Security of Journalists: Making the Case for Modelling Armed Violence as a Means to Promote Human Security

Attacks on journalists are worthy of particular attention because, first, this profession constitutes a distinct vulnerable group in conflict areas and, second, there are wider implications for human security because of the importance of media reports pertaining to armed violence. We use a methodology for studying attacks on journalists that builds their “security profile” and which could be applied to any issue relating to both human security and the use of weapons. We conclude, first, that media reports can generate meaningful data about the multiple potential effects of armed violence on any particular vulnerable group (as exemplified by journalists working in conflict areas) and, second, that the method presented could be a useful tool in collective international efforts to enhance human security, including in disarmament, by supplementing field-based studies about the effects of armed violence.