By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE Maravipost: MRCS engaged central region media practitioners through Bwaira Media Club in a 2-day workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as the country has five months to go to the general elections.
MRCS’ Director of Programs, Gloria Kunyenga, told journalists on Tuesday, March 18th, in Dowa that the training aims to enhance public awareness through IHL reporting by equipping journalists with knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of conflicts.
Kunyenga asserted that the media is crucial in shaping public understanding of armed conflicts and their outcomes, as it sheds light on events that may not be visible.
According to her, the media must be knowledgeable about welfare rules, particularly IHL, for both individual and community benefits.
According to Kunyenga, media professionals can enhance their reporting quality and accuracy to enhance their safety on the ground and promote a better understanding of the armed forces, as well as promote better understanding of the nation’s armed forces.
According to Malawi’s Defence Force (MDF) Senior Legal Officer, William Mfune, IHL is a law under public law that serves to safeguard armed conflicts.
Mfune emphasized the importance of IHL for both legal and media professionals, as media is crucial in investigating IHL issues.
He expresses his gratitude to the Red Cross for providing financial aid for media training prior to the nation’s elections, as it will aid in shaping their reporting.
On behalf of BMC, Chairperson ,BMC Member, Chivwati Gondwe urged BMC members to pay attention to the information and utilize it when the need arises.
Chivwati applauds the Red Cross for hosting the first IHL training in Malawi with Bwaira Media Club members.
MRCS is scheduled to conduct the subsequent training session in the southern region with assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is present in 191 countries and employs 15,000 staff members worldwide.