UNICEF Urges Journalists to Uphold Children’s Rights in Reportage

UNICEF Urges Journalists to Uphold Children’s Rights in Reportage

By Ade Ade

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on journalists and media practitioners to prioritize the best interests of children and ensure their rights are protected in news reporting.

UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open a two-day training for media practitioners on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights Reporting.

She was represented by the UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Port Harcourt, Anslem Audu.

She stressed that journalists play a critical role in shaping public narratives on children’s issues, and must therefore ensure that their reporting does not harm or exploit minors.

“The media has the power to amplify the voices of children, highlight their struggles, and bring attention to issues affecting their well-being. However, with this power comes great responsibility,” she said.

“Children are not miniature adults. They are vulnerable and impressionable. Ethical reporting means protecting their identity, avoiding exposure to stigma, retaliation, or trauma—especially in cases involving violence, conflict, or abuse.”

She further explained that ethical child reporting involves obtaining consent, treating children with dignity, and ensuring their voices are represented safely and respectfully.

“Ethical reporting on children is not just a moral imperative; it is a professional obligation,” she added.

In his remarks, Assistant Director and Head of the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB), Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Temitoye Falayi, said the session brought together journalists, advocates, and media professionals who play vital roles in shaping public perception and protecting society’s most vulnerable members — children.

“The media holds immense power — to inform, to inspire, and to hold institutions accountable,” Falayi said.
“But with that power comes a profound responsibility to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity. Every image, every word, and every frame we publish can have lasting consequences on a child’s life, safety, and future.”

According to him, the training was designed to help participants reflect on their ethical obligations, explore best practices for child-sensitive reporting, and deepen their understanding of child rights as guaranteed under national laws and international conventions.

Resource persons at the training included Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, Communication, Advocacy and Development Consultant, who gave an overview of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and ethical principles for reporting children’s issues; Mr. Jide Johnson, who spoke on the Foundation of Child Rights; Mr. Lekan Sote, who discussed Balancing Public Interest with Child Protection; and Prof. Charles Obot, who presented on Drafting Newsroom Guidelines for Child Rights Reporting.