Canada-based institute trains journalists in Abuja

The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, a Canadian-based institute in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) Africa, is holding a capacity training for some selected journalists in Abuja on how to curb the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence.  Speaking at the opening, Country Representative of the Dallaire […]

The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, a Canadian-based institute in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) Africa, is holding a capacity training for some selected journalists in Abuja on how to curb the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence.

 Speaking at the opening, Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute, Mrs Offiong Nsa, said journalists remain key partners in exposing child recruitment networks and reshaping public perception of affected children, who are often wrongly portrayed as perpetrators rather than victims.

 She described the recruitment of children into armed groups and their use in violence as one of the gravest human rights violations, stressing that responsible journalism can help bring abuses to light and strengthen accountability.

 “You are powerful human rights advocates,” she said, urging journalists to use ethical, child-centred storytelling to expose hidden recruitment systems and highlight the realities faced by children in armed violence.

 She added that accurate reporting could shift public narratives, influence policy, and support efforts to end the cycle of violence affecting children.

 Representing the Canadian High Commission, Counsellor (Political) Mr Omar Alihashi reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting children in conflict zones, noting that recruitment into armed groups has long-term consequences on education, wellbeing, and future opportunities.

 He said the media plays a critical role in promoting understanding of child protection issues through accurate, ethical and responsible reporting that informs public dialogue and strengthens advocacy.

 Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, represented by Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, also called on journalists to adopt child-sensitive reporting practices, avoid sensationalism, and ensure the dignity and identity of child victims are protected.

 She emphasised that journalists have a central responsibility in shaping public awareness, influencing policy debates, and holding institutions accountable on child protection issues.

 Africa Programme Director of JHR, Mr Mustapha Dumbuya, said the workshop was designed to equip journalists with practical skills for reporting children affected by conflict in a professional and sensitive manner.

 He explained that participants would be trained in trauma-informed journalism, digital safety, gender-sensitive reporting, journalist security, and story development, with opportunities to pitch and develop child protection-focused reports.

 The workshop, which attracted journalists from various media organisations, is part of broader efforts to strengthen ethical reporting on children and human rights issues in conflict-affected communities.