Environmental Reporters Protection Unit (ERPU)

The Environmental Reporters Protection Unit (ERPU) provides rapid, professional protection and response services to environmental journalists facing threats, harassment, arbitrary arrest, equipment seizure, legal intimidation, or digital attacks. The Unit delivers 24/7 legal aid, emergency representation, and digital security support to ensure journalists can safely continue their work without fear or interference. ERPU ensures immediate access to qualified lawyers, continuous risk monitoring, and survivor-centred support to prevent investigations from being derailed. All incidents are systematically documented to strengthen accountability, prevent impunity, and promote institutional responsibility. The Unit places particular emphasis on protecting women journalists and frontline environmental reporters, helping reduce self-censorship and contributing to a safer, more accountable environmental reporting ecosystem.

Our Protection Services
1. Emergency Legal Aid and Representation ERPU provides immediate legal assistance to journalists facing:

• Arrest or detention
• Police summons or interrogation
• Criminal or civil legal threats
• Equipment seizure or confiscation
• Court proceedings related to environmental reporting Support includes:
• Emergency lawyer deployment
• Legal advice and representation
• Court accompaniment
• Case monitoring and follow-up
2. Rapid Response and Emergency Support
ERPU operates a rapid response system to assist journalists facing urgent threats, including:
• Immediate incident response and documentation
• Emergency coordination with lawyers and partners
• Safety assessment and response planning
• Referral to relevant protection institutions
3. Digital Security Support
The Unit provides protection against digital threats such as:
• Online harassment and intimidation
• Account hacking and surveillance
• Data breaches and device compromise Support includes:
• Digital risk assessment
• Account and device protection guidance
• Emergency digital security response
4. Incident Documentation and Accountability Tracking
ERPU systematically documents all reported incidents to:
• Monitor patterns of threats and violations
• Support legal and advocacy interventions
• Strengthen accountability of responsible entities
• Inform national and international protection efforts
This documentation contributes to anti-impunity efforts and long-term journalist protection.

5. Gender-Responsive Protection
ERPU prioritizes the safety and protection of women environmental journalists by:
• Providing survivor-centred protection services
• Addressing gender-specific risks and threats
• Ensuring confidential and sensitive case handling
• Supporting safe participation in environmental reporting