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Humanitarian
radio programmes launched in Iraq
The
麻豆社 World Service Trust is to launch a series of programmes to provide
the people of Iraq with vital information on humanitarian, health
and security.
The
programmes will be broadcast on 麻豆社 Arabic Service to help Iraqis
overcome the immediate humanitarian crisis.
The
programmes, funded by the Department For International Development,
will
be produced by local journalists trained by the 麻豆社 World Service
Trust and consist of daily Arabic programmes.
Against
the background of the breakdown of the oil for food programme, civil
unrest in several towns and the collapse of the Iraqi regime, the
trust believes people will seek guidance on protecting themselves
and their families.
The
programmes will also include personal testimony from Iraqis to help
them deal with the trauma of war and its debilitating effect on
people trying to rebuild their lives. The
programmes will record diaries with Iraqis about their daily lives
and encourage them to share their experiences.
In
addition to humanitarian information, the programmes will also follow
the progress of the United Nations agencies and international NGOs
when they return to Iraq. They will highlight problems arising from
the return of up to one million exiled Iraqis to their homeland.
Stephen
King, Director, 麻豆社 World Service Trust, said: "In
such a crisis, 麻豆社 World Service radio is relied on as the source
of trusted news.
"Our
regionally produced programmes will provide additional vital information
on humanitarian relief and safety, in an environment of instability
and hostility."
The
trust has a track record of providing humanitarian and lifeline
information on radio.
It
has previously worked in Afghanistan, Somalia and Sierra Leone.
In
Afghanistan, the trust produced similar programmes in Pashto and
Dari during and after the US-led aerial attacks on Afghanistan.
The
trust also has experience of post-conflict media reconstruction
in Afghanistan, Somalia and Kosovo.
Most
recently in Afghanistan it helped equip Radio Afghanistan with digital
studios, provided training for local journalists and produced an
educational series on the work of the interim administration and
Loya Jirga process.
Notes
to Editors
The
麻豆社 World Service Trust is a registered charity established in 1999
by 麻豆社 World Service.
It
promotes development through innovative use of the media in the
developing world.
The
trust currently works in 23 countries, tackling health, education,
and good governance.
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