Canada, Dallaire Institute Back Ethical Reporting To Combat Child Recruitment

Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, Mrs Offiong Nsa, has stated that ethical, child-centred reporting could expose hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence.

Opening a five-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Abuja on Monday, Nsa told participants that the media has a central role beyond documenting conflict.

“You, as journalists, are not merely chroniclers of conflicts. You are powerful human rights advocates. Through your ethical, child-centred reporting, you possess the ability to expose the hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence,” she said.

She described the use of children in armed conflict and violence as one of the most egregious violations of human rights, adding that children are “far too often seen by armed actors as cheap, expendable, and easily manipulated instruments of war.”

Nsa urged journalists to shift public narratives away from portraying affected children as perpetrators.

“Shift the narrative from portraying these children purely as perpetrators to recognising them as vulnerable victims and agents of peace,” she stated.

The workshop is organised by the Dallaire Institute in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR Africa) and focuses on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence.

The Dallaire Institute, an affiliate of Dalhousie University in Canada with its African Centre of Excellence in Kigali, Rwanda, works on advocacy, capacity building and policy implementation around the Vancouver Principles.

Nsa said the Institute believes “war is preventable, peace is achievable, and children deserve a better world.”

She added that “your stories will shape public opinion, influence policy, and ultimately help us to put an end to this cycle of violence.”

Representing the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Counsellor (Political) at the Canadian High Commission, Mr Omar Alihashi, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting children affected by conflict and supporting global efforts to end child recruitment.

He noted that children recruited into armed groups often face lifelong consequences affecting their education, wellbeing and future opportunities.

He said journalists play a vital role in promoting public understanding of child protection issues through accurate and responsible reporting.

“Through accurate, ethical and responsible reporting, the media can help raise awareness, amplify evidence-based information, and contribute to informed public dialogue,” he added.

Alihashi added that Canada would continue to support international initiatives guided by the Vancouver Principles, which seek to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented by the Council’s Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, called on journalists to adopt child-sensitive reporting practices and avoid sensational coverage of children affected by conflict.

Earlier, Africa Programme Director of Journalists for Human Rights, Mr Mustapha Dumbuya, said the training was designed to equip journalists with practical skills for reporting on children affected by conflict in a professional, ethical and sensitive manner.

Dumbuya explained that participants would receive training on trauma-informed journalism, digital safety, gender-sensitive reporting, journalist security, and story development techniques.

“We are hoping that by the end of the five days, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge on how to report on children who are impacted by conflicts in a sensitive and compelling manner,” he said.