Does international humanitarian law make interesting news?
“Why should journalists know the basics of the laws of war?” This was the first question addressed by the meeting. “I think it is important [that journalists know the basics of international humanitarian law] so that we in the media can point out what the laws of war say, even as some governments are ‘interpreting’ them otherwise,” argued Elaine Cobbe, a seasoned TV and radio reporter and media trainer. Others concluded that understanding how to read events and situations from the angle of international humanitarian law makes war coverage more accurate and compelling. When journalists know what is at stake and what questions must be raised, their stories can make those involved in an armed conflict more accountable. In addition, as Christopher Whomersley, deputy legal adviser of the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and others explained, some legal provisions, such as the prohibition on exposing prisoners of war or civilian internees to public curiosity by publishing in
