Journalism is a dangerous occupation. Statistics collected by media freedom organizations show that each year dozens of media professionals are killed or injured in the course of their work. Elections are not the most dangerous part of their work - but a tense and sometimes violent campaign will carry its dangers for those trying to report honestly and accurately.

The responsibility for protecting the physical security of everyone within its territory rests with the government, which has a particular obligation in relation to the media. It was in recognition of this that the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights resolved:

The World Conference encourages the increased involvement of the media, for whom freedom and protection should be guaranteed within the framework of national law. [1]

There are a few basic steps that governments can take to ensure this protection:

• Repeal all laws restricting media freedom.
• Create a specific offence relating to violence or threats against the media.
• Ensure that all reports of violence or threats against the media are investigated promptly and those responsible brought to justice.

In addition, an electoral management body can promote a code of conduct that stresses the importance of both political parties and security forces allowing journalists to go about their work unimpeded.

[1] World Conference on Human Rights, Vienna Declaration, para. 26.