A street scene in Baghdad, Iraq (AP Photo)

The security situation in Iraq continues to change on a daily basis. At least 42 people were killed and 175 injured in a series of car bomb attacks in Baghdad and Basra today. The attacks come amid growing political and sectarian tension in the country. Iraq remains a dangerous place to work; kidnap, bombs, targeted killings and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are still a daily threat all over the country.

INSI has issued an updated safety advisory for journalists working in Iraq. The advisory covers preparation, travelling in Baghdad and travelling in Basra.

For more information please contact INSI.

Somali fishermen carry their catch on their heads as they walk to the market in Mogadishu, Somalia (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

Somalia is one of the most politically and economically unstable countries in the world. It has not had a fully functioning government since 1991, when the Siad Barre regime collapsed and the north-west part of Somalia declared itself the Independent Republic of Somaliland.

Over the last 20 years various political groups have tried, and failed, to to exert control over the majority of the country. The current internationally recognised government is the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) which was established in 2004. Since then, there have been ongoing conflicts between the government and various militant and political groups, most notably Islamic militants al-Shabaab.

Although al-Shabaab were pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011, civil unrest and terrorism is common and insecurity is set to increase in the mid term, according to predictions.

While all foreigners are potential targets for crime, violence and kidnapping, journalists and aid workers are considered to be at most risk.

INSI has issued a travel advisory for journalists working in Somalia. The advisory covers threats in Somalia, personal security, transport around the country, planning and preparation and other information.

For more information please contact INSI.

The International News Safety Institute is proud to support the International Committee of the Red Cross in its search to find some of the finest examples of humanitarian reporting in the Philippines.

The award, which is held every two years, recognises stories and images that shed light on the consequences of armed conflict and armed violence on civilians, and the importance of humanitarian law.

Ed Lingao of the Philippines Center for Investigative Journalism won the award in 2011 for his documentary on the Maguindanao Massacre, the deadliest single attack on journalists in the Philippines.

“Good humanitarian reporting would be reporting about the whys and the hows, and the what’s next and the what’s it to me. More than the who, the what, the when and the where,” Lingao said in an interview with the ICRC.

“In the end, you have to bring it to a level that people can see faces, not just places, not just events. People can see faces and people can see themselves,”

Professional and freelance journalists working for print, online, radio and television may submit news reports, features, documentaries or photographs published between 1 May 2012 and 1 May 2013.

The deadline for submissions is on May 31 and winners will be announced on International Humanitarian Law day on August 12.

Winners will be given safety training, copies of INSI’s groundbreaking book ‘No Woman’s Land – on the Frontlines with Female Reporters’, and other prizes.

“Now only on its second run, the Red Cross Award for Humanitarian Reporting 2013 hopes to once more encourage enhanced reporting on the consequences of armed conflicts and other forms of violence in the Philippines. INSI is encouraging among journalists in the Philippines more, and better, humanitarian reporting, raising their safety awareness and helping create a culture of safety [for journalists],” said Red Batario, South-East Asia Coordinator for INSI.

Other partners include The Peace and Conflict Journalism Network, the Philippine Center for Photojournalism and the Rotary Club of Manila.

For more information visit the ICRC website.

Security personnel inspect the site of a car bomb that targeted the French embassy wounding two French guards and causing extensive material damage in Tripoli, Libya, April 23 2013. (AP Photo/Abdul Majeed Forjani)

The security situation in Libya remains volatile despite the conflict ending there in 2011. Intermittent fighting has broken out between rival ethnic and tribal groups across the country, and last month multiple kidnappings of media workers by armed militia were reported. The killing of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens, in an attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi last September means that international visitors are focusing on security more than ever before.

Weapons left over from the recent conflict are available on the streets and security forces are struggling to restore and maintain order in the country. This makes Libya a precarious place for journalists and media workers, as the security situation may often be unpredictable.

INSI has issued a travel advisory for journalists working in Tripoli, Libya. The advisory covers planning and preparation, threats to journalists, and tips for covering protests and demonstrations, driving and accommodation.

For more information please contact INSI.

Journalists wear ballistic vests (CPJ)

With criminals becoming more sophisticated in the weapons they are using and conflict and insecurity becoming more common around the world, journalists who work in these areas must ensure that they protect themselves against the threat of weapons.

