Protect the Child: UNICEF Urges Journalists to Put Children’s Rights First

Juliet Chiluwe, CFO of the UNICEF Enugu Field Office, has urged journalists to protect the child when reporting stories involving children.

Chiluwe made the call while addressing journalists and other dignitaries. She stressed that responsible journalism can expose injustice and draw attention to issues affecting children.

However, she warned that journalists must consider the possible impact of their reports before publishing stories involving children.

According to her, stories intended to highlight children’s interests can also affect their rights if journalists fail to handle sensitive information carefully.

She therefore urged newsrooms to place the best interests of the child at the centre of their reporting decisions.

“The principle is simple: when in doubt, protect the child,” she said.

Chiluwe explained that protecting children should take priority over producing powerful or emotionally compelling stories. She noted that a dramatic report may attract public attention, but it could also expose a child to further harm.

For this reason, journalists should carefully consider how they identify children, describe their experiences and present sensitive images or information.

She also highlighted the important role journalists play in promoting solutions to challenges affecting children.

Chiluwe said UNICEF views journalists as partners who can amplify solutions and bring greater public attention to issues affecting children.

Therefore, she encouraged journalists to use their platforms responsibly. Rather than simply exposing problems, they should also help communities understand the solutions available.

The call comes as media organisations continue to play a major role in shaping public understanding of children’s rights.

Ultimately, protect the child should remain a guiding principle whenever journalists face difficult decisions involving children. Ethical reporting can expose injustice while protecting the dignity, safety and rights of vulnerable children.