The second day of training organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Observatory on Health and Climate in Haiti (OSCH), the Association of Journalists Haitians (AJH) and the Haitian Association of Free Media (AHML), have been focused on the safety of journalists before, during and after media coverage of an event.
This activity was led by Pierre Guéder, divisional inspector and deputy head of the CIMO unit, as well as Frantz Jean Étienne, CIMO agent of the 23rd promotion.
The panelists’ interventions focused on the analysis of dangerous areas and risk situations, preparation for a mission, precautions to take, the principles of equality and necessity, behavior in the field, as well as the ‘ orientation.
They also addressed the use of firearms and other potentially lethal force during law enforcement operations, noting that this was generally justified in situations of grave imminent danger endangering the lives of law enforcement officers. order or the public, such as violent riots, armed attacks or other serious threats to security.
Regarding the role of the media, it was emphasized that their main mission is to provide impartial and transparent information on events related to law enforcement operations. The media plays a crucial role in providing objective news coverage, informing the public of the facts, and exercising oversight to ensure accountability of authorities.
The second part of the training focused on the rules of professional conduct and ethics in the exercise of the profession of journalist, and was led by Jacques Desrosiers of the Association of Haitian Journalists. His presentation emphasized caution when reporting on violence and gang activity, respecting the confidentiality of reliable sources, avoiding causing harm, remaining neutral and consulting with superiors or professionals on sensitive subjects.
At the end of the training, each journalist received a certificate of participation, presented as follows: “The UNESCO Office in Port-au-Prince, the Haiti Health Observatory (OSCH), and the The Association of Haitian Journalists presents this certificate to: (Name of participant), for their participation in two days of practical training on the safety of journalists, protection techniques and first aid, on October 30 and 31, 2023 in Pétion-Ville , Haiti. »
This certificate is signed by Dr Lucknel Dorvélus, certified expert in medical-surgical emergencies/OSCH, Jacques Desrosiers, Association of Haitian Journalists (AJH) and Tatiana Villegas, UNESCO Representative in Haiti.
Mayerline BREVIL
