In times of war, truth can become a matter of security. Information about missing people, unlawfully detained civilians, prisoners of war and children separated from their families can affect lives and shape international responses. For journalists, reporting these issues requires more than speed. It requires accuracy, verification and responsibility.

The war in Ukraine has shown how important reliable information is. Ukrainian children have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred, while civilians have been unlawfully detained and prisoners of war have faced serious risks. Establishing where people are, what happened to them and how they can safely return requires credible information, careful documentation and international cooperation.

Journalists have an important role in this process. A reporter may need to verify a person’s identity, check the origin of a photograph or video, confirm information with independent sources and distinguish verified facts from allegations. When information is incomplete, saying that it cannot yet be independently verified is better than presenting uncertainty as fact.

Technology has made this responsibility even greater. Manipulated images, deepfakes and artificial intelligence can create convincing false narratives. At the same time, technology can support research, tracing and the preservation of evidence. The final editorial decision, however, must remain human.

The questions journalists must continue to ask are simple: What do we know? How do we know it? And what are we still missing?

Accurate reporting can keep international attention on people affected by conflict. It can give victims and their families a voice, document abuses and contribute to accountability. It can also help prevent false narratives from erasing or distorting the experiences of those affected.

Peace journalism does not mean avoiding difficult truths. It means reporting independently, scrutinising claims, protecting the dignity of affected people and holding those responsible to account.

The return, rehabilitation and reintegration of Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war are humanitarian priorities, but they are also part of the wider search for a just and lasting peace.

Journalism cannot end a war. But truthful, independent reporting can preserve evidence, inform the public and ensure that the experiences of victims are not forgotten.

Defending the truth is one of the first steps towards protecting peace.