About IMS

IMS supports local media in countries affected by armed conflict, human insecurity and political transition.

IMS was established in 2001 in the wake of the tragic events in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. In the 1990s, these and other conflicts saw media being manipulated and used as a tool to fuel violent conflict. IMS was set up in response to this trend with aim to helping local media working in conflict-affected areas to remain operative and professional.

Today, IMS activities cover three thematic areas of engagement. In addition to media and conflict, IMS is engaged in media and democracy activities in countries in transition in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and in media and dialogue activities mainly covering the Arab world and Iran.

IMS is committed to Freedom of Expression, and the work of IMS adheres to recognised international human rights and Freedom of Expression standards endorsed by the international community including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, various UN Security Council Resolutions as well as the UNESCO Windhoek Declaration which defines the international principles for independent and pluralistic media.

IMS firmly believes that it must undertake its work in a cooperative and collaborative manner. On this there can be no compromise. Coordination with existing local and international initiatives is key. So is the collaboration with specialised international, regional and local media organisations and institutions as a necessary means to achieve impact.

In certain situations, IMS provides a function as gap-filler, addressing needs that are not being met by anyone else. We seek to act flexibly and rapidly to be able to offer assistance when and where help is most needed.

It is key for IMS to provide a catalyst function drawing on specialised national as well as international media development actors to ensure sustainability.

IMS is a result-orientated organisation. At the operative level, IMS seeks to take action rapidly and to play a constructive role before, during and after conflicts.

Download PDF version of IMS folder