UN's effectiveness best hope for peaceful resolution of conflicts

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Adviser for Information Mainul Hosein speaking at a two-day conference of Senior Editors of SAARC Countries on 'Media Reporting: Armed Conflict and Violence' at a city hotel Sunday. — FocusBangla Photo

If arrogance of military might can be kept in check, the United Nations' (UN's) collective power can be best used for avoiding dangerous conflicts.
Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and Information Mainul Hosein said this while speaking at a two-day conference of Senior Editors of SAARC Countries on 'Media Reporting: Armed Conflict and Violence' at a city hotel Sunday, report agencies.
Chaired by Dhaka University's Department of Mass Communications and Journalism Chairman Abdus Salam, the opening ceremony of the conference was addressed, among others, by ICRC Head of Mission Finn Ruda and PIB Director General Mridula Bhattacharya.
The Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) jointly organised the conference.
Some 22 senior editors of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are taking part in the conference.
Mainul said, "The effectiveness of the UN is our best hope for a peaceful resolution of national and international conflicts".
Independence of the media did not mean that journalists had the right to report in any way they chose, he said.
The information adviser said political leaders from SAARC nations had long since agreed on the importance of the free flow of information in strengthening cross-border cooperation and security.
Earnest cooperation among SAARC countries could make a world of difference to ensure rapid development and lasting peace among the peoples of the region, he said.
"I urge political parties to avoid clashing with one another and expect journalists to assist in this", he added.
The adviser went on to say that it was reasonable for journalists to expect some level of risk when covering wars or other conflicts.
"Neither the Geneva Convention nor any other attempt to safeguard people is perfect", he said.
The adviser said America's war on Iraq and Afghanistan could be a valuable lesson, the most costly way, how in modern days military might of a super power had become helpless in 'imposing' its will.
"Instead, it has only succeeded in enhancing violence globally," he added.
The adviser said violent confrontation must be discouraged by contending state or non-state players as a means of resolving political disputes.
Mainul said the government must learn to show restraint and follow international law by allowing international institutions to play their part before resorting to violent means.
Reminding the responsibility of the press, the advisor said purpose of press freedom was not merely the freedom of reporting, but the freedom to serve public interest and peace.
Finn Ruda said reporting on war casualties was not merely a matter of head counts, but the media could help find the stories of human suffering. Reporting about conflict was about giving dignity to the victim of injustice.
He said journalists had the power to speak to the people in their own style and language. With that power came responsibility-the responsibility was to use that power objectively and not harm individuals or groups or societies.
The conference will deal with four topics-'Media: violence and torture' to be chaired by the Independent Editor Mahbubul Alam, 'Media and Protection' to be chaired by Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, 'Media and the Law of Armed Conflict' to be chaired by Sangbad Editor Bazlur Rahman and 'War/Conflict time: responsibility of media' to be presided over by Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury.