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Examining the Safety of Journalists in Benue State, Nigeria

Paul Aondover Igbashangev, Oliver Ayangeaor, Ahangba Andrew Akpam

[author] (2024), 16 pp.

"Journalists play a crucial role in disseminating information and ensuring transparency in society. However, in many regions around the world, journalists face significant risks and threats to their safety, hindering their ability to fulfill their professional duties effectively. This article focuse ... more

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RSF and 547 Community radios call for the protection and support of community radio stations in the Sahel

Paris: Reporters Sans Frontières (2024), 34 pp.

"We, the signatories of the appeal for the protection and support of community radio stations in the Sahel [...] call on the political authorities of the Sahel countries to combat impunity for crimes committed against community radio journalists by systematically opening investigations to ensure tha ... more

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"Watch out Because We're Coming for You": Transnational Repression of Iranian Journalists in the UK

Fiona O'Brien

Paris: Reporters Without Borders (2024), 27 pp.

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Safety Resources
Key Guides

Acos Alliance (2024)

"Our resources include a curated selection of the most practical safety guides from ACOS signatories and partners, alongside specially-designed tools and templates for journalists, editors and newsrooms." (https://www.acosalliance.org/resources)

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Google Scholar (88)

WorldCat (83)

Safety, reactions, and organizational support: Estonian journalists' experiences with hostility

Ivask Signe

In: Global Journalism in Comparative Perspective: Case Studies

Dhiman Chattopadhyay (ed.)

London; New York: Routledge (2024), pp. 40-52

"This chapter concludes multiyear research on journalists’ safety and well-being in Estonia and focuses on summarizing journalist experiences with and reactions to hostility. In addition to categorizing and describing the problems, the chapter also provides insight into what journalists expect fro ... more

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Safety of women journalists

International Media Support (IMS) (2024), 6 pp.

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Press and planet in danger: Safety of environmental journalists – trends, challenges and recommendations

Kristjan Burgess, John-Bosco Maylga, Nadia Anna Mandl

Paris: UNESCO (2024), 18 pp.

"At least 749 journalists, groups of journalists, and news media outlets reporting on environmental issues have been attacked in 89 countries between 2009 and 2023, in all regions of the world. Over 300 attacks occurred in the past five years, marking a 42% increase from the preceding five-year peri ... more

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Safety policy: Creating a safe working environment for journalists

Amsterdam: Free Press Unlimited (2024), 13 pp.

"In the next five years, Free Press Unlimited will work towards the following five goals to enhance the safety of media professionals: 1. Media professionals supported by Free Press Unlimited programmes are able to deal effectively with interference and threats at a physical, digital, legal and psy ... more

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Protection mechanisms in Latin America: How to strengthen the fragile shield protecting journalists

Paris: Reporters Without Borders (2024), 13 pp.

"Ensuring a safe environment for journalists continues to be a major challenge for Latin America’s democracies. At least 338 journalists have been killed in the region since 2000. These deaths have been compounded by waves of harassment, arbitrary arrests and judicial persecution, which have force ... d journalists to flee abroad. Due to this systemic violence, protection mechanisms are urgently needed. These statesector programmes aim to protect individuals who are exposed to risks because of their journalistic work or because they combat corruption, organised crime, and abuses carried out by authorities. These initiatives are often launched in response to pressure from civil society and international organisations. In the past ten years, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and Honduras all established such mechanisms. More recently, Ecuador and Peru launched protection initiatives in response to increased attacks. After several administrations that were hostile towards the media, Guatemala is now also trying to implement a protection policy, while draft laws are being discussed in Chile and Paraguay. Despite national differences, these mechanisms are built around common missions: assessing risks, determining appropriate measures and implementing protection plans for those under state protection. The methods used can take various forms, ranging from regular police patrols and emergency communication channels with law enforcement to enhanced protection measures such as bodyguards, armoured vehicles, bulletproof vests, surveillance cameras, and even relocation to safer places in the most serious situations. With support from UNESCO, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has worked to strengthen these mechanisms since 2021. In 2022, RSF published a report entitled “Protection paradigm: making protection mechanisms work for Latin American journalists” on Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and Honduras. Now, this report focuses on the initiatives emerging in Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Peru. Through this report, RSF reaffirms its commitment — together with civil society and authorities — to establishing concrete responses to the threats against journalists. The number of protection mechanisms are growing, but their efficacy varies considerably and depends on an integrated approach involving various actors in order to prevent violence and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Many programmes are cruelly lacking in resources and can offer only limited state support, meaning they often fail to react to threats or prosecute attackers." (Foreword, page 3) more

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Freedom of Afghan Media: Challenges facing Afghan journalists in Afghanistan and abroad

Mujtaba Haris

Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) (2024), 38 pp.

