Organised by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the seminar “Safe journalists: the need to report, the duty to protect” was held today at Villa Madama, in collaboration with the Italian Order of Journalists (ODG) and the National Federation of the Italian Press (FNSI).
Based on best practices, testimonies, and direct experiences, the seminar provided practical safety guidelines to follow before and during field missions. Rising international tensions and the increasing number of conflicts call for a concrete reflection on how to ensure that journalists and media professionals – essential witnesses of society, even in the most hazardous contexts – can carry out their work in the safest possible conditions.
Publishers, editors, foreign correspondents, and experts discussed how to ensure effective protection for media professionals deployed in highly sensitive areas, particularly those affected by intense conflict.
The proceedings opened with a dialogue between institutions and journalistic organisations, featuring the participation of Alfredo Mantovano, Undersecretary at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; Paola Spadari, Secretary General of the ODG; Alessandra Costante, Secretary General of the FNSI; and Alberto Barachini, Undersecretary at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for information and publishing.
The seminar continued with firsthand accounts from foreign correspondents, including Monica Maggioni, Andrea Lucchetta, and Cecilia Sala, who explored the challenges, issues, and risks encountered in international crisis zones. Subsequently, sector experts presented strategies for risk prevention and mitigation for journalists working abroad, emphasising the importance of protocols, training, preparation, and adequate support.
In closing, Nicola Minasi, Head of the Italian Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Unit, introduced the “Ten guidelines for journalist safety”, aimed at providing newspapers and professional associations with appropriate models for risk assessment and mitigation.
This initiative underlines the commitment of Italian institutions to the protection of journalists, essential for ensuring free, safe, and independent reporting.
Watch the seminar here: https://youtube.com/live/EMt9SAdpRYc?feature=share
