War Correspondent

An independent press has long been considered the barometer of democracy. The job of the press is to investigate corruption, providing factual evidence, and holding people in power accountable. A thriving free press indicates transparency and health of a democracy. Conversely, when the press is limited or suppressed, it is a reliable indicator of democratic deterioration.

In the war zone, the War Correspondent's job is to cover events on the ground and serve as a truthful eyewitness to events: They document and report on the realities of the war zone, and the people affected by the conflict. The War Correspondent's first hand account helps shape public opinion and has been crucial to exposing atrocities, war crimes, and other horrors of war.

While journalists are considered protected civilians under Article 70 of the Geneva Convention, the job of the War Correspondent is extremely dangerous. Aside from the expected battlefield hazards such as artillery, stray bullets, landmines, War Correspondents have also been kidnapped and even tortured while doing their jobs. Beyond the threat of death or serious bodily injury, the War Correspondent has a heightened risk of developing PTSD and depression.