08 Informed


News Update


Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain. In June, the IFJ called on the Gulf Cooperation Council member states to stop using journalists as “political footballs”.


Jim Boumelha, IFJ treasurer, closed the Audience members challenged the speakers throughout


Qatar rights demanded as Al Jazeera wins support


Trade union rights were firmly on the agenda of an international conference about freedom of expression hosted by Qatar’s National Human Rights Commitee, in association with the International Federation of Journalists and the International Press Institute in Doha in July. Tim Dawson, NUJ president, and


News in brief


Finances ‘steady as we go’ Honorary general treasurer John Barsby reported that the union’s finances were operating on a “steady as we go” basis, and that although costs had arisen because of the change of address, the need for temporary accommodation during the refurbishment and other outgoings, savings and underspends elsewhere resulted in a


Séamus Dooley, acting general secretary, led the union delegation and called for global employment rights in Qatar, a country where trade unions are illegal. Te union also pledged unambiguous support for Al Jazeera in the face of a hostile campaign against the news organisation waged by Saudi


event with a robust declaration which included recommendations on trade union rights, freedom of expression and adherence to International Labour Organisation conventions. Te NUJ had been wary of accepting the invitation to Doha, so Séamus Dooley took on the task of drawing atention to Qatar’s record on human rights, especially its treatment of women, trade union and minority rights. He told Dr Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri, chairman of the country’s human rights commitee, that Qatar was correct to support Al Jazeera, but could not be selective when supporting human rights.


www.if.org/nc/news- single-view/backpid/1/ article/doha-conference- calls-for-media-freedom-


Read More ☞ and-workers-rights/


Michael Hodgkin and Brian Ging, from the Al Jazeera London chapel, brought solidarity greetings from colleagues to the conference. Te NUJ also had a private meeting with Al Jazeera’s acting director- general, Mostefa Souag, and called for progress in pay and conditions at Al Jazeera UK.


net surplus of £242,000, against a budgeted surplus of £68,000. Membership continues at a similar level to the past financial year with slightly more joiners than leavers since the change to income-related subs in October last year.


Headland House for hire Headland House, the NUJ’s refurbished London headquarters, has a range of meetings rooms at competitive


rates and a modern venue for holding events. Te Chapel bar is idea for taking refreshments and networking. For more details of prices and what is on offer email Laura Fagan at lauraf@nuj.org.uk


Murdoch made to wait Karen Bradley, Culture Secretary, told Parliament that she was “still minded” to refer the bid by Murdoch controlled 21st Century Fox for the takeover of Sky


to the Competition and Markets Authority. She told MPs she still had concerns about the amount of control the deal would give Mr Murdoch over the UK media industry. Ofcom has already cleared the bid in terms of broadcasting standards. Te NUJ has opposed the bid on the grounds of media plurality and the fitness of the Murdochs to take over Sky following the reports of sexual harassment at Fox.


Tim Dawson


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