Conflicts and Hostile Environments
Everything you ever wanted to know about working in hostile environments.
Journalism Safety Videos
Advice and information in simple videos from around the web, from safety to ethics.
"No set of principles, no training course, and no handbook can guarantee any journalist’s safety." -Committee to Protect Journalists
The Demotix training site is here as a helpful gateway guide. Photojournalists and reporters at any level can be hurt and killed during their work, and so safety, common sense and preparedness is key.
The Geneva conventions is ignored by some countries, soldiers can become angry, a government official may be prejudice towards you, and it’s common for people not to see buried mines.
Due to the boundaries of journalists covering conflicts while intensifying the competitive pressures, it can push them to take unwarranted risks.
Indeed, as we worked with editors, reporters, and others to compile this guide, we heard frequent concerns that some journalists might gain a false sense of security from training courses or safety manuals. Safety for yourself and others around you is extremely important for working in hostile environments.
- You are at your most vulnerable during movement.
- Stay alert whilst moving - look for changes in your threat environment.
- Always have an escape route and contingency plans.
Here is some of what our partners, friends and companies in this field have said about being safe.
"Journalists around the world are being targeted as never before - by corrupt political and business leaders and criminals of all kinds who want to shield their dirty secrets from exposure. War is always dangerous for reporters but most journalist casualties now occur in peacetime in their own countries - and the killers are rarely brought to justice. Impunity means murder becomes a cheap and relatively risk-free form of censorship in many countries. Journalists more than ever need to know how to look after themselves - nobody else will - and INSI is dedicated to helping them."
"The Frontline Club is the London hub for a diverse group of people united by their passion for the best quality journalism. It is home to over 200 talks and screenings a year. With our elegant restaurant serving the best of British cuisine and our members' bar, Frontline is a unique place to discuss, debate and be inspired."
"The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1981. We promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. "
"Freelancers will always be at to be at the forefront of news coverage. As journalists, filmmakers, photojournalists and fixers, they bring their unique eye to events, unearthing stories and supplying pictures to the world's media. But many work without the benefit of safety training, insurance, security or organisational support, which makes them extremely vulnerable. As the world becomes increasingly dangerous for newsgatherers, freelancers need know how to protect themselves - and their families - The Rory Peck Trust can help."
"IWPR gives voice to people at the frontlines of conflict, crisis and change. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, IWPR helps people in the world's most challenging environments have the information they need to drive positive changes in their lives."