The centre will create awareness and impart knowledge on international laws and conventions pertaining to conflict and conflict zones and how journalists should report, said N Murali, chairman of the Press Institute of India (PII) and Managing Director of The Hindu.
N Ram, editor-in-chief of The Hindu, said that many journalists are not aware of the international humanitarian law despite reporting from conflict zones.
"Armed conflicts continue to be part of our landscape. The advantage of the centre is that it will work with many legal experts and others working in conflict zones," he said.
The centre also announced that IIP-ICRC will be given to the best reports in Indian media on humanitarian issues published between April 2007 and June 2008.
The awards will carry cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000. Entries can be sent to editor.Pii@gmail.Com before August 30.