The Journalist Support Committee and the Red Cross Concludes a Workshop on Journalist Protection in International Humanitarian Law

The Journalist Support Committee in Palestine in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), held a two-day workshop on Journalist Protection in International Humanitarian Law.

The Coordinator of the Journalist Support Committee in Palestine, Mr. Saleh Al-Masri, stressed the importance of Palestinian journalists familiarizing themselves with the International humanitarian law and occupational safety in the field amid the major violations they are subjected to by the Israeli occupation.

The workshop was attended by 20 local press organizations in Gaza. Mr. Saleh pointed out, during the workshop, on the mistakes committed by journalists that should be avoided during their fieldwork in the interest of their safety.

The workshop included the recognition of International Humanitarian Law and the protection afforded to journalists by virtue of being civilian and the working mechanisms of the Red Cross and Crescent crew and their response to the current situation in the Gaza Strip.

Photographer Khalil Hamra was a guest at the workshop and shared his experiences in the field with trainees concerning the occupational safety of journalists during field coverage.

The press secretary of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ms. Suheir Zaqout, confirmed that the workshop aims to disseminate and increase knowledge of the International Humanitarian Law and the principles of humanitarian media and the importance of respecting human dignity during armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) noted that it is working to raise awareness among journalists, especially those working on the ground and in conflict zones, in order to strengthen the protection of human life, preserve human values and reduce the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force.

Journalist Support Committee - Palestine
26 April 2018