Resources for Media Workers Covering the Conflict in Ukraine

Hosting displaced Ukrainian and Russian journalists and other forms of practical support
International Press Institute

IPI is creating a database of members’ newsrooms that can provide displaced independent Ukrainian, Russian or Belarusian journalists a place to work and possibly support in finding accommodation so they can continue doing their jobs. Alternatively, they are seeking newsrooms that can offer other forms of support such as news and safety equipment.

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Essential Steps for Journalists in Emergency Situations
Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN)

GIJN provides a list of essential documents that journalists need to hand for their evacuation plans when it comes to relocating to safer regions or countries. It specifically advises to have such documents like a passport, national ID card, various kinds of certificates (birth, marriage, professional, vaccine) as original or physical copies; photographic copies and ensure that these materials are backed up.

It also links to more of GIJN’s physical and safety advice as well as organisations that can offer additional support for relocation.

This information is also available in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Portuguese, Urdu, Bengali, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Indonesian.

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Pre-Assignment Preparation: Emergencies
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

CPJ has a dedicated safety portal for journalists heading into reporting on emergencies. It provides a detailed list of pre-assignment considerations and recommendations, including safety manuals and guides, planning, training, insurance, personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as medical, trauma and digital preparedness.

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Safety Guide for Journalists
Reporters without Borders (RSF), UNESCO

RSF has a comprehensive handbook (published in 2015) for journalists working in high-risk environments. Developed in partnership with UNESCO, the resource covers planning and preparation; keeping safe on assignment, digital safety, best practices as well as treating physical injuries and traumatic stress. There are also sections in this guide which are relevant for covering protests/demonstrations (such as section 6 of chapter 3). There are also useful sections for managers to consider if they are sending journalists abroad to cover protests (see chapter 2, for example).

Also available in French, Spanish and Arabic.

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JOURNALIST SAFETY
JOURNALIST’S TOOLBOX, Society of Professional Journalists

The SPJ has updated its JOURNALIST’S TOOLBOX page on journalist safety with a plethora of tools and videos on personal safety training, security tools worldwide, how broadcasters can set up live shots safely. Its other relevant resources mental health, pandemic reporting safety, covering protests, digital security, and public safety.

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Practical and legal tools to protect the safety of journalists
Thomson Reuters Foundation

“The Thomson Reuters Foundation has partnered with UNESCO, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), and the International News Safety Institute (INSI) to develop practical and legal tools for journalists, media managers and newsrooms to counter harassment.”

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Storysmart
National Union of Journalists

In December 2021, the NUJ and Google News Initiative launched an online interactive tool to ‘help journalists’ deal with hostile environments and cyber threats.’ It takes the form of 10-20 minute online interactive modules that delve into risk in hostile environments, psychological trauma, cybersecurity and dealing with injury, including advice from hostile environment trainers, cyber-security experts and experienced journalists.

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SaferJourno – Digital Security Resources for Media Trainers
Internews

“SaferJourno is a free and open-source curriculum guide for media trainers who teach students, professionals and peers digital safety and online security. SaferJourno provides lesson plans for six different modules; assessing risks, basic protection, mobile phone safety, keeping data safe, researching securely, and protecting email. The toolkit starts with the trainer’s guide, which walks journalism and media trainers through easy-to-use adult teaching and learning approaches.” [Text sourced from SaferJourno]

The toolkit is also available in Spanish.

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Safety package
International Media Support

IMS’ safety package includes training in risk analysis, first aid, conflict sensitive journalism, media laws and code of conducts, as well as practical measures such as a 24/7 hotline, safe houses, safety equipment, legal and emergency assistance. Its advocacy work includes monitoring attacks and threat levels as well as engaging with governments on the protection of journalists. All of IMS’ safety work is in conjunction with the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and Issue of Impunity.

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9 ways journalists can push back against the stress of an always-on story
Poynter

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Mental health tips and resources for journalists
International Journalists’ Network (IJNET)

Tips and resources for journalists to safeguard not only their own mental health but also the mental health of their sources. This resource also includes a webinar on journalists’ mental health, hosted by International Journalists’ Network (IJNET) and which featured panellists Bruce Shapiro, executive director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at Columbia University; and Sherry Ricchiardi, Ph.D., co-author of ICFJ’s Disaster and Crisis Coverage guide and international media trainer.