Reporters Without Borders reinforces its safety provisions for journalists

Two years after UNESCO’s Medellin Declaration, which reaffirmed UN Security Council resolution 1738 on the obligation to protect journalists in war zones, violence against journalists continues to be one of the biggest threats to freedom of expression. A total of 60 journalists were murdered and 29 were kidnapped in 2008. More than 1,500 were arrested, threatened or physically attacked in connection with their work. The war in Iraq, which has caused the death of more than 200 journalists and media workers, is the most dramatic example. Aware that press freedom needs a minimum of security to develop, Reporters Without Borders wants to help journalists achieve the right to work in an environment free of threats and violence. It is therefore stepping up its safety provisions for journalists working in dangerous areas. As well as preventive measures such as training and the provision of appropriate equipment and insurance, Reporters Without Borders is offering journalists the possibility of immediate help in cases of danger. Contact Reporters Without Borders at any time via the Press SOS hotline Journalists, who provide us with news and information despite the risks involved, must have access to a special assistance and support mechanism. With the help of American Express, which has made its local operators and partners available, the Reporters Without Borders staff can be contacted immediately by any journalist in difficulty. By dialling the Press SOS hotline number (+33-1-4777-7414) or going to any local American Express agency, journalists in danger can quickly reach a Reporters Without Borders representative, who will give them advice and contacts, alert local authorities or consulates or take other initiatives required by the situation. Preparation and information Appropriate preparation and information about the ways to deal with the dangers in war zones or areas of tension are likely to limit the risks that journalists run. The information offered in the Handbook for Journalists, drafted by Reporters Without Borders in partnership with UNESCO, and the practical training offered by the French defence ministry’s department of information and communication (DICOD) are vital tools for anyone going to report in a dangerous area for the first time. Provision of adequate equipment Reporters Without Borders also lends reliable safety equipment (bulletproof jackets and helmets), communication equipment (distress beacons) and first-aid kits as a free service to journalists. _ _ Special-rate insurance that is easy to sign up for Too many freelance journalists still set off on reporting trips abroad without taking out insurance. Such risky behaviour is due to the lack of information, high premiums and the complicated formalities often required. In partnership with the Audiens group, Reporters Without Borders offers insurance and assistance covering illness, repatriation, disability and death. It is easy and quick to sign up, and the special rates negotiated by Reporters Without Borders should encourage freelance journalists to take out protection before each trip. Psychological support The safety of journalists in war zones is not limited to protecting their physical well-being. Reporters Without Borders has found that some journalists suffer post-traumatic psychological injury after working in hostile areas or covering traumatic events. Under pressure from their news organisations when they return or because of the need to get on with other work, they often just try to forget what they saw or experienced or let a wall of silence build around it. But the tragedies they witnessed or directly suffered remain engraved in their memory. In cooperation with experienced war reporters, Reporters Without Borders informs journalists about the detection of post-mission trauma and steers them towards professionals who can help them. Reporters Without Borders has adopted these provisions in the hope of minimising the risks taken by journalists in dangerous areas and to show support and respect for those who do not hesitate to expose themselves to danger, including mortal danger, to provide us with reliable and independent news reporting.