MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted on Saturday, February 26, a workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Reporting of Conflict for media practitioners in Northern Mindanao, Caraga region and the Lanao provinces.
The one-day workshop was aimed to equip media practitioners with some knowledge on the IHL, their role in reporting conflict and humanitarian issues, and to present to them the activities of ICRC in the country particularly in Mindanao.
The activity held in Cagayan de Oro City was the first media workshop conducted by ICRC this year.
Jean-Robert Jorda, head of ICRC Mindanao sub-delegation, underscored the vital function of media practitioners in reporting situations especially during conflicts.
He also explained to the media participants the need for them to be sensitive and careful in reporting conflict.
Jorda further cited the importance of IHL for media practitioners and the need for them to know how the IHL can protect them in armed-conflicts as well as to be advocate of the law of armed conflict.
ICRC Communications Officers Allison Lopez and Albert Madrazo discussed the ICRC’s work in the Philippines and Briefing on International Humanitarian Law respectively.
The IHL according to Madrazo is a set of rules which protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities. It aims to protect human dignity and prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict by placing restrictions on the use of weapons and means of warfare.
In addition, veteran journalist Red Batario of the International News Safety Institute tackled the challenges in reporting about the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and issues on humanitarian reporting.
He stressed that the key to conflict reporting includes a thorough understanding of the complexities of the situation.
He also gave useful tips on how to avoid danger when covering conflict situations.
The participants were also invited to join the Red Cross Award for Humanitarian Reporting 2011 which seeks to recognize stories on the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts for populations and/or the importance of IHL.
Deadline for the submission of entries is on March 12, 2011 and winners will be announced during the regional media conference on conflict reporting to be held on the Red Cross Day in May 8, 2011.
The ICRC is an impartial and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence, and to provide them with assistance. It has actively pursued its humanitarian activities in the country for more than 25 years.
In accordance with its international mandate, it provides assistance to civilians affected by armed confrontations, conducts visits to persons detained in relation to the insurgency and carries out dissemination of the IHL as well as reminding all parties of their obligations under the IHL. (APB/PIA 10 Marawi)
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