Today: Learn how the rules of war apply to journalists

Knowledge of the basic rules of war not only can protect journalists covering conflict on the ground, it also can enhance reporting and deepen analysis. International Humanitarian Law (IHL), a set of rules that seek to minimize the effects of armed engagement on non-combatants, is a tool to better understand armed conflict, humanitarian crises, and the work done by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations in over 100 armed conflicts around the world.

Join the ICRC and the National Press Club's International Correspondents Committee Wednesday, Feb. 15, for a virtual backgrounder on IHL, issues facing journalists, and discussion of resources to help inform reporting about war zones. The 4 p.m. event is free and open to all Club members. It will be off the record. Register here.

Geneva, Switzerland-based ICRC, the guardian of the rules of war, in February marks 160 years of working in conflicts around the world. A legal delegate from the ICRC will lead the webinar presentation on IHL.

Lakmini Seneviratne, head of the legal department for the ICRC’s Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada based in Washington, D.C., will facilitate the training. She hopes to cover several topics during the 1.5-hour webinar, including the origins of IHL, how it applies in armed conflict, and how it protects journalists, civilians and prisoners of war.

If you’d like more information about the webinar, please email Club member Dominique Maria Bonessi, an ICRC communications officer.