The International News Safety Institute has published a report detailing threats to media workers and measures that are in place to protect them.
The safety guide, called ‘Journalism Safety: Threats to Media Workers and Measures to Protect Them’, looks at examples of best practice in the protection of journalists by national authorities, civil society organisations and media professionals in different countries around the world. Incentives include training programmes, hotlines for journalists in distress, safe houses and awareness raising campaigns in several countries including Nepal, Iraq, Pakistan and South Sudan, where the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is being implemented.
The UN Plan of Action aims to create a free and safe environment for newsmen and women in both conflict and non-conflict situations.
“Across the world countless numbers of our colleagues are facing dangers and living in fear simply for doing their jobs. This publication provides an important look at what is being done to help them, where it is being done and by whom. We’re honoured to have had the opportunity to make a start in mapping the vital work that is aimed at helping journalists stay safe and help those who have been affected rebuild their lives,” said Hannah Storm, Director of INSI.
“But this is just the start. We call on governments and the international community to work together better to end the scourge that affects our colleagues and guarantee their safety, knowing that without that their can be no press freedom.”
The 78 page study outlines risks to journalists around the globe and provides practical information about the measures with are in place to protect them, with the aim of determining why some measures are more effective than others, so that other organisations can put more efficient safety mechanisms in place.
The report was funded by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).
INSI would like to thank the individuals and organisations who supported and contributed to this project.