The Hirondelle press agency is a branch of Hirondelle Foundation, an organization of journalists which sets up and operates media services in crisis areas.

In 2006 more than 1500 dispatches were produced in English, French, Kiswahili and Kyniarwanda. Radio Audios productions are posted on the website or transmitted to national or international radio stations. The foundation wants to collaborate to the development of tolerant and democratic societies and contribute to creating a responsible, civic minded exchange of opinions within the public.

For us, justice is one of the precondition for reconciliation. Women and men living in areas of crisis have an increased need and right to impartial and independent information.

Since its establishment in 1995, besides the press agency created in 1997, Hirondelle Foundation has established radios in Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Congo as well as in Kosovo and Timor.

“Hirondelle News Agency has followed closely the daily activities of the Tribunal for several years and is now also reporting on the implementation of the ICTR Completion Strategy. The reports by Hirondelle have contributed significantly to increased knowledge about the judicial proceedings in Arusha. It is essential that the world at large receives accurate information about the daily work in the courtrooms and equally important that frequent press reports are conveyed to the Great Lakes Region. Through its reports, the News Agency has shown its professionalism, reliability and integrity. This project deserves support from the international community because of its important role in the dissemination of information about international criminal justice.”