MANILA, Philippines - Media from the Asia Pacific have renewed their commitment to practice responsible journalism during times of emergency and violence and to provide voice to the sectors vulnerable to these occurrences.
About 50 journalists signed the “Manila Declaration” during the Regional Media Conference for Southeast and East Asia last Friday in Pasay.
The forum was organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and was attended by senior journalists and editors from Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines. The signing of declaration was led by Veronica Pedrosa, correspondent of Al Jazeera English. It was witnessed by Palace Communications Group Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. and Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon.
The journalists, who called themselves “The Manila Club,” vowed to promote the principles of the International Humanitarian Law in reporting violence and emergencies.
“We encourage collaboration between media and humanitarian and other organizations for better access and understanding of conflict and violence, complex emergencies and disaster situations to give voice to the most vulnerable,” the declaration read.
The journalists cited the need to exercise responsible use of social networking sites, which have become sources of information during emergency situations.
The Manila Club stressed that ethical reporting, independence and transparency are important in ensuring their safety.
“Journalist organizations (should) initiate education programs on training and sharing knowledge and experience on operating in traumatic and dangerous situations and set up formal peer support programs,” the declaration read.
Signatories of the declaration also cited the need for journalists to work together with non-government organizations to persuade governments and parties involved in conflict to fulfill their legal and moral obligations.
The media members also promised to support the ICRC in distributing a small laminated card that contains the rights of journalists under international law.
The pledges would be undertaken by setting up an online forum that would enable the sharing of information among media practitioners.
“We agree to continue our discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by contemporary conflicts and the complex fast-changing information environment,” the declaration read.
“The Manila Club aims to encourage the growth of a community of media practitioners who share our concerns,” it added.