Recent reports have once again put the focus on the significant number of journalists whose profession puts their lives in danger.
86 journalists and media staff have been killed till December 3 this year, figures held by the International News Safety Institute have revealed.
According to Reporters Without Borders 127 journalists have also been imprisoned around the world and many more have gone missing.
The highest number of deaths has been recorded in Iraq. 15 media persons have lost their lives while covering the war in Iraq in 2008. This takes the total number of casualties to 252 since March 2003 when the war started in Iraq.
The statistics also show that Asia accounts for 34 deaths in 2008, while 4 deaths have been reported from Africa.
“Every job has its risks, and journalists, whose job is to bring into the open what someone wants hidden, are at greater risk than most,” says the IFJ.
Tracking the numbers
The International News Safety Institute is a non-political organisation of news organisations and journalist support groups that is concerned with the safety of media persons working in hostile environments.
These statistics released by INSI include all people involved in the assignment, including journalists, camerapersons, technicians, security staff and translators, “put in harm’s way as a result of media activity.”
According to the Institute, the danger to the journalist’s life was most likely where the journalist covered war, conflict, corruption, crime, and human rights issues.
However, the Committee to Protect the Journalists puts the number of journalist deaths a lot lower at 33 this year. These figures reflect only “confirmed” journalist deaths as a result of following a dangerous story.
Promoting safety
The safety of journalists on high-risk assignments is not currently assured by any separate law.
Governments are encouraged to help create an environment that promotes free expression of opinion and sharing of information. Press freedom can protect journalists from political and personal persecution.
Codes of practices proposed by news organisations and international journalist support groups have also been adopted for the safety of media workers.
The International Federation of Journalists calls for organisations to provide adequate safety equipment, preparation, training, and social protection to those on risky beats.
“Media organisations must guard against risk-taking for competitive advantage,” says the IFJ code.
Despite the rising statistics, journalism still remains a relatively safe profession, and is not considered by governments and insurance companies as one of the top most dangerous jobs.
The numbers for this year are still below the 171 deaths recorded in 2007 by INSI.
