Jordan Red Crescent holds workshop on protection of journalists in armed conflicts

AMMAN — Shedding light on people’s suffering and humanising media is crucial, said President of the Jordan Red Crescent (JRC) Mohammed Hadid on Saturday.

Hadid’s remarks came during a workshop organised by the JRC with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) titled “Humanising Media and Protecting Journalists”.

The workshop focused on humanitarian reporting and the protection of journalists in armed conflicts and high-risk contexts.

Women’s presence in journalism “is essential”, Hadid said and called for more “trained media professionals who are aware of human worth”.

During the workshop, a total of 22 journalists and media professionals were briefed on the JRC, its mission and its principles of impartiality and neutrality.

In 2021, the JRC’s “restoring family links” efforts supported 8,549 beneficiaries; 1,505 individuals benefited from its cash transfer programme, 60 surgeries were conducted at the JRC hospital, 1,168 people benefited from its mobile clinic services. Also, 13,794 Syrian refugees received clinical services at Zaatari camp.

Additionally, the JRC helped train 143 people on first aid, supported 128,106 individuals through its COVID-19 awareness campaigns and provided various vocational trainings to 60 people.

Consultant and adviser on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Shaima Abu Farha, who touched upon the legal protection of journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in armed conflict zones, pointed out that “during war, the first thing under attack is the truth. It is the first casualty of war”.

Abu Farha also shared information on press coverage during armed disputes, and risk assessment strategies for journalists working in contexts of risk.

Khaled Qudah, a trainer for journalists on human rights issues, professional integrity and media literacy, shed light on considering the humanitarian aspect while doing journalistic work.

The one-day long workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony.