China: First-ever media workshop focuses on protection of journalists in emergency and first aid

Senior journalists from Xinhua News Agency (Xinhua), China Global Television Network (CGTN) and other media are invited to share their thoughts and experience as war journalists, including reporting from war zones and their collaboration with the ICRC.

“This workshop is designed to help journalists gain a better understanding of the basics of IHL and the protection it offers to media professionals working in conflict zones.” says Larry Maybee at the beginning of the workshop, the Deputy Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia.

Mr. Zhang Shuangfeng, Head of Public Communication of the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, briefs participants about the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the mission and mandate of the ICRC, particularly its principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality in conflict areas and its efforts in the protection of non-combatants, including journalists.

Mr. Liu Wanli, a Xinhua correspondent formally in Libya, shares his experience in 2011 when he witnessed the ICRC helped evacuate journalists trapped in Rixos hotel in Tripoli.

During the panel discussion, Dr. Liu Xinyan, Legal Communication Officer of the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, briefs participants on the basics of IHL and its protection for journalists, with examples from the practical experience of journalists in war areas.

Mr. Yang Zhen, a journalist from Xinhua, shares a group of photos he took in Syria. The shocking scenes and the heart-breaking faces in the photos paint a saddening picture of the extreme sufferings of the Syrian people caused by protracted conflict in the country.

Mr. Meng Qingsheng, a journalist from CGTN, shares his experience as part of a media mission to Iraq with the ICRC earlier this year. He talks about travelling past numerous checkpoints to Mosul, driving on bumpy roads at night and the harm caused by unexploded weapons to civilians after the war. Through his vivid accounts, participants gained a better understating of the danger facing journalists in the field.

Dr. Liu Xinyan introduces the ICRC hotline set up for journalists caught in dangerous situations during armed conflicts, and provides detailed information on how journalists can use the hotline to seek assistance in specific situations.

Mr. Valery Mbaoh Nana, Communication Coordinator at the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, shares his experience of engagement with armed groups and advises journalists to fully understand potential risks before heading to high-risk areas for reporting. He also touches upon the post-traumatic psychological support offered by ICRC delegations worldwide.

Ms. Li Yuzhu, a senior first-aid instructor from the Training Centre of the Red Cross Society of China, provides a short training on first-aid to enhance participants capability to help themselves in case of emergency.

Ms. Li explains the procedures for high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and precautions, as well as practical knowledge and simple methods to effectively deal with wounds and fractures. Under the instruction of Ms. Li, participants practicing their skills in an exercise.

During the tea break, Mr. Valery Mbaoh Nana, Communication Coordinator at the ICRC Regional Delegation for East Asia, shares his experience in war areas with a journalist from CGTN. “During the past few years, the Chinese media has shown great interest in reporting on armed conflicts and some of them have been sent to report from countries at war,” said Valery Mbaoh Nana. “Journalists are normally among the first groups of people to arrive at the scene. Therefore, it is also important for them t