Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict:

An Insight from the Perspective of International Humanitarian Law

  • Pukar Dahal Kathmandu School of Law, Purbanchal University
Keywords: Armed Conflict, International Humanitarian Law, Journalists, Geneva Conventions

Abstract

War journalism, by the nature of its work, is arguably one of the most dangerous professions in the world. Journalists working in conflict-prone areas are constantly exposed to the inherent threats of the battlefield. Over the period of time, there has been a number of attacks, assaults, and arrests upon journalistic profession who conduct reporting from conflict situations worldwide. What is more serious is that most of these attacks are deliberate in nature. The conflicting parties often fear the undeniable powers of word and image journalists spread. Under the current international regime, there is a number of normative frameworks which guarantees the protection of journalist operating in armed conflicts. However, there is a serious question regarding the adequacy and implementation of the available protection mechanisms.

This paper is an attempt to study the current international framework which governs and protects the journalists operating in International and Non-International Armed Conflicts worldwide. Particular focus is given to the protection available under International Humanitarian Law. In addition, the paper clarifies the conditions in which journalists lose their protection and become legitimate targets. The paper also traces out the shortcomings within the current regime of International Humanitarian Law. Finally, the paper discusses some additional proposals that could enhance the safety of journalists in the field. The paper follows the qualitative method of research and uses both primary and secondary sources of information.  

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References

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Published
2021-06-26
How to Cite
Dahal, P. (2021). Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict:. GPH-International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 4(06), 21-30. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6860198