This week INSI’s safety advisory, “Wearing ballistic vests“, is designed to assist journalists when choosing or having to wear body armour, to ensure they get the appropriate type.

The advisory includes information about different types of ballistic vests, specifications, and how to look after them.

For more information please contact INSI.

 Dear Friend of INSI,

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the International News Safety Institute and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to us and your support over the past decade.

We were established in 2003, dedicated to safeguarding the lives of all journalists everywhere. Born of a unique coalition of media organisations, press freedom groups and human rights campaigners, since then INSI has been providing safety advice and training to our friends and colleagues who work in dangerous and difficult conditions to bring home the story.

INSI knows the safety challenges facing the industry are as serious as ever. As the news industry’s safety body, we are uniquely placed to work with you to try to overcome the changes facing our newsrooms, colleagues in the field and the increasing numbers of local journalists on whom we rely.

Last year, 158 journalists and media workers were killed covering stories, in conflict, civil unrest and in countries like Mexico and Somalia, where impunity is rife and a lack of strong judicial institutions means that those who want to silence the messenger can do so without fear of reprisals.

Those numbers do not include the many more who are injured, threatened and traumatised in the course of their work – add those figures and the situation is even more alarming.

Faced with this scourge, INSI leads the global campaign for journalist safety, working with our partners around the world to lobby and hold to account those responsible for undermining the security of our friends and colleagues.

Today, we are in Costa Rica, where we are helping support UNESCO to mark World Press Freedom Day. Later this afternoon, I will be taking part in a discussion about the specific issues faced by women journalists, a subject where we have gained a degree of expertise after the publication of our ground-breaking book “No Woman’s Land – On the Frontline with Female Reporters”.

Yesterday, we ran a safety workshop , and to mark our anniversary, we also issued a series of practical information for journalists to enable them to better prepare for their work, assess the risks they face and work to mitigate them as far as they can. You can find this information here. Please share it as widely as possible.

This is why INSI exists. To get real-time, real life information, and training, to journalists and media workers in the field.

For you. Your journalists. Your freelancers. Your drivers, your fixers, your crews.

Run by journalists, INSI is supported by the world’s most prestigious news organisations and our Board comprises senior news executives who have either reported themselves or have been involved (and may still be) in decision-making for stories.

This is why we are unique and this is why, as we enter our second decade, we are more committed than ever to working with you to ensure that journalists have access to the best information and advice, and to ensure they can carry out their work safely, wherever they work.

Thank you,

Hannah Storm

Director of INSI

Benefits of supporting INSI

• Become a member of a network that includes the world’s most prestigious news organisations, committed to ensuring journalists and media workers stay alive and out of harm while covering stories in dangerous places.

• Attend INSI’s regular meetings to be briefed on the latest developments in media safety.

• Join a closed, web-based forum whose members represent many of the leaders in the news industry and discuss the very latest issues affecting crews in the field and those responsible for making safety decisions in the news room.

• Access INSI’s extensive network of experts for advice, consultations and briefings on a range of safety issues from CBRN to ways of working safely undercover.

• Nominate your colleagues for places on INSI-run safety courses, which are truly customised to the environment and the needs of local journalists.

• Show your commitment to supporting the work INSI does to provide safety training to local journalists – on whom the news industry increasingly relies to support news crews, as fixers, translators or local hires.

• Support the work we do to provide safety advice and unique training by female trainers for female journalists, nominate your female colleagues to participate in our courses, and, where appropriate, join our network for female journalists.

• Be part of a group of news organisations working through INSI to improve the standing of journalists in relation to governments and political authorities, and support our partners seeking to fight impunity.

If you’d like to know more about supporting INSI please email me at hannah.storm@newssafety.org or find more information here.

Foreign journalists and hotel guests put on their gas masks as civil alert sirens ring throughout the city in a hotel in Kuwait City, March 20, 2003. Before noon, the Kuwait Ministry of Defense said that four missiles were launched into Kuwait from Iraq. No injuries or damage were reported. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)

Unrest in Africa, the Middle East and Asia is dominating the headlines, meaning more journalists – both staffers and freelancers – are travelling to conflict and former conflict areas.

Thorough preparation and planning as well as a robust contingency plan could be the difference between getting that vital story and having your assignment come to a grinding halt.

To coincide with the 10th anniversary of the launch of the International News Safety Institute, we issued a safety advisory for journalists planning to work overseas.

