Ibadan: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged journalists in the country to embrace ethical reportage on child rights. UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, emphasized this during her keynote address at a two-day training session on Ethical Journalism and Child Reporting, held on Monday in Ibadan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop was organized in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. The event saw participation from journalists across Southwest states and Edo. Lafoucriere stressed that ethical reporting is not only a professional standard but a moral responsibility, highlighting the importance of portraying children with dignity and care.
She articulated that ethical reporting ensures children’s rights are protected and not compromised for headlines or financial gain. Lafoucriere stated, “At UNICEF, we believe that every child has the right to be seen, heard, and protected.” She underscored that children are not miniature adults and are still developing emotionally, mentally, and socially, which requires reporting on them with utmost sensitivity, especially those affected by violence, conflict, or abuse.
Lafoucriere further elaborated on the significance of ethical reporting in protecting children’s identities, avoiding sensationalism, and ensuring their voices are heard safely and respectfully. She highlighted that ethical journalism fosters trust in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, and that responsible reporting distinguishes journalists as a trusted source of information.
Similarly, Mr. Ogbodo Nnam, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, addressed the participants, noting that the training would play a crucial role in shaping public understanding and protecting children as vulnerable members of society. Represented by Mr. Toye Falayi, Assistant Director and Head of CRIB, Nnam emphasized the media’s power to inform, inspire, and hold institutions accountable, underlining the profound responsibility to report with integrity, sensitivity, and respect for human dignity, particularly in stories involving children.
Nnam reiterated that the training was designed to aid journalists in reflecting on their ethical obligations and exploring best practices for reporting on children’s issues, emphasizing the lasting impact that every image, word, and frame can have on a child’s life, safety, and future.