Background

The Colombian conflict is currently the longest lasting conflict in the world that has cost more than 50,000 lives in addition to other political, economic, and social losses.  As a result of the sensitivities that surround reporting in conflict ridden areas, journalists in Colombia who have sought to report on the conflict have often paid a high price for their dedication.  In the last 15 years more than 100 journalists have been assassinated and every day journalists experience censorship from all actors of the conflict. By the same token, journalists in war zones are not always aware of how their reporting can exacerbate conflict and put communities at greater risk.

Activities

This pilot project sponsored the visit of seven editors and seven war correspondents from Colombia to Washington, D.C. for a series of customized workshops and trainings that exposed them to a variety of perspectives at The American University’s Peacebuilding and Development Institute (PDI).  The course provided instruction in conflict resolution and examined the role of media in conflict zones. 

The program was held at AU from November 9-14, 2008 and culminated in a public event, "Colombian Conflict: Perspectives from War Correspondents" moderated by USIP Senior Program Officer Virginia M. Bouvier.  Other speakers included Saji Prelis, of PDI; Louis Goodman, Dean of the School of International Service; Jaime Conrado Juajibioy, regional coordinator in Putumayo for RadiosCiudadanas; Gloria Castrillón, editor for Cromos; and Marisol Manrique, member of Reporters of Colombia, a network of 180 journalists.  The discussion focused on the role and challenges of journalists working in conflict zones and their potential role in peacemaking and peacebuilding.

Project Directors: Lakshitha Saji Prelis and Mohammed Abu-Nimer, American University, Washington, DC

Explore Further

• Read the report from the project