JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS FOUNDATION
MEDIA AND JOURNALISM WEBINARS 2023
Session 3: Reporting from Conflict and War Zones: Opportunities and Challenges
4 July 2023, Tuesday at 10:00 - 11:30 AM (EST)
The Media and Journalism Webinars is an online certificate program organized by the Journalist and Writers Foundation (JWF) to equip aspiring journalists and media professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their careers. These webinars provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in interactive discussions, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of media and journalism. With a focus on promoting freedom of speech, press freedom, and democracy, the webinars delve into crucial topics such as human rights, responsible journalism, and the impact of technology on the media landscape.
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and thought-provoking conversations, the Media and Journalism Webinars empower participants to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape and make a meaningful impact in the field. In its 4th year of this virtual certificate program, JWF hosted participants of young journalists and media members from 29 different countries as well as 11 notable expert speakers from 6 countries.
In the third session of our webinar series on “The Role of Media in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights” we explored the challenges, impact, and resilience of journalists reporting from conflict and war zones. Our distinguished speakers, Arbana and Arif, shared their firsthand experiences and insights, providing us with a deeper understanding of the critical role journalism plays in shedding light on important issues and promoting human rights in some of the world’s most challenging regions.
Unyielding Courage: Arbana's Path to Advocating for a Free and Just Society
“Journalism is not just a profession; it’s a responsibility to uncover the truth and advocate for a society that respects human rights.” – Arbana
Arbana, an investigative journalist, embarked on her remarkable journalistic journey during the war in Kosovo. She witnessed firsthand the brutal genocide perpetrated in the Balkans, an experience that ignited her passion for journalism and advocating for a free and just society. Arbana shared her dedication to journalism, working tirelessly to build a new institution in her country after the war, with a strong focus on radicalization and women’s rights in the Middle East and the Balkans.
Despite facing numerous threats and dangers, Arbana remains unwavering in her commitment to journalism. Her investigative work exposed the financial network of ISIS recruiters, earning her the prestigious Lum Nov’s Courage Award from the U.S. State Department in 2015. Throughout her career, Arbana’s determination and resilience have been a beacon of hope and truth, driving her to continue raising her voice and writing about crucial issues despite the risks.
Unveiling Truths: Arif's Commitment to Empowerment Through Journalism
“Journalism empowers communities by giving them a voice and provides the world with untold stories that need to be heard.” – Arif
Arif, a notable journalist based in Kenya, has dedicated his career to bringing global awareness to the Sudanese internal conflict. Having grown up under an authoritarian regime in Sudan, Arif understands the significance of journalism in speaking truth to power and documenting history. He founded the Sudanese Journalist Network in 2016 to support and collaborate with fellow journalists reporting from conflict zones. Additionally, Arif established the Facts Center for Journalists, providing essential resources and capacity-building opportunities to reporters on the ground.
Arif’s unwavering dedication to shedding light on untold stories and empowering communities has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of those affected by conflict. His work exemplifies the importance of investing in journalism and supporting courageous journalists who risk their lives to bring vital information to the world.
Challenges Faced by Journalists in Conflict Zones
The discussion brought to light the immense challenges journalists encounter while reporting from conflict zones. Both Arbana and Arif emphasized the importance of filtering information, maintaining personal safety, and exercising caution when reporting on sensitive issues and verifying facts. They stressed the accountability of journalists in disseminating accurate and independent information, particularly when covering atrocity crimes and victim stories.
“Reporting from conflict zones demands the utmost responsibility, as the information we share can shape perceptions and impact lives.” – Arbana
The speakers shared insights into the risks journalists face, from threats by extremist groups to violence and targeted attacks. Journalists in conflict zones often risk their lives to uncover the truth and shed light on human rights violations. Furthermore, the role of citizen journalism was discussed, acknowledging its value in regions where traditional media lacks access. However, the need for verification processes was emphasized to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Impact of Nostalgia and the Future of Media
The discussion addressed the impact of nostalgia for past regimes in certain regions and its influence on the democratic progression of countries like Serbia and Bosnia. Arbana highlighted that for Albanians, there is no nostalgia for Yugoslavia, as they endured a brutal regime under Serbia’s control, leading to complex relationships between Kosovo and Serbia due to historical context and propaganda.
“In societies healing from conflict, media plays a crucial role in challenging narratives and fostering understanding for a shared future.” – Arif
Arif provided insights into the future of media in Sudan, acknowledging that achieving stability, peace, and security will take time and effort, even if international negotiations are successful. The impact of dictatorship, economic challenges, and international sanctions has deeply affected the media landscape, and a quick recovery after a peace agreement is reached is unlikely.
Supporting Journalists in Conflict and Exile
Both speakers emphasized the importance of international support for journalists facing danger and challenges in their home countries and during their exile. Collaboration and assistance are crucial to protecting their rights and freedom of speech. Arbana shared the risks journalists face in Kosovo, where they are not safe, and highlighted the significance of international support in protecting and empowering journalists in exile.
Question and Answer Session
Participants engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with the speakers, Arbana and Arif and raised important queries and sought insights into the challenges faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones and the impact of their work on promoting human rights and democracy. One of the prominent questions addressed the safety and security of journalists in conflict zones. Arbana and Arif shared their personal experiences and emphasized the risks they encountered while reporting from dangerous regions. They highlighted the critical need for journalists to prioritize their safety while gathering information and reporting on sensitive issues.
Participants also inquired about the role of journalism in promoting positive peace in polarized societies. In response, our speakers emphasized the importance of responsible reporting, and the ethical considerations journalists must make when covering conflicts. They discussed how journalists can contribute to peace-building efforts by presenting accurate and unbiased information that fosters understanding and empathy among diverse communities.
The discussion also explored the impact of authoritarian regimes on the media landscape and the challenges journalists face while reporting from regions under oppressive rule. Arbana and Arif shared their experiences of working in countries like Kosovo and Sudan, where press freedom is limited. They emphasized the crucial role of journalism in speaking truth to power and advocating for democratic principles, even in challenging environments.
Additionally, participants sought insights into the future of media in conflict-affected regions like Sudan and Kosovo. Arbana and Arif, expressed their expectations for the media to play a pivotal role in promoting stability and peace in these regions. They highlighted the significance of international support in empowering journalists and protecting their rights to freedom of speech, especially those facing dangers in their home countries or during exile.
The session offered invaluable insights into the world of journalism in conflict and war zones. Arbana and Arif’s personal journeys and dedication to uncovering the truth showcased the vital role of media in advocating for human rights and promoting peace. Let us stand in solidarity with journalists and human rights defenders, ensuring their safety and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, even in the most challenging circumstances. Their resilience and bravery continue to inspire and shape the global dialogue on human rights and conflict reporting.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
ARBANA XHARRA, Investigative Journalist, USA
Arbana Xharra is an Albanian investigative journalist from Kosovo, an expert on Islamic radicalization, the rise of Islamic State ideology in Western countries. She has authored a series of investigative reports since 2012 on religious extremists and Turkey’s Islamic agenda operating in the Balkans. Arbana won numerous awards for her reporting and was a 2015 recipient of the International Women of Courage Award from the US State Department. She is featured on a variety of television networks as an expert on religious extremism and religious freedom and violation against journalists. Arbana Xharra continues to write about Islamic radicalization, corruption and organized crime. She moved to New York in February 2018 seeking asylum with her two sons and has been active in raising her voice for freedom of speech and women’s rights in the Middle East, Central Europe and the Balkans.
ARIF ELSAUI, Journalist, Kenya
Arif Elsaui is a journalist in East Africa, focusing on Sudan and South Sudan. After the Sudanese government cracked down on independent media in 2008, he and other journalists created the Sudanese Journalists’ Network to campaign against censorship and advocate for laws protecting press freedoms. He was head of politics and economics coverage at the Al-Ahdath, an independent newspaper based in Khartoum from 2007 to 2009, when he relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, because independent Sudanese media was collapsing. Al-Ahdath was later shut down by the government. Earlier in his career, Elsaui was a reporter at Al Sahafa, for whom he covered peace talks between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, including the development, signing and implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. He has reported from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya and Uganda. In 2014, Arif Elsaui was a Sudanese Youth Leader Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace.