Training session on safety and first aid for Afghan journalists, Kabul 2008. Photo: IMS

Security measures for journalists working in war zones have been heightened in recent years. "In some countries security has become a major profitable business in itself which some would argue is spurred on by a self-inflicted 'culture of fear'", says Danish reporter Rasmus Tantholt

Helle Nordberg, IMS 

2009 was a deadly year for journalists. The number of journalists killed while on the job was a record 71, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Although there were no Danish journalists amongst those killed in 2009, Danish media, NGOs and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs argue that working as a Danish journalist has become  particularly dangerous following the publication of the controversial Mohammed cartoons by the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten in 2005, which incited the anger of many Muslims around the world.

Security of journalists

In a meeting organised by the Danish association of development journalists, Nairobiklubben, in February at IMS, Rasmus Tantholdt, foreign correspondent on Danish TV2, who has travelled widely in Afghanistan and Iraq and Susanne Inkinen, consultant and Afghanistan specialist for International Media Support (IMS), engaged in a lively debate about the safety of Danish journalists. Are safety measures for journalists in conflict adequate or exagerated and has working as a Danish journalist become more dangerous after the notorious Mohammed cartoons controversy? 

- From experience, I do not buy into the argument that it is more dangerous now than before to be a Danish journalist, said Rasmus Tantholdt.

- Yes, people in the Arab world take a greater interest in Denmark now compared to before the publication of the cartoons. However,  most just want an explanation of why the cartoons were published and do not necessarily want to resort to violence, he said.

Reporting in conflict has changed

At the meeting there was general consensus around the fact that the situation for journalists during conflicts has changed. Journalists report from within the war and have become targets themselves. The nature of wars has also changed. Conventional wars fought by armies have transformed into guerilla-like warfare, where other methods such as kidnappings and suicide bombers are employed by individuals or groups.

- These factors, and not the Mohammed cartoons, are what makes being a journalist more dangerous, Rasmus Tantholdt emphasised.

Culture of fear

Rasmus Tantholdt said that in his experience, safety in Bagdad had improved compared to the situation two years ago and suggested that many security companies in Iraq and Afghanistan are making unreasonably large profits from their activities by feeding into a “culture of fear”, especially amongst NGOs who in turn spend excessively on security.

- There are many interests at stake here, he added.

- The threshold for security is set too high. I have seen examples of NGOs that spend much more on security guards and being chauffeured around than media, something which hypes up an atmosphere of fear. Also, security is expensive and can increase the cost of a single reportage substantially to a point where you as a journalist have to decide whether the piece is worth the cost or not in the longer perspective.     

According to Rasmus Tantholdt, there are a few golden rules and precautions that can help journalists protect themselves in war zones. The low profile approach is one where pieces to camera are done unexpectedly and unannounced within short durations under 30 minutes, using local fixers to scope out locations and translators, moving around in cars without logos and security guards.  

Protecting local journalists in Afghanistan

Although there were no Danes amongst the journalists killed in 2009, Susanna Inkinen, consultant and Afghanistan specialist in International Media Support, said that the security situation for Danish journalists and Western foreigners in general had worsened and that safety training should not be underestimated.

- An important factor of security is working as part of a team, taking joint responsibility, not only for yourself as a journalist, but also for those you work with locally, she stressed.

IMS works with local journalists in Afghanistan, helping to set up safety procedures for them including safety training, helping to protect local persecuted journalists, providing them with a network and the necessary equipment for them to work. This type of work carries with it a huge responsibility for the safety of all involved.

- Often I am the link between local and foreign journalists and I sense that locals are becoming more cautious about being seen with foreigners, Susanna Inkinen continued.

Empowering through safety training

When in Kabul, Susanna Inkinen stays with foreign media agencies guarded by a security system. However, according to Susanna Inkinen, having a personal contingency plan in place is key to empower oneself in situations where other security measures might fail.

- Safety training courses are essential to mentally prepare you for the work in potentially hostile environments. The more I know, the more use I can be to myself and those I travel with. I have learnt to place an IV in case anyone is hurt, and I am trained in communicating in code language – it’s a full package deal not only for journalists, but for everyone working in danger zones, she said.

 Read more about IMS work in Afghanistan here.