Conflict journalists to visit Belfast

Journalists from the world’s most troubled conflict zones will gather together in Belfast tomorrow to share their experience of reporting in times of strife.

The four-day conference, organised by the UNESCO Centre, University of Ulster and the Commonwealth Journalists Association, is entitled 'Peace or Patriotism: Journalists in Conflict', and will examine the role of reporters during wartime.

The conference will bring together journalists from more than 15 of the world’s most conflict-prone nations, including former BBC war correspondent, Martin Bell.

Other speakers will include a journalist from Sierra Leone who reported on his country’s horrific civil war, and a journalist from Zimbabwe who had to flee from the Mugabe government’s violent repression.

Commenting on the conference, Barry Lowe, Commonwealth Journalist Director of Projects and lecturer in Journalism at Thames Valley University, said: “The conference will focus on the question: should journalists takes sides in a conflict – the side of their own government or community – or should they emphasise reconciliation and conflict resolution in their reporting.

“We chose Belfast as the location for this event because Northern Ireland’s recent experience of the Troubles gives it a relevant context for the issues we will be discussing.”

Professor Alan Smith, UNESCO Chair, University of Ulster added: “Our understanding of conflict is mediated through the eyes and ears of journalists in many different conflict situations.

“This conference will explore the role of journalists in conflict situations over the next few days and we are delighted that Martin Bell, a journalist with such first hand experience of conflict in places such as Angola, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Burundi and Iraq is here to lead off this conference and bring a critical perspective to bear."

As well as a conference at the Malone Lodge Hotel in Belfast, delegates will also meet with representatives of Northern Ireland's political parties at a reception in Stormont Castle and visit Londonderry for a tour of the city and a briefing on the 'Troubles'.

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