Brussels, 19 July - The International News Safety Institute appealed on Wednesday to all sides in the current Middle East conflict to respect the safety and security of journalists and other news media staff.

Already, some journalists and news organisations have encountered hostility and some have been wounded. Fortunately no one has been killed.

But the conflict in Iraq demonstrates how easily those covering the news are sucked into hostilities. INSI counts 126 dead in the bloodiest conflict for the news media since World War Two.

"Journalists of all persuasions representing news organisations of every stripe are covering the fighting in Lebanon, Gaza and Israel. They have a dangerous and difficult job to do and their safety and independence must be honoured," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder.

"All parties to the conflict should remember that without free and open reporting not only the outside world but they themselves will be blinded."

The Geneva Conventions demand respect for human beings in time of armed conflict, and that includes respect for the human rights of journalists, who are classified as civilians entitled to protection from violence, threats, murder, imprisonment and torture.

These legally binding treaties date from 1949 and have been ratified or acceded to by most countries. They form part of international humanitarian law. Violation makes a soldier or militia member guilty of a war crime.

Journalists and others can check these rights in detail on the INSI website http://www.newssafety.com/safety/rights.htm

INSI is a unique coalition of news organisations, journalist support groups and individuals exclusively dedicated to the safety of news media staff working in dangerous environments. It is non-political and impartial and works to create a global safety network of advice and assistance to journalists and other news gatherers who may face danger covering the news on international assignment or in their own countries.

Any questions on this news release should be addressed to Rodney Pinder, email rodney.pinder@newssafety.com or tel. +44 7734 709 267