This guide aims to help journalists who are documenting war and its outcomes by offering practical advice to enable better investigations. The wanton killing and abject treatment of human beings during times of war and conflict, and the attendant horrors of such violence, demand accountability. Journalists have a critical role in reporting and investigating war and conflict. Shining a light on the practices of those who wage war, asking tough questions, digging to find evidence and exposing lies and propaganda, and what is really going on — are a critical part of the work of investigative journalists, work that complements the work of war reporters, human rights researchers, photographers — and legal authorities. Reporting and investigating war and conflict are critical, whether or not a war crime may have been committed. Investigative work by journalists is painstaking and can take months, even years, and it must be of the highest standard, especially if it is to stand up in a domestic or international court of law. Yet what is lawful in war is not the same as what is morally right, and reporting and investigating war and conflict are critical, whether or not a war crime may have been committed. The laws governing war and conflict are important but only part of a wider picture of accountability. Many practices considered to be legal still demand investigation and scrutiny — and journalists need to try to hold actors politically accountable for the suffering in war. The journalist's role in reporting on possible war crimes is not to carry out a judicial investigation and there are real tensions between the roles and responsibilities of journalists and those of prosecutors and legal investigators – the protection of confidential sources; the importance of independence; and the need to publish, are but three of these examples.

Nadia Murad, Nobel Peace Prize Winner: "The work done by investigative journalists in war zones has the power to truly make a difference and this guide is a vital tool for reporters who choose to bring our stories to light."

Eliot Higgins, Bellingcat Founder "An invaluable toolbox for truth-seekers, 'GIJN Reporter's Guide to Investigating War Crimes' bolsters the integrity of journalism in war torn regions. This comprehensive manual not only elucidates the complexities of war crimes, but also demystifies the codes governing them. With an unflinching spotlight on the grave responsibility borne by journalists, this guide bolsters the investigative process, empowering the narration of facts amidst chaos. Compulsory reading for journalists, human rights researchers, and legal authorities, this guide simplifies the intricacies involved in war-crime research, shining an undeterred light on the path to accountability for those who have transgressed the boundaries of international humanitarian laws."

Marcela Turati, Mexican journalist "A wonderful piece of work by GIJN! I have been looking for a comprehensive resource like this for many years. It is the most extensive guide I've seen. It includes useful tips and resources, and the lived testimonies of experienced journalists. It's very useful not only for war correspondents reporting on cross-border warfare, but for those of us who are war correspondents within our own countries, covering atrocities committed by the police, narcos, soldiers, gangs, and traffickers. As well as a resource for journalists covering and investigating conflict, it also provides information, techniques, and tools for journalists and others who wish to use evidence to seek justice for victims and survivors, and to hold the perpetrators to account."

Beauregard Tromp, Africa Editor at OCCRP "For more than a century journalists have rushed towards the sound of gunfire, intent on bearing witness to the horrors that war and conflict wreaks. The resulting correspondence has had mixed results, sometimes leaving survivors feeling even further violated and governments too often nonplussed. Drawn from among a pedigreed group of journalists who've covered wars and conflicts from Yemen to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Palestine to Ukraine, this guide is invaluable. Not only is it a guide to discerning between the terrible acts that constitute war and conflict but it also provides invaluable, practical notes on how to investigate potential war crimes, building irrefutable proof that can hold perpetrators to account and demand justice."

Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor, Channel 4 News "As journalists, we sometimes find ourselves in situations where we need similar expertise and knowledge to war crimes investigators. This excellent and comprehensive guide provides not only advice on the sensitive interviewing of victims, but also information about the use of new technology to back up on-the-ground reporting. I would recommend it both to new and established reporters."

Patrick Phongsathorn, Senior Advocacy Specialist, Fortify Rights "This guide is essential reading for journalists investigating potential war crimes. The laws of war can be confusing and bewildering, but this guide sets them out in a clear, concise, and easily comprehensible manner."

The Global Investigative Journalism Network serves as the international hub for the world's investigative reporters. Our core mission is to support and strengthen investigative journalism around the world—with special attention to those from repressive regimes and marginalized communities. At the heart of GIJN is an international association of nonprofit journalism organizations. From its founding in 2003, GIJN has grown to include 244 member groups in 90 countries. Today, with a staff based in 24 countries, GIJN works in a dozen languages to link together the world's most enterprising journalists, giving them the tools, technology, and training to go after abuses of power and lack of accountability.