A/HRC/24/23 46. As described in its response, the International Federation of Journalists has developed a database that acts as an early warning system by providing information about potential acts and threats of violence against journalists. Moreover, a network of regional and country-specific unions facilitates the exchange of information and coordination of action. The Federation also pointed out that it worked with journalists and Governments to help to relocate and protect journalists. It could provide immediate financial relief to journalists and their families who have been victims of violence or received threats of violence, through the International Safety Fund. With regard to awareness-raising, it has developed handbooks on international law and humanitarian law for journalists, and has a practice of making public statements when journalists are attacked or when a Government fails to respond a threat or an attack. The Federation is also involved in bringing cases before regional mechanisms where national authorities are unwilling to undertake the necessary investigations and prosecutions. V. Good practices for the safety of journalists 47. Ensuring that journalists and other media professionals can effectively carry out their work requires the prevention of threats and attacks against them and ensuring accountability, as well as creating an environment in which independent, free and pluralistic media can operate. 48. The good practices for the safety of journalists described below were identified through a thorough review of State practices, including those provided in response to the note verbale dated 11 January 2013 addressed by OHCHR to States, recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and those made by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, as well as the good practices previously highlighted by international, regional and non-governmental organizations and other civil society actors. 49. The good practices indicate that an effective approach to the protection of journalists depends on political commitment supported by clear and effective legislative and practical safeguards to prevent threats and attacks against journalists and to ensure accountability. The exact nature of each given system for protection may differ, as each system must be tailored to address the varying causes of the violence that exist in each context and to meet local needs, including the needs of the journalists affected and other media professionals. A. Political commitment 50. Unequivocal political commitment to ensuring that journalists can carry out their work safely is a critical prerequisite to any system of protection. In this regard, a clear public position should be taken at the highest levels of government regarding the important role of journalists in society and the need to ensure their full protection from violations of their rights. States should also support and facilitate the work of media organizations and civil society groups that are concerned with the protection of journalists and freedom of expression. 51. Policies for ensuring the safety of journalists and other media professionals, zero tolerance of any form of violence against journalists, and full accountability for any such violence should be comprehensively integrated into all levels of government at the local, national, regional and international levels. States should ensure that a gender-sensitive approach is taken when formulating and implementing such policies. 14