Imphal, November 06: In the backdrop of completion of seven years of fasting by Sharmila in protest against prolonged imposition of AFSPA and in recognition of the crucial role that front-line reporters play in bringing out the stories of human sufferings in the ongoing armed conflict in Manipur, a one-day workshop on International Humanitarian Law was held at the conference hall of Hotel Imphal here today.

The workshop was facilitated by Just-Peace Foundation, a trust which constituted to carry forward the spirit of Sharmila's struggle to the people of Manipur and beyond.

Giving the key note address of the workshop, managing trustee of the Foundation, Irom Singhajit explained that the today's workshop was the first programme of the Foundation which would be utilising the prize money of the Gwangzu Award for Human Rights presented to Sharmila to carry forward her struggle.

Apart from instituting three Fellowships to be given every year to front-line reporters working in the field of human rights protection, the Foundation is also planning to extend financial assistance in research work on peace, democracy and other relevant themes, Singhajit, who is also the elder brother of Sharmila, announced.

Divided into two sessions, the first session of the workshop was moderated by editor of Ereibak Irengbam Arun.

During the session, human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam spoke on the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949 with special reference to its 3rd Common Article and the Additional Protocol (I) and Additional Protocol (II) adopted in 1977.Mentioning that the journalists have taken an important role in formulation of these laws since they are related to war, Babloo explained that these laws clearly differentiate war between two countries from fighting against rebel groups within the country.

Although India Govt is also a signatory to the Four Geneva Conventions of 1949, it is yet to append its signature on the other additional resolutions, he lamented.

The second session of the workshop presided over by retired Prof Arambam Lokendra was also moderated by Irengbam Arun with many reporters and experts sharing their views on the 'Charter for safety of journalists working in war zones or dangerous areas' published in 2002 by Reporters Sans Frontiers.

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