Discussion on journalism ethics, principles held
UNB
Diplomatic correspondents yesterday held an orientation on the challenges of professional ethics and principles during violence and emergencies, reports UNB. Jointly organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), the orientation was initiated with the aim to offer support and advice to journalists in situations of violence. Journalists encounter various difficulties while reporting from violence affected areas. It is thus important to equip them with proper understanding of ethics and principals that may come to use in that regard. Masud Karim, President of the DCAB, said: This orientation has allowed 28 of our members and representatives present today to understand different dynamics when reporting in situations of violence; and in a context like Bangladesh, we have found this very useful as our country experiences different types of disasters and situations of violence, with journalists sometimes not fully aware of the regulations and challenges involved.
Sessions about various practical situations and constraints faced by the journalists were led by Prof AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan of the Television and Film Studies Department of Dhaka University and Political Adviser of ICRC New Delhi Surinder Singh Oberoi. Concluding the event, Christine Cipolla, head of the ICRC Delegation in Bangladesh, said, It is natural to seek the exchange and learn from each other about the situations that affect humanitarian workers and media professionals alike, around the world as well as in Bangladesh where the ICRC, in partnership with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, aims to address the needs of the victims of violence and natural disasters. Deputy head of Delegation of ICRC Boris Kelecevic, Communication Delegate Michael Kifle and Communication Officer Rayhan Sultana Toma were also present.