The practical safety advisory comes with four PDF documents – INFORMATION FOR PLANNING OVERSEAS TRAVEL, PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL, OVERSEAS TRAVEL OUTLINE & RISK ASSESSMENT and INSURANCE FOR FREELANCERS. These can  help form the basis of preparing for your next trip.

Comprehensive checklists for journalists, including what to do prior to trips and what to bring with you, are provided during INSI training sessions.

For more information please contact us at info@newssafety.org

The event at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia was designed to offer practical advice on what journalists can do to before they are deployed and once they are in the field, to improve their personal safety and ensure they are more resilient to the psychological and physical stresses they may face.

Ten years ago this month BBC producer Stuart Hughes lost part of his right leg when he stepped on a land mine in Northern Iraq. His cameraman Kaveh Golestan was killed after running further into the minefield as he tried to flee for safety.

It was during the early stages of the Iraq war, a conflict that would go on to be one of the most deadly and dangerous for journalists and media workers.

A few days ago, I took part in a panel discussion entitled ‘Making Decisions in Difficult or Dangerous Situations’ with Stuart, and our colleague Gavin Rees from the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma.

I was fascinated to hear from Stuart about how the decisions he made in the few seconds after his accident, coupled with the training he had, and the preparations he and his team had made, probably saved his life.

It was a particular privilege to be on the panel with him in the lead up to INSI’s 10th anniversary, at the end of this week. On the eve of our second decade, we’re particularly mindful of the progress that has been made in the arena of media safety since 2003. But, we know there are still immense challenges for the news industry and for INSI as its safety body, supporting our friends and colleagues whose jobs take them to areas of profound danger.

The day after I was on the panel with Stuart, I was able to share my thoughts on this during another discussion organised by INSI, entitled ‘Iraq to Syria: 10 years of safety changes and challenges’. Chaired by INSI’s president Richard Sambrook, the panellists included the BBC’s World Affairs Correspondent Paul Wood, Ruth Sherlock of The Telegraph, and Amedeo Ricucci and Susan Dabbous – two Italian journalists who had just been released after being kidnapped in Syria.

Ricucci began by describing how journalists were now legitimate targets in the eyes of some extremists, who felt that they could be used as channels through which to spread their propaganda. In the past, there had been a kind of immunity afforded to journalists, but this is no longer the case.

We discussed how the rise of social media, a reduction in the budgets of many news rooms and the relative ease with which inexperienced journalists could access recent conflicts in countries such as Libya could complicate the safety situation for those reporting.

Wood, who began his conflict reporting in the Balkans, described how he felt reporting from the 2003 war in Iraq, where the country very quickly became incredibly dangerous for news crews. He recalled how he and his colleagues were often subjected to the ‘15 minute rule’, meaning that was their time limit for filming in an insecure area.

He explained how there had been a much longer golden period in Syria, which lasted approximately 18 months, but that “Syria at this particular point feels like Iraq in late 2003”, and that the situation there now was exceptionally dangerous for foreign news crews. He explained that one of the main threats was kidnapping by criminal gangs who believed they could earn millions of dollars in ransom from them.

Dabbous, who is half-Italian and half-Syrian, and whose first experience of conflict reporting was in Syria, detailed how vital it was that journalists understood something of the culture of the country, religions and traditions where they are working. She explained that when she was kidnapped, she deliberately separated herself from her male colleagues because she understood that if she had not, she would have lost the respect of the kidnappers.

Forced then to spend 11 days by herself, while her three other colleagues were together, she spoke about how, by constantly fearing the worst, she woke up every day surprised that she was still alive.

Like Dabbous, Sherlock is a recent entrant to the world of conflict reporting. Winner of the British Press Awards Young Journalist of the Year in 2012, she explained how she learned much of her experience of war and ways to stay safe from working closely alongside more experienced journalists, and she urged young journalists to follow suit, rather than seeking to make their name and get exclusives in areas where there were no other journalists.

All the journalists spoke about the incredible solidarity that continues to exist among members of the news media, something which has only perhaps changed for the better in the past 10 years of reporting.

As a fitting testimony to this solidarity, Ricucci recalled the words of Marie Colvin, explaining how many journalists strongly believe that despite the dangers they face they do not have an option but to carry on reporting. Sambrook brought the panel to a close quoting Colvin’s words, delivered in tribute to other journalists who lost their lives doing their work.

