Safety Handbook for Journalists

Introduction

The safety of journalists is our priority. Without safe and decent working conditions, journalists cannot seek for truth. However, journalists have been facing increasing violence and hostility in recent years with a significant number of journalists having been attacked and even killed. Together with media safety experts, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has produced this safety handbook aiming to provide journalists with essential information and practical guidance to help them stay safe while doing their jobs. This handbook covers a wide range of topics, including risk assessment, covering protests and conflict zones, digital security, etc. It contains a compilation of recommendations from experienced media experts for journalists on how to prepare, assess and plan for conflict and non-conflict deployments. It includes basic and advanced safety protocols, and the required knowledge of different tactics and techniques that should be used when conducting newsgathering. 

By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this handbook, we hope that journalists can increase their safety and security while fulfilling their important role to inform the public. However, these guidelines must work hand in hand with the necessary safety training and safety policy in the newsrooms. A safety culture in the newsrooms among journalists and media managers is the prerequisite for the safety of journalists. 

Authors: David Bevan, Cadre Consultants

Editors:  Rebecca Bonello Ghio, Yuk Lan Wong, Adrien Collin

Publisher: European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

Year of publication: May 2023

This handbook is published by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and co-financed by the European Commission (DG EMPL) as part of the project “Safety4Journalists”. The content of this handbook is the sole responsibility of the publisher and in no way reflects the views of the European Commission. All copyright rests with the author and the publisher.