Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, especially for those who covering its drug trafficking and organized-crime. Yet poor training and lack of employer support means that many journalists are not prepared for the risks of the job. It’s particularly hard for freelancers.

The 2008 Rory Peck Trust Good Practice Programme did a great deal to raise awareness of the vulnerability of freelance newsgatherers in Mexico and encourage practical measures for their safety and protection. We worked in different parts of the country, encouraging freelancers to share their experience in focus groups, forums, online and in newsletters.

On a grass roots level, we worked with our local partner, Article 19 Mexico, to put together a comprehensive safety training programme for Mexican freelance and staff newsgatherers, leading to the first ever safety training courses for journalists in Mexico.

After the pilot course, an informal email network of freelance and staff journalists emerged which is still being used to circulate information on attacks on journalists, media and safety. The Trust  also published the Freelancers in Mexico report highlighting the challenges facing newsgatherers in Mexico.

This Programme was supported by the Open Society Institute

Download the Good Practice Guide for Mexico (PDF - 5.2MB)

Read about our safety training workshops for freelancers in Mexico