“The real difficulty is having enough faith in humanity to believe that enough people, be they government, military or the man on the street, will care when your file reaches the printed page, the website or the TV screen.

“We do have that faith because we believe we do make a difference.”

Translations were not available for Italian speakers in ‘Iraq to Syria: 10 years of safety changes and challenges’.

Aymaras Indigenous collect their harvest of oats in Huarina on the outskirts of La Paz, Bolivia. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

This week INSI issued a safety advisory for journalists working in Bolivia. Though rich in mineral and energy resources, it is one of the poorest countries in South America.

Incidents of political and social unrest have been reported in the past year. In March, a general strike was held in Oruro, south of La Paz, following a decision by the local assembly to rename the regional airport after current president Evo Morales. The protests brought parts of the city to a standstill and blocked some of the main roads in the region.

The safety advisory covers different types of crime travellers might encounter, road safety guidelines, the likelihood and nature of civil unrest, and information about the local security forces, hospitals and clinics.

For further information please contact INSI.

Track 24 SoloMate Lite app by Track24

If you work in hostile environments it is vital that somebody knows where you are. Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices are handy pieces of kit for journalists in the field. They let people know your location almost instantly with the press of a button, don’t have to be expensive and can be downloaded, worn and carried on your person, in bags or in vehicles.

INSI has reviewed six GPS trackers, which may be of interest to freelancers and staffers operating in dangerous locations. This review does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products.

GPS trackers should be easy to use. Look out for intuitive interfaces and maps so people monitoring them can see where you are. Look out for the length of the battery life – a GPS tracker is no use if it runs out of power.

Remember that tracking devices carry significant risks to privacy, so be sure that you can activate and deactivate your device, while ensuring that it can’t be activated or deactivated unintentionally. They can and may be tracked by the security forces in many countries. Before use, ensure you are aware of the counter threats to you and your story.

Remember that GPS trackers only work with a clear view of the sky (so will not work in buildings).

A GPS tracker is not a substitute for a thorough risk assessment and must be backed up by robust contingency planning for all eventualities.

Be aware that posting your location on Twitter or Facebook may compromise your safety, that of your colleagues and your sources and local fixers.

Track 24 SoloMate Lite

(Free)

Last year Track24 Solo launched a free app for Android phones, which allows users to send their status and GPS location via email, text and Facebook, if they wish. Each update includes a message (i.e. ‘I am OK,’ or ‘I need HELP’), coordinates and a link to the device’s location on a map.

Pros: The app is free and can easily be downloaded to an Android phone. It is a simple design and easy to get your message and location across.

Cons: It relies on the battery power of the smartphone, which drains quickly. Consider carrying back up power supplies in order to keep your phone topped up, as electrical supplies can sometimes be difficult to find. The app relies on mobile networks, which are inconsistent in some parts of the world.

You can download the SoloMate Lite app here.

Quicksafe HelpME GPS Panic Alarm

(£159.98; SIM card not included) (UK)

HelpME GPS Panic Alarm by Quicksafe

This small and lightweight alarm pendant (it weighs just 40g) can be worn around the neck and sends SMS text alerts of your exact location to contacts of your choice. It also allows 2 way communication, so if activated a contacted person can verify the risk. When the SOS panic button is pressed and held for three seconds, the device will automatically send a ‘Help Me’ text message to one of your contacts. The device will then automatically call up to three stored numbers until the call is answered. A SIM card is not included.

Pros: Discreet, small and lightweight; can be worn around the neck. It is simple to set up and use, with just one SOS button and two speed dial buttons.

Cons: SIM card not included and UK Orange and 3 Network SIM cards are not compatible. It operates on mobile networks, which are inconsistent in some parts of the world.

Find out more here.

StrayStar GPS Tracker Watch

(£139.99; free SIM card) (UK)

StrayStar GPS Tracker Watch

This 3-in-1 wristband is a GPS tracker, phone and watch. The device features an SOS button, two way calling and a function where it texts your coordinates to a contact of your choice. It can also be tracked online. When the SOS button on the side of the watch is pressed a text message with the coordinates of the tracker is sent to a pre-programmed number. In this mode, the watch will also call a set of up to four numbers in turn until somebody answers. The inbuilt speaker and microphone also means the watch can be used as a mini mobile phone which can call up to two pre- programmed numbers. A free GiffGaff SIM card with £5 credit is included with the watch.

