Protection of journalists in conflict - fundamental rules

BRUSSELS All parties to the conflicts in Iraq and Israel/Lebanon should note that news media staff are protected by various international rules, INSI said on August 7. Fundamentally, they are entitled to work free of fear for their lives and freedom of movement.

The following Fundamental Rules for the protection of journalists in armed conflict -- as well as other dangerous situations not amounting to armed conflict -- have been compiled from the following sources:

general principles of the international law on the protection of human rights

Geneva Conventions on the protection of war victims and their Additional Protocols

international practice of States and the International Committee of the Red Cross

They should be noted also by journalists and support staff themselves.

Journalists and other persons working for the media are civilians while engaged in a dangerous professional mission in areas of armed conflict or in similar situations yet not amounting to an armed conflict. As civilians they share the rights and duties of any member of the civilian population and must be treated as such. They do not have the right to take a direct part in hostilities or in other acts of violence.

To give effect to this principle the following rules shall be respected by all concerned persons:

Journalists are under all circumstances entitled to respect for their life and their personal dignity. It is prohibited to kill or injure a journalist. The taking of hostages is prohibited.

Journalists shall not be the object of acts or threats of violence. They shall be protected against dangers arising out of military operations.

Wounded and sick journalists shall be collected and cared for.

Detained journalists shall be treated humanely, in all circumstances and without discrimination of any kind. In particular, they shall not be subjected to torture, corporal punishment or any other form of cruel or degrading treatment. They have the right to communicate with their families.

Detained journalist must be informed of the reasons of their detention. A journalist prosecuted for a criminal offence has the right to a fair trial by an impartial and regularly constituted court. No one shall be convicted of an offence except on the basis of individual criminal responsibility.

Delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) shall be given access to detained journalists.

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