Aden (South24) 

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In collaboration with the British Rory Peck Trust, the South24 Center for News and Studies hosted a virtual training session on “Physical Safety and Risk Assessment for Yemeni Journalists” yesterday.

During the three-hour session, renowned Egyptian trainer and academic Abeer Saadi provided an in-depth explanation of the concept of physical safety in the field for journalists, and its connection to digital, psychological, and social safety.

Saadi highlighted the most common types of risks faced by journalists in the field, both male and female, distinguishing between generally expected risks and threats intentionally directed at a journalist, which pose the most danger to their physical safety.

Led by the trainer, approximately 20 male and female journalists participated in practical exercises and discussions regarding physical safety and how to assess risks. 

The session reviewed interactive models illustrating ideal communication plans for journalists in emergency situations, and covered how to manage identity professionally depending on the work environment.

Participants also shared their perspectives on physical safety and recounted some of the risks they have encountered while working.

This session marked the first joint activity between the South24 Center for News and Studies and the Rory Peck Trust, which supports and assists independent journalists and their families worldwide.

On April 11, South24 Center and the Rory Peck Trust signed a memorandum of understanding and partnership agreement to enable better coordination of resources and ensure the development of both parties’ programs with a needs-based approach to assisting and training independent journalists in Yemen.

Related: South24 Center signs partnership agreement with Rory Peck Trust