The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on journalists to embrace ethical, child-sensitive reporting practices as a frontline tool in combating the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike made the call at a workshop in Abuja organised in collaboration with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security and Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), which brought together journalists, diplomats, and development partners.
Represented by the Council Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, the Chairman said the media has a critical responsibility in shaping public understanding of child protection issues and influencing policy responses.
“The media has a central role to play in addressing this crisis,” she said. “As journalists, we shape public awareness, influence policy debates, and hold institutions accountable.”
Ike cautioned against sensational reporting, urging journalists to adopt child-sensitive practices that protect identities and uphold dignity.
She argued that accurate, sensitive storytelling, especially one that highlights root causes such as poverty, lack of education, family breakdown, and social marginalisation, can itself be a tool for preventing child recruitment.
She stressed the importance of coordinated action, calling for collaboration between government agencies, security institutions, civil society, and the media in both prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute, Mrs Offiong Nsa, while also speaking at the workshop, challenged journalists to see their role as extending well beyond documenting events.
“You are not merely chroniclers of conflict. You are powerful human rights advocates,” she told participants. “Through ethical, child-centred reporting, you can expose recruitment networks and shift the narrative from perpetrators to vulnerable victims.”
She said 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 strengthen journalists’ capacity in ethical reporting, safety in conflict environments, and responsible use of digital platforms.
Representing the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Counsellor (Political) Mr Omar Alihashi, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the protection of children affected by armed conflict.
He said Canada supports international efforts 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,” he said. “This workshop reflects our shared commitment to prevention, partnership and knowledge sharing.”
