UN OCHA/IRIN hold first Humanitarian Reporting Workshop in partnership with International Humanitarian City and Dubai Press Club

Held in partnership with International Humanitarian City (IHC) and Dubai Press Club, the one-day interactive training session was conducted by senior UN representatives in the country, and focused on the main principles, players and mechanisms of humanitarian assistance. The event also highlighted necessary tools and techniques needed by journalists who report on humanitarian issues.

Speaking from Dubai, the head of OCHA's regional office, Mr Abdul Haq Amiri, said: "Dubai's strong commitment to international social responsibility, combined with the emirate's growth as a regional information hub, made this the ideal location for such an event".

Maryam bin Fahad, Executive Director of Dubai Press Club, said: "We consider it our priority to provide UAE based journalists with key enabling tools that will help them effectively handle challenging field assignments and ensure the accurate dissemination of information.

"The workshop is in line with our efforts to enhance the role of the media in humanitarian reporting. Providing useful guidelines, the event highlighted the right approach to maintaining objectivity while filing human interest stories."

Representatives from national, regional and international media newspapers and broadcast stations participated in the workshop. Journalists discussed the best ways for them to cover issues such as the implications to civilians of food scarcity, health, and vulnerability to conflict and natural disasters.

Mr Amiri went on to say, "we are delighted that representatives from such a broad range of media outlets were able to attend. As well as allowing us to raise issues of concern, today was a unique opportunity for us to hear back from the journalists that took part. A strong dialogue with the media is more crucial than ever if we are to be successful in our mission to highlight the situation of civilians whose lives have been overturned by conflicts and natural disasters in this region and beyond".