"Erosion of Media Freedom in Afghanistan: Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, media freedom in Afghanistan has drastically declined. Over half of the country's media outlets have closed, leading to widespread unemployment among journalists. The Taliban's media policies enforce strict ce ... nsorship, resulting in self-censorship and threats to journalists still working. As one journalist in Kabul said, "The media in Afghanistan is dead; we were forced out of our jobs, and those who remain face daily threats." Severe Content Censorship: The Taliban has imposed strict regulations on media content, banning any reports that contradict their interpretation of Islamic values or Afghan national interests. As a result, 95% of journalists surveyed in Afghanistan reported facing restrictions when attempting to document and broadcast their work. "We are no longer allowed to report on incidents involving the Taliban, especially when it comes to conflicts within their ranks," shared a journalist from Badakhshan. Gender-Based Discrimination and Exclusion: Female journalists have been systematically targeted, leading many to leave the profession. Women working in the media are subjected to strict limitations, such as being required to cover their faces while on air and being denied opportunities to work. This has effectively silenced female voices in Afghan media. Arbitrary Detention and Physical Abuse: The Taliban have used arbitrary detention and physical abuse as tools to suppress independent journalism. Journalists are often detained without charge, held in poor conditions, and subjected to physical abuse. "Many of us live in fear of being arrested without cause," said one journalist who had been detained. The report found that 73% of detained journalists reported experiencing physical abuse during their detention. Self-Censorship as a Survival Tactic: The pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation has led to widespread self-censorship among journalists, both within Afghanistan and in exile. This has resulted in a homogenized media landscape, with many journalists avoiding sensitive topics to protect themselves from potential repercussions. A journalist in Afghanistan said, "Many of us live in fear of being arrested without cause." (Key findings, page 6) more

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Press Freedom Under Siege: Women Journalists in Mexico

Lucía Elisa Miguel Osorio, María José de Icaza

Potsdam: Friedrich Naumann Foundation; Article 19 (2024), 15 pp.

"The abuse and harassment against women journalists has become increasingly frequent and more coordinated in Mexico. As demonstrated throughout this study, it aims to threaten, silence, and stigmatize women journalists, with the potential to keep them out of public spaces. Despite the importance of ... more

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Dealing with the Black Box: European Journalists and the Threats of Spyware

Philip Di Salvo

Digital Journalism (2024), 20 pp.

"Revelations from the 2021 “Pegasus Project” investigation into the use of spyware have confirmed long-held concerns about the proliferation of the technology as a surveillance solution to monitor the activities of journalists around the world. Spyware is a particularly malicious form of malware ... more

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Between Shadows and Stories: Navigating the Journey of Afghan Journalists, from Aug. 15, 2021 to Aug. 15, 2023

Afghanistan's National Journalists Union (2023), 17 pp.

"The Afghan media landscape stands at a crossroads, navigating a landscape rife with challenges and uncertainties in the wake of the Taliban's resurgence. The post-Taliban era, marked by a thriving media sector with 160 television channels, 311 radio stations, 90 print newspapers, and 26 news agenci ... es, has witnessed a drastic transformation. The current media landscape, with 70 television channels, 211 radio stations, 11 print newspapers, and 9 news agencies, reflects a significant decline in numbers and diversity. Under the de facto rule of the Taliban, the media sector has encountered substantial constraints. Censorship and self-censorship have become rampant, with journalists and media outlets navigating the perilous territory of permissible content. Threats, intimidation, and violence against media professionals have created an atmosphere of fear, leading to an exodus of skilled journalists. Investigative journalism, once a cornerstone of accountability, has been stifled, and access to unbiased information has dwindled, leaving citizens ill-informed. The closure of media outlets has far-reaching implications, including restricted information flow, suppressed free speech, and diminished content diversity. The narrative has further fragmented between Kabul and the provinces, where media freedom varies significantly. Female journalists remain conspicuously absent in many regions, underscoring the entrenched gender disparity in the field. International media outlets, under surveillance and restraints, grapple with maintaining their operations and integrity in an increasingly controlled environment. Social media, once a platform for open dialogue, faces censorship and restrictions, hampering the exchange of ideas. As Afghanistan's media landscape evolves, the absence of comprehensive legal frameworks has exacerbated challenges. The suspension of the Mass Media Law and the Access to Information Law during the transitional phase has left media professionals in a legal gray area. The need for inclusive consultations with media stakeholders to shape these laws cannot be overstated. In this complex milieu, it is evident that safeguarding the media's role as a communication bridge between the government and the people is paramount. Collaborative efforts between the Islamic Emirate, the international community, and media support organizations are essential to prevent the collapse of Afghanistan's media landscape." (Conclusion, pages 16-17) more

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Presiones económicas: El principal factor de riesgo para la independencia del periodismo

Bogotá: Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP); Cifras & Conceptos (2023), 13 pp.