Pros: It is cheap to use. The StrayStar GPS Tracker watch comes with its own pay and go SIM card (although you can use your own SIM card if you wish) – text messages with Google Maps links cost 6p each. An optional function where the tracker uploads its location to a monitoring website every few minutes costs 20p per day.

Cons: It operates on mobile networks, which are inconsistent in some parts of the world. The battery life lasts up to 36 hours on standby and up to 17 hours when it is GPS activated, meaning that it needs charging every night. It is not waterproof.

Find out more here.

Laipac S-911 Bracelet Locator

($359.00, $384.45 service plan) (Canada)

Laipac S-911 Bracelet Locator

The Laipac S-911 Bracelet Locator is a wearable GPS tracker, mobile phone and digital watch, which features real-time tracking, two way communication and tamper detection. In an emergency, push the SOS button to dial a predetermined number and communicate via the inbuilt speaker and microphone. It also sends emergency text messages, emails and notifications to preselected contacts. When the bracelet sends out an alert, it goes into real-time tracking mode where it automatically sends out signals via text and email with the coordinates of the bracelet. A G-shock motion sensor can detect whether the device has experienced a heavy impact like a car crash or a fall. An inbuilt data logger, which records speed, position and way points works even when there is no mobile coverage available.

Pros: It uses assisted GPS (AGPS) technology, meaning it works both indoors and outdoors. If the wearer enters an area where mobile coverage is lost, the device will store the locations travelled and transmit them once mobile coverage is regained. It is water resistant.

Cons: It works on mobile networks, which are inconsistent in some parts of the world. It is an expensive piece of kit.

Find out more here. 

SPOT Connect Personal Tracker

($169.99; Basic service plan $99.99) (USA)

SPOT Connect Personal Tracker

SPOT‘s latest offering, SPOT Connect, pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth to convert it into a satellite communicator. This means that even when no mobile networks are available your phone will be able to function on a satellite network. If you download the free app for Apple iOS or Android you can send short messages to your contacts via text or email, and update Facebook and Twitter, if you wish – as well as ‘Check in’, ‘Track’, ‘Help’, and emergency signals. SPOT Connect can also be used independently from your phone and has two functions, ‘Power’ and ‘SOS’.

In a life-threatening situation you can send your GPS location to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Centre (IERCC). The IERCC will then alert appropriate response teams worldwide – for instance, 1-1-2 responders in Europe and 9-1-1 responders in North America. However, be aware that responders are not available in many countries.

Pros: Satellite networks offer far greater coverage than mobile networks. The device has a longer battery life than a phone (when it is not connected to a phone, it will last 11 days on Standby mode and five days on SOS mode).

Cons: SPOT Connect uses the Globalstar satellite network, which doesn’t cover parts of South America, Africa, Russia and Asia. A map of the Globalstar network coverage is here. GPS systems need a view of the sky to work properly so will not be accurate indoors. Responders are not available in all countries.

Find out more here.

DeLorme inReach SE

($299.95; Safety Plan $9.95) (USA)

DeLorme inReach SE

The brand new DeLorme inReach SE is a two-way satellite communications device, meaning it can be used to send and receive messages independently of your phone.

You can update your Facebook and Twitter accounts, if you wish, and send emails and texts from almost anywhere in the world thanks to the global coverage offered by the Iridium satellite network. A remote real-time follow me/find me tracking system can keep chosen contacts up to date with where you are.

The standalone device has a colour screen and virtual keyboard, which works independently of your phone but you can also pair it with with Apple iOS or Android to make messaging more convenient. Downloading the Earthmate app gives you access to topographic maps and North American NOAA maps to help with navigation.

When the SOS button is activated the GEOS IERCC will track your device and notify emergency responders in the area, unless you are in an area where there are none. You can communicate with emergency responders, describing the situation so proper resources can be deployed, and unlike SPOT Connect the emergency responders can communicate with you as well.

Pros: The built in touch screen means you do not need a second device to communicate, and two-way communication is a bonus. The Iridium satellite network provides global coverage.

Cons: It is an expensive piece of kit. GPS systems need a view of the sky to work properly so it will not be accurate indoors. Be aware that emergency responders are not available in many countries.

Find out more here.