Some twenty journalists
drawn from all four corners of the South West region yesterday rounded up a two
day skill empowerment workshop on; “journalists in armed conflicts or other
situations of violence.”
The knowledge-packed
workshop took place at Capitol hotel Buea and was organised by the
ever-responsive humanitarian organisation, the International Committee of the
Red Cross, ICRC.
Grouping representatives
from both the print and audio-visual media outlets represented in the South
West, the Geneva-based organisation whose central African regional office is
located in Yaounde groomed pressmen for two days on the importance of
professionalism when reporting armed conflicts.
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Attendees during day one of
the workshop
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With discussion and
presentations focused on topic such as; the ICRC interaction with media and the
international humanitarian law, journalist were schooled on how and when the
red cross can intervene in case of a journalist been detained as well as their
assistance and collaboration with men of the fourth estate.
Journalists and the law
in armed conflicts, the role of journalists in the protection of persons
adversely affected by conflict, as well as the use of force, arrest and
detention in situations of violence featured among the topics discussed upon.
Presentations by ace
reporter who is now publisher of authoritative Buea-weekly newspaper, The
Rambler, Charly Ndi Chai and Henry Mekole of CRTV Buea on happenings in the
filled especially faced with violent situations help mold the attendees more on
the does and don’ts of armed conflict reporting.
The workshop marked by
question and answer seasons was equally used by the organisers to present the
organigram of the ICRC, its creation, fundamental principles, mandate and
activities in Cameroon among others.
About the ICRC
Established since 1863,
the ICRC operates worldwide, helping people affected by conflict and armed
violence and promoting the laws that protect victims of war. The organisation
said to be independent and neutral is based in Geneva, Switzerland and is
funded mainly by voluntary donations from government and from the National Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Its activities in
Cameroon include the improvement of humanitarian laws, provision of basic
amenities such as food, water and toiletries to people displaced by violence,
restoring family links caused by displacements, provision of cash aid to
victims, visits and donations to detainees among others.
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