"La Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP), el Círculo de Periodistas de Bogotá y Cifras & Conceptos presentan los resultados de la "Encuesta de Libertad de Expresión y Acceso a la Información". En la encuesta participaron 585 periodistas y columnistas en 6 regiones del país y 9 de ellos ... more

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Annual Report: Journalists Safety and Media Freedom in Somalia, June 2022 -2023

Mogadishu: Somali Mechanism for Safety of Journalists (SMSJ) (2023), 31 pp.

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Blurred Boundaries of Journalism to Guarantee Safety: Approaches of Resistance and Resilience for Investigative Journalism in Latin America

Lucia Mesquita, Mathias Felipe de Lima Santos

Journalism Studies, volume 24, issue 7 (2023), pp. 916-935

"News organizations and journalists around the world have seen an increase in threats and attacks against themselves and their work. In Latin America, this is heightened by the ongoing state of violence. To continue producing quality investigative journalism, professionals must find ways to deal wit ... more

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Inspiring the Next Generation of Independent Media in Pakistan. Final Evaluation Report

Saeed Ullah Khan, Mahe Nau Haider, Tehreem Tussaud, Zara Naveed, Aaftab Ullah et al.

Search for Common Ground; GLOW Consultants (2023), 34 + xiii pp. (annexes)

"The project design, interventions, and targeting in the two provinces of Pakistan aligned with the challenging context, especially in high-risk border districts with Afghanistan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where conflict dynamics and security challenges are prevalent, the project is hig ... hly relevant. It offers a platform for youth and women journalists to report on conflict-related issues, enriching public discourse. The evolving media landscape in these regions, marked by increased demand for diverse voices, makes the project's empowerment of underrepresented groups crucial. Focusing on youth and women journalists, the project provides training, resources, and support tailored to their unique needs. It prioritizes inclusivity by considering gender and ethnic diversity, contributing to a pluralistic media landscape. By empowering these journalists to report on conflict and peacebuilding, the project aligns with the region's needs and furthers local perspectives on peace solutions. The project's effectiveness can be assessed in terms of its objectives, capacity-building impact, promotion of conflict-sensitive journalism, and fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for women journalists. This effectiveness was maintained despite a shift in implementation modality and a no-cost extension. Training and mentorship led to improved skills and balanced reporting on conflict-related issues, fulfilling the primary objective of responsible journalism. The project enhanced the capacity of press clubs, journalists, and universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, fostering openness and collaboration. By incorporating conflict-sensitive journalism into curricula, the project enriched journalism education and training. The project cultivated ethical reporting, sensitivity to local contexts, and diverse perspectives, contributing to understanding and peace. It empowered women journalists to work safely and independently, gaining industry support and increasing their professional capabilities. Intermediate impact assessments highlight the positive influence on the professional lives of women and youth journalists, their prominent roles in the media, and the integration of conflict sensitivity in journalism practices in target regions. The project improved job prospects, self-confidence, and balanced reporting for many participants. It promoted the active participation of youth and women in the media sector, breaking gender and age barriers. Journalists adopted a more responsible approach to conflict-related reporting, showing increased awareness of their impact on tensions. The project fostered a supportive community of practice, encouraged discussion on the media's role in peace-building, and addressed potential risks faced by women journalists. To ensure project sustainability, capacity-building, mentorship, and stakeholder engagement are prioritized. Skills and knowledge are imparted to journalists, press club members, and faculty to continue promoting conflict-sensitive journalism. Mentorship relationships will persist, with experienced journalists guiding emerging talents. Local partners, universities, press clubs, and media houses have embraced the project's initiatives, ensuring their longevity. Universities have incorporated conflict-sensitive journalism into curricula, and press clubs provide enduring platforms for collaboration and professional growth. Government support for ethical journalism and inclusivity indicates a long-term commitment to the project's principles and objectives." (Conclusions, page 32) more

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Human Rights in the Context of Protests for Journalists

Geneva: United Nations, Office of the High Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) (2023), 7 pp.

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Global Media Defence Fund

Paris: UNESCO (2023), 11 pp.

"The Global Media Defence Fund (“the Fund”) is a UNESCO Multi-Partner Trust Fund/Programme developed with the goal of enhancing media protection and improving the access of journalists to specialized and gender-sensitive legal assistance. Administered by UNESCO, the Fund was established thanks t ... more

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Google Scholar (80)

WorldCat (78)

Better Safe Than Sorry

Jaron Murphy

In: Challenges and New Directions in Journalism Education

Karen Fowler-Watt (ed.)

London; New York: Routledge (2023), 15 pp.

"Firstly, this chapter provides an overview of the generally dreadful state of press freedom worldwide, with online and physical attacks on journalists commonplace. In doing so, it surveys research data from leading international organisations advocating for journalism safety, which collectively ill ... more

Safety Resources Key Guides

Safety Resources
Key Guides