Preparation course for journalists in conflict areas
Within the period of 12-16 July 2010, the course for journalists in conflict areas was carried out at the Brazilian Peacekeeping Operations Joint Center (CCOPAB), in Rio de Janeiro. This activity was conducted by CCOPAB, by the Brazilian Army Social Communication Center (CCOMSEx) and by the UN Information Center in Brazil (UNIC-RIO).
The opening class was conducted by Major General CARLOS ALBERTO NEIVA BARCELLOS, Chief of the Brazilian Army Social Communication Center.
In addition to the theoretical instructions, the students were inserted in the context of a fictitious country – TUDISTAN, torn by a civil war and at present hosting a mission – also fictitious – UNMITUD (United Nations Mission in Tudistan).
The students also took part in conferences on the role of media in the global scenario, the influence of media in the conflicts, ethics for media, and legal basis for the press.
During the drill in the terrain, the students followed one of the companies of the battalion which was deployed along the borderline. They had the opportunity to learn how to identify risks and to act before dangerous situations such as air and ground bombing, mine field, areas under automatic gun fire, and kidnapping (how to behave as a hostage). They also had notions of land navigation, first-aid, and identification of ordnance.
The students, divided in groups, produced works related to the situation in Tudistan. These works were later presented in forums.
