A/HRC/20/22 142. Since only a few NGOs with a special focus on media issues are represented in Geneva, the NGOs represented there with a more general focus should, where possible, also include the safety of journalists on their agenda. Recommendations to media agencies and journalists 143. The Special Rapporteur pays tribute to those local and foreign journalists who often face grave danger in their pursuit of truth. 144. While recognizing the often competitive nature of the relationships among media workers worldwide, it is important to set competition aside where issues of safety are involved. 145. Media agencies should provide appropriate basic and advanced security training for journalists and media personnel. As appropriate, such training should include training on the increasing complexities of reporting in armed conflicts or dangerous zones. They should also provide safety and self-protection guidance for their employees, giving them security equipment as necessary and offering training to both their permanent and freelance employees. Safety training for journalists who may face high-risk situations should be continued and, where possible, expanded. Journalists, including freelance journalists, are encouraged to seek out safety training and to take adequate measures to protect themselves. Protective gear where there is violence is essential. 146. The safety of journalists and measures to protect them should be given a central position within efforts for media reform worldwide. 147. Journalists and/or their families are encouraged to report threats and/or violations of their right to life and seek assistance to address them, including by using the emergency contacts mentioned in paragraph 96 above. 148. The fairness, objectivity and professionalism of the reporting done by journalists in exercising their role of informing the world remains the bedrock of the profession. Various media initiatives to maintain this credibility are welcomed. Recommendations to protect the safety of online journalists 149. All relevant actors, including States and international and national firms hosting social networks and blogs have the responsibility to protect the right of online journalists to seek, receive and impart information without fearing for their physical integrity, safety and lives. In this respect, private data protection should be regulated and implemented. Journalists should be aware of such regulation and of the risks they may face when publishing information through an online medium. 23