Safety Resource Center/Physical Safety/Armed Conflict

Armed Conflict Resources

Some Wikimedians live in countries that might be affected by war and armed conflict. On this page you will find information and resources on how to protect yourself and help others. If you would like to suggest a resource to add to this page, you can do so by following the instructions at the bottom of the page.

Contacting the Human Rights Team

For help with digital safety, personal security, or connecting to human rights support networks, please feel free to reach out at talktohumanrights@wikimedia.org.
To report credible threats of physical harm or persecution related to Wikimedia activity: emergency@wikimedia.org. This email is monitored 24/7, every day of the year.

The Wikimedia Foundation is deeply concerned about the ongoing wars and conflicts happening around the world. These conflicts are hurting communities and making it harder and more dangerous for people to share and contribute to the sum of all knowledge.

The WMF’s Human Rights Team is here to help Wikimedians who need safety assistance. We appreciate the continued support and teamwork with many volunteers and staff through these communication channels.

We also urge anyone affected by conflicts to be careful and share any safety or human rights concerns privately, to protect the safety of other Wikimedians and yourself.

Information on Human Rights and Armed Conflict

Digital security best practice

Please see our quick safety guide or digital safety resource center for more best practice.

Limit sharing personal information such as real name, usernames, email, photos and IP addresses. Read more on managing your digital footprint.
If you wish to change your username, please follow these instructions.
Make sure your password is strong, unique and not saved on your browser. Read more on safe passwords.
If you have pictures of yourself on Wikimedia Commons you want removed or hidden, you can request their 'suppression' (formerly 'oversight') under certain strict conditions. Check the suppression policy and check how to request suppression. If your safety is at risk and you need immediate help, please contact ca@wikimedia.org.
See our Internet Outages Guide for resources and support in case you lose internet access.

Physical security best practice

In areas where there is external conflict, situations can change quickly and pose serious risks to your safety. The Foundation recommends that Wikimedians in these areas follow the physical safety advice given by their local government, if available and practical. For example, the U.S. Department of State (as of November 2023) suggests the following:

Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious, especially in places with lots of security forces like checkpoints.
Avoid demonstrations and crowds
Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials
Report any suspicious activities or unattended items to local police
Know where the nearest bomb shelter or other safe space is

General safety tips during armed conflict

First Aid in armed conflicts and other situations of violence by ICRC
Guide on Enhancing Protection: For Civilians In Armed Conflict And Other Situations Of Violence by ICRC
War Zone Safety by Wikivoyage
Monitoring During Periods Of Armed Conflict by OHCHR
Safety guide for journalists: a handbook for reporters in high-risk environments by UNESCO and Reporters Without Borders
Video on Safety Tips for Journalists in Conflict Zones by International Center for Journalists (ICFJ)
Gaza: Safety Advisory for journalists covering the war by International Federation of Journalists
Article on The protection of LGBT persons during armed conflict and other situations of violence by International Review of the Red Cross
Digital Security Resources by Meta-Wiki: Human Rights Team

Mental health

‘Surviving Warfare Adversities. A Brief Survival Advice for Civilians Under War Stress’ research paper
Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers by WHO
Doing What Matters in Times of Stress by WHO
Supporting survivors of human rights violations by Mental Health and Human Rights Info
Coping personally with war, tsunamis, and disaster by Transcultural Mental Health Center
How do you talk to children about war? by UNICEF
International support helplines by Meta-Wiki
Meta-Wiki: Mental Health Resource Center by Meta-Wiki

Other resources on Wikimedia projects

Wikipedia: Responding to threats of harm
Wikipedia: Requests for administrator attention
Diff: Internet outages guide
Wikipedia: Sockpuppet investigations

Page contribution

We very much hope for recommendations and resource suggestions. If you know of a resource to go on this page, please do not add it to this list yourself, but add it to the talk page or send them to talktohumanrights@wikimedia.org. The Human Rights team will review the resources and add them if they fit the criteria in the checklist below. Because this is a resource sent to people who are in crisis, for liability and safety reasons we do have to review substantial changes.

Here is the checklist the Human Rights team will use to review resources for this page. This checklist is meant to help you evaluate whether a resource you want to add to this list is a good and reliable fit. If you find resources that are already on the page do not meet the criteria below, please flag them on the talk page or via talktohumanrights@wikimedia.org. Thank you for your collaboration!

Mandatory criteria:

The resource comes from a reliable source (also see Reliable sources checklist)
The resource fits the scope and purpose of this page
The resource is permanent and up-to-date (expected to be accessible and useful in the future)
The resource provider, its mission and organizational history does not conflict with the Wikimedia Foundation’s shared values