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Important Resources for Journalists: Safety and Assistance

Article Important Resources for Journalists: Safety and Assistance

By Olivia Cooper

 

Dear IFAJ colleague,

Are you facing challenges, seeking security, or planning to work abroad? Below is a curated list of helpful resources.

Navigating databases under pressure can be overwhelming. The IFAJ Freedom of the Press Committee has compiled links to essential information and contacts tailored to your needs.

Given the global situation for journalists, this resource could be particularly important.

We reviewed the countries where IFAJ member guilds are located and compared them with the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. The findings show that about two-thirds of our member guilds operate in countries where the situation for journalists is at least problematic, with global conditions worsening in recent years.

One common reason for this negative trend appears to be the decreasing regard governments have for journalists’ safety worldwide.

It’s important to note that while foreign journalists face logistical and security challenges, domestic journalists often encounter more severe threats to their lives and freedoms. According to the US-based NGO the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), nearly nine out of 10 work-related journalist fatalities since 1992 involved local journalists reporting in their home countries. More than 95% of journalists jailed worldwide are local reporters, photojournalists, bloggers, and editors.

One key takeaway is the critical importance of thorough preparation and security planning, particularly for domestic reporters.

It’s also worth noting that reporting on agriculture, while seemingly peaceful, directly impacts global food security. Failures in agricultural policy can lead to food shortages and political instability, making the topic more sensitive than it appears.

Additionally, while some global companies support freelancers, many still face challenges alone. Programs for training and insurance are costly, and financing such protections can be particularly difficult in countries lacking press freedom.

We hope these links make it easier to access the information and contacts you need, especially during emergencies. This is why we’ve made the collection openly available on the IFAJ website for quick access.

If you know of additional relevant links, we’d appreciate your input. Please feel free to email us at: globalmanager@ifaj.org

 

PREPARING TO TRAVEL ABROAD FOR WORK:

 

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

 

DIGITAL SAFETY