By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Journalists have been urged to adopt child-centred and conflict-sensitive reporting approaches to help combat the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts and promote the protection of vulnerable children across Nigeria.
The call was made during a five-day training workshop for journalists on child-centred human rights reporting and the prevention of child recruitment in armed conflict, held in Abuja on Monday organised by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security in collaboration with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR).
Speaking at the event, Canada’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, reaffirmed Canada’s support for global initiatives aimed at protecting children affected by armed violence and preventing the recruitment of and use of children during conflicts.
Represented by Counsellor (Political), Omar Alihashi, Salvaggio said journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding of conflict-related issues and advancing child protection efforts.
According to him, responsible journalism can contribute significantly to peace-building by raising awareness, exposing violations, and promoting informed public discourse on children’s rights.
“This workshop creates an opportunity for journalists and other stakeholders to deepen their understanding of child protection issues, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships that can help prevent the recruitment and use of children in conflict situations,” he said.
Salvaggio stressed that Canada remains committed to the principles of the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, adding that prevention and collaboration remain essential tools for safeguarding children.
Also speaking, at the opening of the training, a representative of the Dallaire Institute and resource person, Mrs. Offiong Nsa, said the training seeks to equip journalists with the skills needed to report ethically protecting the interest oc children affected by conflict while challenging harmful stereotypes that often portray children solely as perpetrators and not victims.
Nsa described the recruitment of children by armed groups as a grave violation of human rights and called on media professionals to use their platforms to highlight the experiences of affected children and support prevention efforts.
“The media has a powerful role in changing narratives, exposing abuses, and helping communities understand the realities faced by children caught in conflict,” she said.
Africa Programme Director for Journalists for Human Rights, Mustapha Dumbuya, noted that strengthening media capacity remains central to promoting human rights and accountability across the continent.
Dumbuya said JHR works in over 30 countries, partnering with journalists and media organisations to advance rights-based reporting and encourage social change through credible journalism.
“The influence of the media extends beyond information sharing. Journalists can shape public attitudes and inspire action on critical human rights issues,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, encouraged journalists to uphold professionalism and empathy when covering stories involving children affected by violence.
Represented by the Council’s Treasurer, Sandra Chukwugekwu, Ike advised media practitioners to protect the identities of child victims, avoid sensational reporting, and contribute to efforts aimed at ending the exploitation of children in conflict situations.
She further called for stronger partnerships among government agencies, civil society groups, and the media to ensure the protection and well-being of children impacted by armed conflict.
