What is the role of media today? Does it have a responsibility to be involved, or should it sit on the sidelines observing? The world has changed radically in recent years. The internet is enabling ordinary citizens, whether farmers, teachers or victims of war and diaster, to have their say. Politicians are finding it increasingly difficult to ignore them. However, for civil society to express itself more knowledgeably on the issues that matter - climate change, peace and security, migration, human rights, health care... - it also requires access to credible information. This is where good and well-informed journalists can help promote much-needed transparency and accountability. For this to happen, however, they also need the support of other key players such as the private sector, international aid agencies and governments. Daniel Wermus of the Geneva-based Written by The Editors Tuesday, 27 November 2007 09:02
ICRC JOURNALIST HOTLINE Tel. 00-41-(0)79-217-3285
Assistance for journalists in conflict zones or on dangerous assignment. Tel. 00-41 (0) 79 217 32 85 or any ICRC office or delegation worldwide. For families and professional associations of journalists missing, injured, killed or detained in conflict situations: an ICRC booklet explains what the ICRC can and cannot do, and the means it has available:
Downl oad PDF file (122 kb) or order the printed publication. See also · Medical emergency card (pdf format): for printing a blank card to fill out with your personal information. · UNESCO's Charter for journalists in dangerous areas or war zones on the Reporters Without Borders site ·
The protection of journalists and news media personnel in armed conflict, International Review of the Red Cross, No 853
Reporting is often a dirty word, particularly among those in the aid world who think they know best and feel no need to be accountable to the public-at-large. For well over a decade, however, specialized media groups have been working with local and international journalists to ensure that disaster-affected populations receive the sort of “lifeline” information they need to survive. What many policymakers do not realize is that better informed media can also play a key role in resolving or at least alleviating conflicts. Nonetheless, despite the media’s proven effectiveness as a crucial component of any humanitarian, peacebuilding or recovery effort, such initiatives are still failing to receive the support they need. This lack of commitment, often the result of ignorance, is not only risking lives but costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, possibly even billions, every year. In this two-part series, part of which was previously published in the April 2009 issue of 