The safety of journalists and media professionals in Guinea-Bissau remains a central pillar in the democratic processes and governance of the country. Frequently, journalists and media professionals are confronted with several risks, ranging from physical threats and legal intimidation to digital attacks, editorial pressure and psychosocial stress.
Ensuring that safeguards are instituted to address the protection and safety of journalists from harm is crucial for press freedom and accountability.
The Model Safety Policy for Newsrooms in Guinea-Bissau, therefore, provides media organisations with a practical framework for addressing these risks. It complements the National Comprehensive Framework for the Safety of Journalists in Guinea-Bissau by translating broader, multi-stakeholder guidance into practical measures.
The policy adopts an integrated approach covering physical, digital, legal, psychosocial, editorial and ethical safety. It also covers the protection of sources and whistleblowers, and spells out institutional responsibilities, training requirements, incident-response mechanisms, risk-assessment procedures and measures for protecting journalists and vulnerable groups.
Designed for adaptation and implementation at newsroom level, the policy is accompanied by practical tools such as risk-assessment and digital-security checklists, an emergency contact sheet, a security incident log and a checklist for sensitive publications.
This document was produced within the framework of the 18-month media support project titled: “Promote and Protect Democracy by Safeguarding Freedom of Opinion and Expression and Combating Mis/Disinformation in Guinea- Bissau.”
The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in collaboration with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Fondation Hirondelle (FH).
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