FG, UNICEF unite to protect children’s rights
The Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have called on journalists to ensure that children’s rights and privileges are protected in their reportage.
The UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed gave the charge in Port Harcourt recently, while welcoming selected Media participants from South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions to a two-day training of Media Practitioners on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights Reporting organised by the Federal Ministry of Information in collaboration with
UNICEF.
The training was aimed to strengthen media practitioners’ capacity in the best way of reporting issues concerning children and respect for human their dignity.
The UNICEF Country Representative represented by Chief of Field Office, Port Harcourt, Anslem Audu, noted that journalists had a critical role in shaping the narrative on children’s issues and owe it a duty to “prioritise children’s best interests and ensure that your reporting does not harm or exploit children.”
She stated that “The media has the power to amplify the voices of children, highlight their struggles, and bring attention to issues that affect their well-being. However, with this power comes great responsibility. The way we report on children, and their stories can have a lasting impact on their lives.
“Children are not adults. They are vulnerable, their minds are impressionable, and their futures are shaped by how we represent them.
“Ethical reporting means protecting their identity. It means never publishing a child’s name or image in a way that would stigmatize them, expose them to retaliation, or re-traumatise them—especially children affected by violence, conflict, or abuse.
“It means giving them a voice, not speaking for them. It involves interviewing children with dignity and consent, allowing them to share their experiences in a safe and respectful manner. It means prioritising their best interests.”
Read also: UNICEF, FG train journalists on ethical reporting, child rights
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Chinasa Ogbodo, represented by the Assistant Director/Head of Child Rights Information Bureau, CRIB, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Temitoye Falayi said that the session brought together journalists, media practitioners and advocates who play vital roles in shaping public understanding, influencing attitudes and protecting the most vulnerable members of the society who are children.
According to him, “The media holds immense power, the power to inform, to inspire, and to hold institutions accountable. But with that power comes a profound responsibility, to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity. When it comes to stories involving children, that responsibility becomes even greater.
“Every image, every word, and every frame we publish can have lasting consequences on a child’s life, safety, and future. This training is designed to help us reflect on our ethical obligations as journalists, explore best practices for reporting on children’s issues, and strengthen our understanding of child rights as enshrined in national laws and international conventions.”
The Resource Person, Geoffrey Njoku
Communication, Advocacy and Development Consultant, spoke on the overview of the United Nations, UN, Convention on the Rights of the Child and Ethical Principles in Reporting Children’s Issues.
Jide Johnson spoke on the Foundation of Child Rights, Lekan Sote discussed on Balancing Public Interest with Child Protection while Charles Obot spoke on ‘Drafting Newsroom Guidelines on Child’s Reporting.’
Susan Akila, Communications Specialist for UNICEF Nigeria and Acting Chief of Communication, Advocacy, and Partnership, reaffirmed the agency’s strong collaboration with the media in advancing children’s rights.
“We do not play with our media partners because we know you are the foot soldiers,” Akila said.
According to her, “Children do not have a voice, and journalists are in the best position to speak for them responsibly.” described the training as an interactive session designed to share real field experiences, discuss ethical codes, and identify best practices for reporting on children.”
