UNICEF Urges Ethical Journalism to Protect Children, Promote Healing in Crisis-Hit Regions

UNICEF Urges Ethical Journalism to Protect Children, Promote Healing in Crisis-Hit Regions

By Auwal Ahmad

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged journalists covering Nigeria’s North-East and North-Central regions to adopt ethical reporting practices that prioritise the safety and dignity of children and other vulnerable groups affected by conflict.

Sussan Akila, a Communication Specialist with UNICEF, made the call during a two-day training for journalists drawn from the regions, where insecurity and humanitarian crises continue to shape news coverage.

While acknowledging the risks and limitations journalists face in accessing conflict areas, Ms Akila commended media practitioners for their persistence in informing the public despite the challenges. However, she emphasised that journalists have a responsibility that extends beyond breaking news, acknowledging that the way they report stories can have a significant impact on the lives of victims.

According to Ms Akila, the media plays a powerful role in shaping public discourse and influencing how society responds to crises. She warned that careless reporting, particularly involving children, can expose victims to further harm or stigma. Ms Akila cautioned that we must handle elements like photographs, video footage, and headlines with caution, as they have the potential to either protect survivors or worsen their situation.

“Journalists have the power to shape narratives. The way we tell stories can make survivors feel safe or put them at risk,” she said.

She urged reporters to reflect on the consequences of their choices, especially when dealing with sensitive issues such as sexual violence or abuse involving minors. Emphasising empathy, Ms Akila encouraged journalists to consider how they would handle stories involving their children or family members.

She questioned the ethics of publishing identifiable images or details of child victims simply to attract attention or boost readership. “Would you publish the face of your child in such circumstances? These are the questions we must ask ourselves,” she said, adding that ethical reporting begins with recognising the humanity of those affected and treating them with respect.

Ms Akila further noted that while journalists may move on after filing a story, the consequences of their reporting often remain with victims for years. She warned that exposing a child’s identity or sharing sensitive details could have lasting effects, including stigma and psychological trauma that may follow the individual into adulthood.

“The story may end for the reporter, but its impact continues in the life of the victim and within the community,” she said.

She described journalists as more than observers, noting that they also have a role to play in supporting recovery and healing in communities affected by violence. According to her, responsible reporting can help reduce stigma, promote understanding and encourage support for victims, particularly children and women.

The training, she explained, is designed to help journalists examine how their work affects individuals and communities and to improve standards in reporting sensitive issues. Participants are expected to engage in discussions and share experiences aimed at developing safer and more responsible reporting approaches.

Ms Akila expressed optimism that the sessions would equip journalists with practical tools to tell stories without causing additional harm.

“Ethical reporting is not only about accuracy. It is about doing what is right for children and for society,” she said.

UNICEF has continued to partner with media organisations to promote child-sensitive journalism, especially in regions affected by conflict, where reporting can either contribute to recovery or deepen existing wounds.