Fondation Hirondelle (Hirondelle Foundation)
ABOUT
WHO THEY ARE
Fondation Hirondelle is a Swiss non-profit organization which provides information to populations faced with crisis, empowering them in their daily lives and as citizens. Founded in 1995 and based in Lausanne, Fondation Hirondelle is currently active in 8 countries on 3 continents.
Through their work, millions of people in war-affected countries, post-conflict areas, humanitarian crises, and societies in democratic transition have access to media that speak to them and give them a voice.
THEIR VISION
Independent, credible and impartial information that is close to its audience contributes to ending conflict and building more peaceful societies. Access to this type of information, which is recognized under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights helps:
A population to make informed decisions
Restore trust between different components of society
Fight against entrenched ideas that fuel conflict
Give a voice to marginalized communities
Promote dialogue
Contribute to the inclusive development of societies
THEIR APPROACH
Fondation Hirondelle practices and defends responsible, independent, accurate journalism in conflict and post-conflict situations, in humanitarian crises and countries in democratic transition. Their information covers the news in the countries and regions where they work, as well as key issues that connect societies.
Their debate programs bring together all political and social components of society. They facilitate the participation of ordinary people in public debate, and create a platform where everyone has a voice and people can seek common solutions to problems.
THEIR PRINCIPLES
Journalism based on the verification of information, diversity of sources, a strict distinction between facts and comments
Journalism that is aware of its social function, and close to its public
The application of charters and codes founded in their values: independence, honesty, diversity, dignity
The promotion of dialogue
Anchoring their actions within local communities
Transfer of skills and sustainable development strategies
THEIR VALUES
INDEPENDENCE
Guaranty absolute impartiality in the face of political and economic powers, to ensure the credibility of their information among the beneficiary populations
HONESTY
Report the facts as meticulously as possible, avoid editorial subjectivity, manage their relationships with their partners and donors in a frank and transparent way
DIVERSITY
Respect the culture of the context in which they work, in a spirit of tolerance. They broadcast in the languages of the populations they serve, working together with people of different cultural origins
DIGNITY
Putting human beings at the center of their concerns, establishing actions in line with their belief in universal human values, always paying attention to the most underprivileged, victims, and marginalized populations to help them be heard and respected
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