Profiles: Media Diplomacy

Amnesty International Fights for Justice through Media

By Olesya Semenyuk

There is one organization that has taken its fight for peace and justice successfully to the media: Amnesty International. Since the 1960's AI has created a worldwide movement to raise awareness about human rights abuses everywhere. Most importantly AI is one of the few non-governmental organizations that are held credible by the media and by the public. One way that AI fights against injustice is by making sure that no violation of human rights goes unreported. AI helps journalists to create more balanced stories by publishing a "for media" section on their website with resources, media contacts, and press releases to act as a counterpoint to official sources reluctant to address human rights violations. By publishing these press releases AI makes it much easier for media organizations to pick up the story with little expense or time. The organization's news releases tend to follow the guidelines of peace journalism - unbiased, accurate, and calling for a peaceful resolution.

 

Cyclone Victims in Myanmar Benefit from Media Coverage

By Lauren Shumate

In the wake of the crisis in Myanmar caused by the recent cyclone, the media has taken on the role of mediator, primarily between the United Nations and the Junta in Myanmar. As with any major national disaster, when news of the cyclone hit the airwaves, governments and individuals and organizations jumped to action gathering food and supplies to send with aid workers to the affected area. When aid workers were not allowed to enter the country, international media began airing criticisms by major political players around the world, including the United Nations. The verbal attacks intensified when the Myanmar government blocked aid supplies as well. Negative media coverage clearly put pressure on the Myanmar government to relent - and it has seemed to work. Aid organizations have begun to gain access to the country.

 

Hug O' War

By Faith Yi

In 2004, the Free Hugs Campaign originated in Sydney, Australia through the efforts of Juan Mann. The premise is deceptively simple: stand in a crowded pedestrian location holding a handmade sign with "Free Hugs" scrawled across it. One such event was videotaped and posted on YouTube receiving over 26 million hits to date online. The Toronto Star recognized it as the 2006 "YouTube Inspirational Video of the Year."

Mann's mission is to promote peace and human interaction in "this age of social disconnectivity" using tools, such as the Internet, that spur social connectivity. Across language barriers, religion and politics - and with the help of media -- the Free Hugs Campaign created an international fervor. Mann appeared on "Oprah" and with worldwide news coverage and online popularity, the public took notice. A freelancer for Tulsa World in Oklahoma even chronicled her experiences distributing hugs at the newspaper's main office.

This is grassroots level activism at its most raw; the actions of one individual multiplied across nations. A feel-good campaign can easily struggle to share news space with standard stories filled with strife and conflict. But, by enlisting the internet to attract the attention of international news organizations, Juan Mann launched a "Hug O'War."