Global Media Risk CEO Shannon Sedgwick began his career as a paratrooper in Australia’s 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). After leaving the military, he worked in private security and risk consultancy. Today he organizes trips for journalists and humanitarian organizations’ staff members to areas plagued by conflict and natural disasters. 
 

His company provides military training for people traveling to high-risk zones by recreating conditions on the ground: kidnappings, terrorist attacks, armed conflicts and others. Global Media Risk assisted Russian journalist Andrey Loshak and his crew with preparing for travel to Pakistan and Rwanda, where the filmmakers shot documentaries about Aurora Prize finalists. We asked Shannon what it is like to work in danger zones and what it takes to survive and get the job done. 

G.M.: What kind of training do journalists and people working for humanitarian organizations need to get before being sent to conflict zones? 

S.S.: People traveling to dangerous areas should be aware of all the risks when entering a new country. A thorough risk assessment should be conducted prior to deployment. Geo-political instability, location-specific health issues such as yellow fever and malaria, terrorist attacks, kidnappings, danger posed by protests, including the possibility of sexual assault, theft or violence should all be taken into account, as should traffic hazards (traffic accidents are the leading cause of death worldwide). There should be a balance between striving to achieve a company’s goals and ensuring the safety of its employees.

G.M.: What was the most dangerous experience you have ever had? 

S.S.: The most risky situation I’ve ever dealt with was the recapture of Mosul Dam Wall, when our media clients were filming the Peshmerga advance against ISIS. There were numerous IEDs (improvised explosive devices) all over the road and within the village at the base of the dam wall. There was the ever-present danger of incoming indirect (mortars and artillery) and small arms fire, and the weather was the hottest I’ve ever experienced, a balmy 60 degrees Celsius.

G.M.: You helped the Aurora Prize film crew to organize their trips to Pakistan and Rwanda. What were the most difficult parts of that process? 

S.S.: The Aurora Prize deployments to Pakistan and Burundi/Rwanda were a very interesting project to coordinate in terms of security and logistics. There is the constantly looming threat of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Also, Syeda Ghulam Fatima was constantly threatened by her enemies, who had sworn to hurt her and stop her from achieving her goals. We were fortunate enough to have some local connections who were able to assist us in facilitating a successful and safe operation.

In Rwanda, security risks are much lower than in Pakistan, but the logistics were a much greater issue. Reliable modes of transport are hard to find and communication is often difficult in rural areas. There is also the risk of being assaulted at the refugee camps while tensions run high due to limited access to food and clean water.

G.M.: How can new technology help to minimize risks for people in danger zones? 

S.S.: Communication has become much easier with upgraded satellite phones, mobile phone applications with encrypted messaging and digital security browsers used for secure communication. Protecting personal and sensitive information through digital security is very important in countries that have minimal press freedom.

G.M.: How does taking a trip to a conflict or disaster zone affect the people traveling there? 

S.S.: I find that people from first-world countries have minimal knowledge of the struggles faced by those living in disaster or conflict-afflicted regions. However, visiting these regions or working there puts things in perspective and makes people grateful for safety and being able to do what they do. We often take simple things such as electricity, clean running water or education for granted. Many of these countries do not have even these basic necessities, and seeing that first-hand can be quite an emotional and awakening experience.

G.M.: Why is this work important to you personally?

S.S.: The work our clients do improves many people’s lives, and I see this work as a light shining in dark places. Our ability to protect and guide that light is a source of great pride and fulfillment for me.

G.M.: What is the most important advice you give to your clients? 

S.S.: Always be aware of your surroundings and the situation. Never become complacent and ensure that your personal safety is your first priority.