The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called on journalists to strengthen ethical and child-sensitive reporting as part of efforts to combat the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
The call was made during a workshop in Abuja organised by the Council in collaboration with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security and Journalists for Human Rights (JHR). The event brought together journalists, diplomats and development partners to discuss the media’s role in protecting children affected by conflict.
Representing the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, the Council Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, said the media have a crucial responsibility in shaping public understanding of child protection issues and influencing policy responses.
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“The media has a central role to play in addressing this crisis. As journalists, we shape public awareness, influence policy debates and hold institutions accountable,” she said.
She cautioned against sensational reporting and urged journalists to adopt child-sensitive practices that protect the identities and dignity of affected children.
“We can help prevent recruitment by telling accurate and sensitive stories that highlight root causes such as poverty, lack of education, family breakdown and social marginalisation,” she stated.
Comrade Chukwugekwu also emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, civil society organisations and the media in preventing child recruitment and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
“Preventing the recruitment and use of children requires coordinated action across sectors,” she said.
Speaking at the workshop, the Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute, Mrs Offiong Nsa, described journalists as key partners in exposing child recruitment networks and reshaping narratives around children affected by armed conflict.
“You are not merely chroniclers of conflict; you are powerful advocates for human rights,” she said. “Through ethical, child-centred reporting, you can expose recruitment networks and shift the narrative from viewing these children as perpetrators to recognising them as vulnerable victims.”
She noted that the training would equip journalists with trauma-informed tools to report safely and responsibly on sensitive cases involving children.
Also speaking, the Africa Programme Director of Journalists for Human Rights, Mr Mustapha Dumbuya, said the organisation works across several African countries to promote human rights through media development.
He explained that the training was designed to enhance journalists’ capacity in ethical reporting, safety in conflict environments and the responsible use of digital platforms.
“We believe the media is a critical vehicle for advancing human rights and holding duty-bearers accountable,” he said.
Representing the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Counsellor (Political), Mr Omar Alihashi, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting children affected by armed conflict.
He said Canada supports international initiatives aligned with the Vancouver Principles, which focus on preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
“Journalists play a particularly important role through accurate, ethical and responsible reporting. This workshop reflects our shared commitment to prevention, partnership and knowledge-sharing,” he said.
Organisers said the training would continue over several days, focusing on child-centred reporting, trauma-informed journalism, digital ethics and gender-sensitive approaches to conflict reporting.
