The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical reporting on child rights.
Mr Joseph Senesie, Officer-in-Charge of the UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, made this known in a virtual address during a one-day media dialogue held on Tuesday in Damaturu, Yobe State.
Senesie explained that the dialogue aimed to refresh journalists’ understanding of ethical principles when reporting issues concerning children. He emphasised that the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, bears the responsibility of reporting accurately and sensitively, particularly on vulnerable groups such as children.
He noted that, in collaboration with North-East state governments, UNICEF had made significant strides in child-focused interventions across sectors including health, education, nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
In 2024 alone, he said nearly 600,000 children with acute malnutrition received treatment, 1.2 million were vaccinated with the pentavalent vaccine, and 1.6 million benefitted from cholera immunisation.
Furthermore, over 500,000 children under five had their births registered, while another 500,000 accessed formal and non-formal education in Borno and Yobe states.
Also Read: Day of the African Child: UNICEF Urges Kaduna to Deepen Investment in Children
Despite these gains, Senesie highlighted persisting challenges. Only three in ten children in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa possess birth certificates, and nearly two million children remain out of school. He also expressed concern that 12 local government areas in Borno and Yobe are classified as “zero-dose” areas communities where children have not received any routine immunisation.
“We urge the media to independently report both progress and gaps, in order to inform policy and shape public dialogue on child wellbeing,” he said.
Also speaking, UNICEF Communication Officer, Mrs Folashade Adebayo, stated that the dialogue sought to enhance ethical standards in child rights reporting. She said the goal was to equip journalists to adhere to international norms and promote the protection and dignity of children.
Facilitator Dr Uche Anunne underscored the importance of avoiding the publication of identifiable images or names of children, particularly in distressing situations. He cautioned against interviewing children immediately after traumatic events and stressed the necessity of obtaining informed consent from parents or guardians.
Anunne further advised journalists to avoid stereotypes and discriminatory reporting, particularly in matters relating to religion, disability, or health.
The dialogue concluded with a call for the media to uphold ethical reporting standards and help amplify the voices of children in humanitarian contexts.
