For better protection, journalists must know the law [Archives:2006/1009/Front Page]
December 21 2006
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SANA'A, Dec. 20 ) Legal protection is the escape journalists have from political, economic and personal pressures they face in their profession. The International Humanitarian Law ensures protection and immunity for journalists, who are considered civilians.
The International Committee of the Red Cross in Yemen organized a two-day training event for journalists on the International Humanitarian Law and its protection for journalists in armed conflicts. Representatives from the Red Crescent, civil defense and media also participated in the event, which ends today.
Training was provided by Osama Damaj, a Middle East and North Africa regional armed forces delegate and an expert in international law, as well as Hicham Hassan, communication delegate for the Red Cross in Yemen.
The first day, Hassan briefed trainees on the Red Cross and using the humanitarian law in media, followed by a speech from Yemen Times Editor-in-Chief Nadia Al-Sakkaf regarding the problems and difficulties of media work in Yemen.
Comparing the media to humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, Hassan explained, “Because of their misunderstanding of the laws and terminology, many journalist end up producing faulty reports. The difference between the media and us humanitarian organizations is that we prioritize the victims over the news and we can't take sides whatsoever. However, we agree on finding the truth and promoting the welfare of humanity.”
The main session was on the International Humanitarian Law, its relation to other international laws, its basic principles and implementing it during armed conflicts.
“In order to make use of the law, you have to know it first – this is what we'll be doing in this training. International laws give people complete protection in all aspects of life,” Damaj told trainees.
However, such immunity isn't absolute. Journalists are protected unless directly or indirectly involved in hostile acts, as this cancels such protection during the journalist's involvement in hostile acts.
Even when used for propaganda purposes, the media enjoys the right to protection unless they deviate to serve military purposes or incite violence, genocide or violations against the International Humanitarian Law. Once all requirements have been met, the media always must be on full alert to avoid property loss, death and any harm to civilians.
The second day, Damaj introduced trainees to national applications of the humanitarian law, mechanisms to implement it and security in open fields. In another session, Hassan explained legal protection for journalists in armed conflicts.
“The difference between the International Human Rights Law and the International Humanitarian Law is the mode of application. In peace times, the highest significance is human rights law, while such significance decreases until it reaches minimum levels during conflicts,” Damaj explained.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence. Under international law, it has a permanent mandate to take impartial action for prisoners, the wounded, the sick and civilians affected by conflict.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and based in approximately 80 countries, the Red Cross has a total of more than 12,000 staff.
During conflict situations, the organization coordinates responses by national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and their International Federation. The group is at the origin of both the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and the International Humanitarian Law, notably the Geneva Conventions.
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