1 October 2003
COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS RECEIVE SAFETY TRAINING
Fifteen journalists from Colombia gained new skills in safety training last week, thanks to efforts led by the Foundation for Press Freedom (Fundación para la libertad de prensa, FLIP) and the Antonio Nariño Project (Proyecto Antonio Nariño).
The groups organised a three-day workshop from 22 to 24 September in Paipa, Boyacá, which was conducted by Centurion Risk Assessment Services and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Participants discussed steps journalists could take to mitigate risks before entering conflict zones, including learning first-aid skills. They also talked about the issue of trauma among reporters who cover violent incidents and conflicts.
Participants were given a Spanish-language version of "Tragedies & Journalists: a guide for more effective coverage." Published by the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, the book outlines ways the media can report on violence with more compassion and deal more effectively with trauma.
The workshop followed FLIP's recent publication of a "Safety Manual for Journalists Covering the Colombian Conflict," which contains scenarios and suggestions on what steps to take in
dangerous situations, including in hostage incidents or during military attacks [See "IFEX Communiqué" #12-38: http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/53775/].
FLIP says it plans to expand safety-training workshops to other parts of Colombia. The September workshop was supported by International Media Support and the International News Safety Institute.
Visit these links:
- Dart Center's "Tragedies and Journalists": http://www.dartcenter.org/articles/headlines/2003/2003_09_17.html
- FLIP: http://www.flip.org.co/
- CPJ's "Covering Conflict Safely": http://www.cpj.org/Briefings/2003/safety/safety.html
- International News Safety Institute: http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?Issue=INSI&Language=EN
- International Media Support: http://www.i-m-s.dk/
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