China: Journalists discuss impact of harmful information and media’s role during humanitarian crises

The workshop was organized in response to the rising flow of harmful narratives online that compromise reliable media reporting and humanitarian operations. Such harmful information not only distorts public perception but also heightens people’s exposure to risks and vulnerabilities, potentially obstructing critical aid delivery. Through this workshop, the ICRC and SMG aimed to foster meaningful discussion and collaboration on strategies to tackle harmful information, especially in regions affected by armed conflict and other crises.

Opening remarks were delivered by Patricia Rey, ICRC’s Head of Global Communications, who is currently visiting China to strengthen partnerships across the region, and Tao Qiushi, Vice Director of SMG INTERNATIONAL. Both speakers emphasized the importance of truthful and transparent crisis reporting in preserving public trust and ensuring effective humanitarian assistance. 

The workshop included a series of presentations and interactive sessions with experienced journalists who had worked in volatile situations, allowing participants to gain insights into the realities of crisis reporting. Their accounts highlighted the complexity of reporting in high-risk environments and underscored the need for ethical journalism in crisis zones. Journalists, editors, experts and journalism students from SMG INTERNATIONAL, the ICRC, The Paper, Fudan University, Shanghai International Studies University and China Fact Check shared insights, best practices and the challenges faced in addressing harmful information and promoting accurate and unbiased reporting during crises.

By fostering dialogue and collaboration between media professionals, academics, and humanitarian organizations, the workshop underscored the essential role of accurate information to help people in need and in support of humanitarian efforts.