IRNA, Red Cross to expand cooperation

Mohammad Khoddadi in the meeting with Florence Gillett said that IRNA is ready to cooperate with the the Red Cross as a way to help amplify the peace tribune, and the organization can use the capacity of the news agency.

Referring to the production and publication of news, reports, infographics, news videos and holding joint photo exhibitions as ways of cooperation between the two organizations, he said that IRNA is ready to send correspondents to the crisis-stricken regions and refugee camps to make news reports.

“The media once used to show restraint on unpleasant scenes, therefore, publishing the image of a US soldier shooting directly at a Vietnamese impressed the public opinion, and even changed the war’s direction. On the contrary, today we see the details of the war crimes on media which has led to decreasing public opinion sensitivity”, Khoddadi said in the meeting pointing to the change in media’s approach towards covering negative news.

The head of the Red Cross mission in Iran referring to her familiarity with the Iranian people said: Iran is culturally and politically a lively country and thousands years of history has added to the rich culture of Iran.

Gillette added that a part of the Red cross activities is related to the victims of Iran-Iraq war, who unfortunately are still struggling with the war repercussions. Gillette also confirmed that Iranians' specialties and capabilities are used to advance the Red Cross goals.

Confirming IRNA managing director’s remarks, she said, 'Providing information on unpleasant events to raise the people’s awareness is a must, but some new approaches to cover negative news should be devised.

She also stressed the importance of covering promising news, as in Colombia, South America, that is witnessing a decrease in conflicts and its outcomes.

International Committee of The Red Cross with 16,000 employees in 80 countries across the world is the largest global humanitarian organization. Its obligation, according to the Geneva Convention, is to maintain impartiality while trying to save human lives and protect dignity of the armed conflicts’ victims.

Heads of IRNA and the Red Cross in the meeting in Tehran agreed on expanding bilateral cultural and media cooperation.

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