win has been widely viewed as a symbolic victory reflecting the sacrifices of Palestinian journalists and a clear message of support from journalists worldwide, particularly amid the significant risks faced by reporters in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank while carrying out their work.

Abu Bakr said the election reflects renewed international confidence in the role of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and strengthens its presence within global union frameworks, despite the challenges and violations faced by Palestinian journalists.

He added that the position will help amplify the voices of Palestinian journalists on the international stage and contribute to increased pressure to ensure their protection and accountability for violations against them, especially amid rising targeting of journalists in the Palestinian territories.

The congress also elected a new leadership for the federation and adopted a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening journalists’ rights, improving working conditions, and addressing challenges related to digital transformation and the spread of misinformation.

The Palestinian delegation included members of the syndicate’s administrative council and general secretariat: Bilal Ghith Kaswani, Ayman Al-Noubani, Yousef Habash, Rima Al-Amleh, and Wissam Yassin.

The International Federation of Journalists is one of the world’s largest trade union organizations, representing hundreds of thousands of journalists through national unions and associations in more than 140 countries, and plays a key role in defending press freedom and journalists’ rights globally.

The election comes amid growing Palestinian engagement in international institutions and ongoing efforts to strengthen representation in global professional bodies in support of journalists’ rights and press freedom.