UNICEF, PARTNERS CALL FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH CHILDREN’S RIGHTS LAWS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other stakeholders have stressed the importance of strict compliance with children’s rights laws in media reporting to safeguard a brighter future for Nigeria.
The Media reported that the call was made during a two-day sensitisation workshop in Dutse, Jigawa State, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Child’s Rights Information Bureau, which brought together media professionals to discuss the protection of children’s rights.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday and Thursday, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Dr. Karanveer Singh, underscored the value of ethical and responsible reporting on children, particularly in North-west Nigeria.
“Responsible reporting can build trust, promote peace, and protect vulnerable children in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Singh stressed that careless reporting can retraumatise survivors, stigmatise children, and fuel the spread of misinformation.
He urged media practitioners to leverage their platforms to advocate for children’s rights, monitor the fulfilment of campaign promises, and hold elected officials accountable.
“The media has a unique role in shaping the narrative in North-west Nigeria and advancing a brighter future for its children,” he said.
In his address, Samuel Kalu, Communication Specialist at UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, underscored the need for accurate reporting, safeguarding children’s identities, and incorporating multiple perspectives in news coverage.
He described the workshop as timely, highlighting its potential to strengthen professionalism and elevate the standard of child-focused reporting across the region.
The programme featured presentations from experts, including veteran columnist Mr. Lekan Sote, who spoke on topics such as “Ethical Principles in Reporting Children Issues and Balancing Public Interest with Child Protection.” Other sessions addressed “Trauma-Informed Journalism,” “Handling Ethical Dilemmas in Reporting Child Abuse Cases,” and “Guidelines on Crime Reporting Involving Minors.”
Mrs. Jumoke Falayi, Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, Lagos State chapter, stressed the importance of media practitioners adhering to Nigeria’s institutional legal frameworks, such as the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission Code. She noted, “If journalists adhere to these codes in their reportage of issues affecting children, there would be less concern about the rights of children.”
Facilitator Mustapha Ahmad called on participants to recommit to responsible journalism, stating, “Journalists must help build a media landscape that not only informs but also protects and empowers children.”
Stakeholders attending the workshop, including journalists and editors from Kano and Jigawa states, echoed the need for strict enforcement of existing laws on children’s rights, underscoring their role in nurturing future leaders.
The stakeholders praised UNICEF for convening the workshop and called for follow-up programmes to further enhance journalists’ professional skills.
Our correspondent reports that the event concluded with a strong call for media practitioners to place children’s rights at the forefront of their reporting.
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