Reflecting on his time at INSI, he says there have been three key drivers of the increase in violence towards journalists: the loss of neutral status, the growth of global organised crime and the use of technology and compromised digital security.  He also points out that the safety of journalists has wide social and political importance. “By seeking to report from uncivil societies, journalists act in the interests of both local citizens and the wider international community, strengthening public accountability and helping to establish stable conditions for development. "We should recognise therefore that the journalist’s impulse to place themselves in danger is not simply, or even, a question of seeking professional exclusivity or personal fulfilment through the exercise of courage. In venturing into dark and difficult places, and attempting to report back, their motivation is rooted in the core mission of journalism to hold others to account on behalf of the public and in so doing fulfil a vital public interest role.” INSI supports campaign for UN journalists' safety rep. Richard's replacement Sue Inglish announced this month that INSI’s members have agreed to support the campaign by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for the creation of a special UN representative for the safety of journalists. The goal of the RSF campaign is to focus effort and establish a concrete mechanism to act quickly and decisively to enforce international law against those who harm our colleagues. There have been many UN resolutions on protecting journalists and combating impunity over the years but journalists continue to be killed in the course of their work. INSI’s own research, Killing the Messenger, recorded the deaths of 49 media workers in the first six months of 2016. Six journalists died in September, bringing the yearly total to 67. Losing their lives were Aurelio Campos and Agustin Pavia from Mexico, Kenya’s Dennis Otieno, Nahed Hattar from Jordan, Somalia's Abdiasis Ali Haji and Issac Vuni from South Sudan. Digital safety training for members INSI is teaming up with human rights group Liberty to hold a members-only masterclass on digital security in November. It will help keep journalists and their sources safe by teaching them practical skills such as encrypting emails, using anonymous internet browsers like Tor and using secure, encrypted operating systems such as Tails. Places are going fast so members get in touch to book your spot. AGM to be held in Copenhagen Our 13th Annual General Meeting will take place this year in Copenhagen on November 29, 2016. All are welcome, but only members of INSI can vote. To confirm your attendance please email info@newssafety.org