covering border conflicts
DESCRIPTION
Presentation in the panel on The Challenges of War Reporting on April 30, 2009, sponsored by Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International at George Washington University.TRANSCRIPT
Covering border conflicts
Reporters Without Borders -- Amnesty International at GWU Washington DC, April 30, 2009 -- Jorge Luis Sierra
Covering border conflicts
Armed conflictsUrban environmentWeaponryMilitary type of combat
Covering border conflicts
Armed conflicts
Among drug trafficking organizations (DTOs)
DTOs against governmental forces
Covering border conflicts
Urban environment
Clashes in densely populated areas Command and control and operations at
both sides of the border
Covering border conflicts
Weaponry Automatic rifles Rocket propelled grenades Five-seven and Project 90 guns Sniper rifles 50 mm Hand grenades and mortars
Covering border conflicts
Military type of combat About 200,000 DTO members have
military background and training Psychological warfare Checkpoints (military and criminal) Military intelligence
Challenges for reporters
Lack of training Lack of networks of support High level of impunity No adequate legal systems All sides trying to use them
Challenges for reporters
Few reliable sources Environment of fear and corruption Drug traffickers and government trying to
control newspapers and media outlets
