The topics of human rights and international humanitarian law are somewhat new to me; I received many useful information in this training, and I've learned a lot. I also liked the interactive training methods used and I found the training materials very rich and important for my work as a journalist.
Participant to the training
Participants also learned how international humanitarian law can protect journalists in times of war and the role of international organizations to enhance the safety of journalists. In addition, they were introduced to other issues regarding safety of journalists with an emphasis on the gender perspective and the specific safety risks for women journalists and their status in Yemen.
The training also helped young Yemeni journalists to conduct better reporting on the Yemeni conflict and peace process using a human-rights-based approach to journalism, reflecting the needs of different groups of the society, especially youth, in a more solution-oriented manner and gender sensitive approach.
Learning about human rights and their legal aspects has a high importance, especially for journalists working in conflict zones, such as Yemen. Knowing their rights and understanding the mechanisms of protection in international law allow them to better protect themselves and defendtheir reporting. Simultaneously, learning about notions and practices of peace and human-rights journalism, enhance their skills in reporting adequately on the peacebuilding process in Yemen.
Vanessa Bassil, Organizer & Trainer - Founder & President of Media Association for Peace (MAP)
The training, funded by UNESCO's Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP), is part of the project "Empowering Yemeni youth towards peace: ensuring access to information and participation", funded by the United Nation Peace Building Fund.
About the Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP)
The MDP serves to further strengthen UNESCO's work at a global, regional, and national levels, by channeling funds towards emerging priorities and the most pressing needs to achieve its mandate on freedom of expression. It enables UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector to address complex issues through the design and implementation of holistic medium and long-term interventions at national, regional and global levels. The clear advantage of this mechanism is that it allows UNESCO and its partners to achieve greater impact and sustainability, whilst reducing fragmentation of activities in the same field.
Protect journalists and freedom of expression, visit: en.unesco.org/themes/fostering-freedom-expression/mdp
About the project
The UNESCO implemented and PBF funded project "Empowering Yemeni youth towards peace: ensuring access to information and participation" through its inclusive and participatory approach, aims to empower youth with the skills, knowledge and tools to create information, content and dialogue in support of the peace-building process. By combining online access to information and media development and assistance, it will be the first youth-led and youth focus initiative in Yemen providing insights into the present-day opinions and concerns of Yemeni youth on peacebuilding while amplifying their freedom of expression and aspirations with decision makers, duty bearers and peace brokers.
About the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF)
The UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) is the organization's financial instrument of first resort to sustain peace in countries or situations at risk of affected by violent conflict. The PBF may invest with UN entities, governments, regional organizations, multilateral banks, national multi-donor trust funds or civil society organizations. The PBF works across pillars and supports integrated UN responses to fill critical gaps; respond quickly and with flexibility to political opportunities; and catalyze processes and resources in a risk-tolerant fashion.
