Reporting from the front lines of a conflict is one of the most challenging assignments a journalist can undertake. It is important that journalists prepare before an assignment to understand the environment they are entering and the deadly threats they may face.
Journalists covering today’s conflicts may confront specialized weapons, indiscriminate shelling, and damaged crucial infrastructure. Essential personal protective equipment may be difficult to obtain on the ground or to transport across borders. The emotional toll of living in and reporting on a conflict zone may also affect the mental health of journalists.
CPJ has compiled a set of resources intended to help journalists prepare for conflict assignments.
Journalists should complete a risk assessment prior to entering a conflict zone in order to identify potential battlefield hazards and to prepare equipment, training, and emergency procedures.
This guide contains recommendations to mitigate risks for journalists reporting from the front lines of a conflict.
This video and safety note explain how to work safely in an environment where UXO and explosive devices are present.
This safety note can be useful for journalists concerned about internet shutdowns or internet restrictions during a conflict.
This guide explains how journalists can pay attention to their surroundings and remove themselves from harm’s way in advance of a threat.
This guide contains resources for journalists to prepare for potential arrest or detention while on assignment.
This resource contains information for how to prepare for and minimize risk from crowd violence.
A series of first aid videos to supplement training and enhance journalists’ medical preparedness.
This guide provides information on different kinds of personal protective equipment and how they can be worn and used.
This resource provides information on understanding trauma and its impact.
From the Global Investigative Journalism Network– A guide on documents journalists can prepare and preventive measures they can take if a conflict breaks out in their country.
If you are a journalist and would like to speak with someone about threats you are facing, please email us at [email protected] . For additional safety information, you can text CPJ’s automated chatbot on WhatsApp at +1 206 590 6191.
