PROMOTING SAFETY AND SECURITY OF JOURNALISTS IN TANZANIA

At the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), safeguarding the rights, safety, and well-being of journalists is at the heart of our mission. As we continue to face dynamic challenges in the media landscape, ensuring the protection of journalists is crucial for preserving freedom of the press, promoting transparency, and enhancing democratic governance. Over the years, UTPC has implemented several strategic initiatives to promote the safety of journalists across Tanzania. This page highlights the key initiatives and outcomes of our efforts in fostering a safer working environment for journalists.

1. Media Violations Incidents Recording and Reporting

One of UTPC's primary strategies for promoting journalists' safety has been the establishment of a systematic process for recording and reporting media violations. Journalists often face threats, harassment, and even physical harm as they carry out their work. UTPC has developed an incident reporting mechanism where cases of violence, intimidation, or abuse of journalists are documented and reported. These reports provide valuable data on the state of press freedom in Tanzania, highlighting trends in violations and enabling us to take timely action.

Our incident reporting platform serves as a key tool in documenting cases of:

• Arrest and detention
• Threat to life
• Summoned for interrogations
• Forceful removal
• Harassment,
• Intimidation or threats from authorities or political entities.
• Denial of access to information
• Physical assaults or violence directed toward journalists.

Through this platform, UTPC gathers information from across the country, ensuring that violations against journalists are not overlooked. This data is also shared with regional and international organizations to advocate for greater protections and accountability. You can find these report on our website www.utpc.or.tz via this link https://www.utpc.or.tz/reports

2. Safety Dialogues Between Journalists and Police Force

Recognizing that misunderstandings between journalists and law enforcement agencies can escalate into confrontations, UTPC has initiated and coordinated safety dialogues between journalists and the police force. These sessions foster mutual understanding and respect between the two groups, clarifying the role and responsibilities of journalists in reporting and the duties of the police in maintaining public order.

By creating an open forum for dialogue, UTPC has been instrumental in:

• Reducing tensions during public events such as protests, political rallies, and elections.
• Establishing a direct line of communication between press clubs and local police stations to report concerns.
• Encouraging police officers to respect the rights of journalists and act as partners in upholding safety during their coverage.
• Press clubs and police have entered into working relationship MoU to strengthen their relationship

These dialogues, conducted at both the national and regional levels, have built bridges of cooperation and mutual respect, significantly reducing conflicts between journalists and law enforcement.

3. Coordinating the National Safety Mechanism for Journalists' Protection

UTPC has taken a leadership role in coordinating the National Safety Mechanism for Journalists' Protection, a framework that brings together stakeholders from government, civil society, media organizations, and security agencies. This mechanism is designed to provide swift responses to safety threats faced by journalists and ensure that there is a collaborative approach to their protection.

Key components of the national safety mechanism include:

• An emergency response system to assist journalists facing imminent danger.
• A legal support network for journalists involved in court cases or disputes.
• A medical support for journalists who needed medical attention as a result of attacks or another injuries during their line of duty.
• A reporting and monitoring system to track violations against journalists and take immediate action.

Through this mechanism, UTPC ensures that journalists are protected while they exercise their right to report freely, without fear of retaliation.

4. Safety Training for Journalists

One of the most impactful interventions that UTPC offers is the provision of safety training for journalists. These training programs equip journalists with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe in the face of physical, digital, and psychological threats.

Our training modules cover three critical areas:

• Digital Safety: In an era where cyber threats and online harassment are on the rise, journalists are taught how to secure their digital devices, protect sensitive information, and combat online disinformation.
• Physical Safety: Journalists, especially those covering protests, elections, or conflicts, are trained in situational awareness, risk assessment, and the use of protective gear.
• Psychosocial Safety: Given the emotional toll of reporting in dangerous environments, UTPC provides training in stress management and mental health awareness, ensuring journalists receive the psychosocial support they need.

Immediate Outcomes of UTPC's Safety Initiatives

The initiatives undertaken by UTPC have led to several positive outcomes for the safety and protection of journalists in Tanzania. Some of the key outcomes include:

1. Establishment of Regional Safety Committees: UTPC has facilitated the formation of safety committees at the regional level, particularly in regions where safety dialogues between journalists and the police force were conducted. These committees act as local advocates for journalists' safety and respond quickly to violations.
2. Provision of Legal Support: UTPC has provided legal aid and representation for journalists involved in court cases, ensuring that their rights are protected in legal disputes and that they have access to fair justice.
3. Distribution of Safety Gear: As part of our commitment to physical safety, UTPC has distributed safety jackets to journalists, particularly those covering high-risk events such as elections, protests, and natural disasters. These jackets not only provide a layer of protection but also identify journalists as media personnel, helping to reduce the likelihood of targeted attacks.
4. Increased Awareness and Capacity Building: Through the safety dialogues, training programs, and reporting mechanisms, UTPC has raised awareness about the importance of journalists' safety and strengthened the capacity of media professionals to navigate risks effectively.
5. Collaboration with National and International Stakeholders: UTPC's work has fostered strong partnerships with both national authorities and international organizations, amplifying the call for better protections for journalists and ensuring that violations are addressed at all levels.

Apart from the above mentioned initiatives, there are some of the challenges registered during the course of promoting safety of journalists in Tanzania, Here are some of the key issues:

1. Availability of Lawyers: One significant challenge is the limited availability of lawyers across all regions of Tanzania. Rapid response becomes difficult in regions where journalists are arrested, as it can be hard to find a lawyer on short notice to provide immediate legal assistance.
2. Sustained Funding for Support: Continuous funding to assist journalists in distress is not guaranteed. The Safety Mechanism provides support in three critical areas: Legal Support, Medical Support, and Relocation of journalists when necessary. However, sustaining these services without reliable funding remains a challenge.
3. Safety and Security Gear: There is still a large need for safety gear, such as safety jackets, for journalists. UTPC has produced and distributed only 530 safety jackets, but considering there are over 1,800 journalists across the press clubs, this is far from sufficient.
4. Support for Press Club Coordinators: Coordinators often travel across regions to collect information on violations against journalists, but resources are sometimes limited. When an incident occurs and the coordinator must meet with a victim, it can be difficult to gather information if adequate stipends or resources are not available.
5. Funding for Local Safety Committees: Maintaining the operations of local safety committees, which were established during regional dialogues, has also been challenging. These committees need to convene in urgent situations, but with limited funding, organizing timely meetings and actions can be difficult.
6. Ongoing Safety Training Support: Journalists in Tanzania require continued training in key areas such as digital, physical, and psychosocial safety. Ensuring they have access to regular and updated training in these areas is essential for their safety and effectiveness in the field.