1 April 2006
FLIP, IFJ SUPPORT SAFETY TRAINING FOR COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS
In Colombia, where a long-running conflict has made the country one of the most dangerous in the world for journalists, the Foundation for Press Freedom in Colombia (Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa, FLIP) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have been partnering with the International News Safety Institute (INSI) and the British security consultancy AKE Ltd. to deliver safety training for media organisations.
Since February 2006, 52 journalists have received training in basic first aid, pre-assignment planning, hostage crisis response and other skills aimed at reducing the risks they face while reporting. The trainings have also allowed participants to share their experiences of dealing with dangerous situations.
Since 1990, 119 journalists have been killed in Colombia, and journalists all over the country continue to receive threats on a daily basis, according to INSI. In response to the threats, journalists in the country are establishing a national association to defend their rights and promote safety. Since 2003, INSI has trained close to 100 journalists in Colombia through a special project supported by the British embassy in Bogotá.
FLIP's contributions to journalists' safety include a handbook containing scenarios and suggestions on what steps to take in dangerous situations, codes of ethics developed by journalist organisations worldwide and a listing of local contacts to which journalists can appeal for assistance.
For more information, visit:
- INSI: http://www.newssafety.com/stories/insi/colombia.doc
- FLIP: http://www.flip.org.co/Comunicados/2003/com09_03_2.htm
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