The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has declared that the media has a crucial role to play in ending the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts through ethical, accurate and child-sensitive reporting.
The Council made the declaration at a workshop held in Abuja in collaboration with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security and Journalists for Human Rights. The event brought together journalists, diplomats, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen media capacity in reporting issues affecting children in conflict situations.
Representing the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, the Council Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, emphasized that journalists have a responsibility not only to inform the public but also to contribute to the protection of vulnerable children through responsible reporting.
According to her, the media remained a powerful tool for shaping public awareness, influencing policy discussions and holding institutions accountable in the fight against child recruitment and exploitation.
“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.
Chukwugekwu cautioned journalists against sensationalism and urged them to adopt child-sensitive reporting practices that protect the identities, dignity and rights of children affected by armed conflict.
She noted that the media could contribute significantly to prevention efforts by drawing attention to the root causes of child recruitment, including poverty, lack of education, family disintegration and social marginalisation.
“We can help prevent recruitment by telling accurate, sensitive stories that highlight root causes such as poverty, lack of education, family breakdown and social marginalisation,” she added.
The NUJ official also stressed that preventing the recruitment and use of children in conflict requires coordinated efforts among government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and the media.
“Preventing the recruitment and use of children requires coordinated action across sectors,” she said, calling for stronger collaboration to support prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.
Speaking at the workshop, Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute, Mrs. Offiong Nsa, described journalists as indispensable partners in the protection of children and the promotion of human rights.
She urged media practitioners to go beyond merely reporting conflict situations and instead become advocates for children whose lives have been disrupted by violence and insecurity.
“You are not merely chroniclers of conflict. You are powerful human rights advocates,” she said.
According to her, ethical and child-centred reporting can help expose recruitment networks, challenge harmful narratives and ensure that affected children are viewed as victims in need of support rather than perpetrators.
Nsa further explained that the training was designed to equip journalists with trauma-informed approaches and practical tools for reporting responsibly on sensitive issues involving children.
Also speaking, the Africa Programme Director of Journalists for Human Rights, Mr. Mustapha Dumbuya, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to advancing human rights through media development across Africa.
He said the workshop was aimed at enhancing journalists’ skills in ethical reporting, safety in conflict environments and responsible engagement on digital platforms.
“We believe media is a critical entry point for advancing human rights and holding duty-bearers accountable,” Dumbuya stated.
Representing the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Counsellor (Political), Mr. Omar Alihashi, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting children affected by armed conflict and supporting international efforts aimed at preventing the recruitment of child soldiers.
He noted that Canada remains supportive of the Vancouver Principles, a global initiative focused on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
“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.”
The organisers disclosed that the workshop would continue over the coming days with sessions focusing on child-centred reporting, trauma-informed journalism, digital ethics and gender-sensitive approaches to conflict reporting.
Participants expressed optimism that the training would strengthen the capacity of journalists to report on child protection issues more effectively while contributing to national and international efforts to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts.
