The S.A.F.E. Initiative will combine digital security, physical safety and emotional self-care advice and training to journalists at risk by establishing three regional security resource centers in El Salvador, Georgia, and Kenya.
The project will identify journalists and media outlets in need of security training, help to assist journalists who come under threat, build peer and professional support networks for journalists, create channels to government where possible, and contribute to linking the program with regional and international media freedom groups, human rights defenders and multilateral organizations.
S.A.F.E. is a one-year pilot program funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) [9] and implemented by IREX in partnership with Global Journalist Security [10].
Enable journalists to work as safely and securely as possible by establishing resource centers providing a holistic approach to journalists' security.
The security training available to journalists has traditionally focused on hostile environments and combat scenarios. Over the past few years, digital security training for journalists has increased, although often considered separately from personal security. IREX’s approach will integrate digital security techniques and emotional self-care assistance with physical safety to train journalists in Semi-Democratic, Conflict and Repressive settings by establishing training hubs in Latin America, Africa and Eurasia. While tailoring assistance, IREX will address commonalities in the three regions including surveillance detection, securing information and safer communication.
Central America
In the “northern triangle” of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras violent intimidation and signs of physical and electronic surveillance are reported by journalists. IREX will prioritize threat assessment, personal safety and emotional trauma.
Africa
Journalists in East Africa face a conflict-affected landscape of risks, ranging from armed groups to unexploded ordinance. In Kenya, journalists are routinely threatened and previous electoral unrest has shown the potential for ethnic tensions to be exploited. In neighboring Somalia, journalists face assassination as well as terrorism and armed combat, exacting an incredible death toll. Journalist trainings will focus on navigating hostile environments as well as covering core digital security skills.
Eurasia
Journalists in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus face risks primarily from repressive states that mix physical intimidation with increasingly sophisticated ability in the use of digital communications. Journalists believe online communications to be monitored in real-time and malware used to monitor computers. Corruption and criminal syndicates also create cross-border threats for journalists. S.A.F.E. will focus on situational awareness and safe communications.
Deliver digital and physical security trainings to journalists in Latin America, Africa and Eurasia.
Operate a program-wide “hotline” system that offers 24/7 access to emergency assistance for journalists.
Establish Regional Security Advisory Networks to publicize the Journalist Security Resource Centers and promote media community solidarity by uniting journalists around threats to their security.