Project profile — Activating Russian and Belarusian independent journalists to combat information manipulation

This project aims to build capacity of independent Russian and Belarusian journalists to recognize and combat information manipulation and, to adopt a human rights-focussed reporting style, leading to increased and improved fact-based reporting circulating in Russian and Belarusian exile circles, and more relatable content for audiences to better understand the human rights impacts of the conflict and reduce their susceptibility to mis and disinformation. Project activities include: (1) providing trainings on personal safety and cybersecurity, human rights and gender-sensitive reporting, media business development, and countering information manipulation; (2) providing grants to support production of investigative media content on human rights and information manipulation; 3) facilitating networking and convening for independent journalists; (4) developing mental health and well-being supports for journalists and activists affected by transnational repression; and (5) supporting media innovation and business strategy initiatives through selection committees, calls for applications, and financial contributions.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) Improved media coverage by independent Russian and Belarusian journalists directed at Russian and Belarusian audiences about human rights, with a specific focus on women’s rights and LGBTQI+ rights, the war in Ukraine, countering information manipulation, regime domestic and transnational repression, and Russian and Belarusian pro-democracy opposition activists; (2) Improved performance of Russian and Belarusian audiences at recognizing and affirming human rights, especially women’s rights and LGBTQI+ rights issues, corruption and repression in Russia, Belarus, and abroad, and the war against Ukraine; (3) Improved financial and organizational sustainability practices for media organizations.

Results achieved as of August 31, 2025 include: (1) supported the production of 1,197 media stories on human rights, women's rights the war in Ukraine and the democratic opposition in Russia and Belarus, reaching over 140 million people; (2) 92% of participating journalists reported improved capacity to produce accurate human rights-based stories, especially on women’s rights, in Russia, Belarus, on the war in Ukraine and countering information manipulation.