Indian Red Cross – Orissa State Branch and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) organised a workshop on “Media, Conflict Reporting and International Humanitarian Law” on Thursday,3rd june,2010 at Hotel Hindusthan International, Bhubaneswar.The workshop was inaugurated by Sri Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, Governor of Orissa and the President, the State Branch of Indian Red Cross Society.
Addressing to the media representatives Sri Bhandare observed that human rights being integral part of human life, violence and conflict are anathema to peace in society. When both electronic and print media can play a significant role and contribute to everlasting peace, working at the conflict ground is a challenge for the media, he said. Sro Bhandare further stressed that the media professionals should enhance their knowledge on International Humanitarian Law along with International Treaties for their safety. Awareness generation, action oriented programmes should be linked to protection of human lives, he suggested.
In his welcome address Dr Mangala Prasad Mohanty, Honorary Secretary, IRCS-OSB highlighted that Orissa State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society has been working with the people of Orissa since 1936. It inspires, encourages and initiates at all times all forms of humanitarian activities so that human suffering can be minimized and even prevented and thus contributes to creating more congenial climate for peace. It renders services to mankind with its 30 District, 2 City and 3 Block Branches and a volunteer force of over 10 lakhs junior volunteers, 25,000 youth volunteers and 1,24,728 different category members.
Mr Paul Keen, Cooperation Coordinator, ICRC, New Delhi was the Guest of Honour in the occasion. He narrated the vulnerability of media people at Afghanistan and Iraq. While reporting from the ground, the media professionals should continue dialogue with all parties and actors, he said.
Sri Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Editor, Sambad & Kanak TV joined as a guest of honor in the occasion. Maintaining balance with profession and job is a challenge for the journalists, he opined while thanking IRCS-OSB for organizing this type of workshop for the media persons.
Mr Surinder Oberoi, Communication Officer facilitated the programme and presented on Conflict Reporting and International Humanitarian Law, A film on International Humanitarian Law was screened in the last session of the workshop.