By
Following
growing incidences of abuse of children affected by humanitarian crisis in the
North Eastern part of Nigeria, key United Nations agencies have urged media
practitioners to avoid reports which can cause stigmatisation of children and
compromise their rights.
This
was made known by Doune Porter, Chief of Communication, United Nation Children
Fund (UNICEF), who explained that humanitarian principles are basis for
reporting in emergencies.
Porter
who spoke during a two-day dialogue tagged: “The Humanitarian Crisis in the
North-East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead,” specifically told selected
journalists who were from different beats – Health, Judiciary, Human Rights and
Life, to employ terms such as children used as ‘human bombs,’ not ‘suicide’
bombers.
He
advised media practitioners to adopt what she described as ‘do no harm
principle’ and follow a checklist of questions for reporting emergencies.
She
told reporters to make the best interest of the child, gender dimension and
some ethical consideration a priority.
She
decried reference of children used in bomb attacks as ‘suicide’ bombers.
In
her presentation titled; ‘Ethical Reporting of Affected Populations in
Emergencies, Some Quick Reminders,’ Doune Porter, Chief of
Communication, United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF) urged journalists to adopt
‘Empathy versus sympathy’ strategy in their reports.
Porter
said; “Sympathy is subjective, implies pity, can be judgmental. Empathy is
objective – calls on us to put ourselves in the position of the person. Stories
can be passionate and ideally should drive action.
“A
humanitarian imperative comes into play when reporting on a humanitarian
crisis. This should colour all decisions you take.”
The
UNICEF Chief of Communication described humanitarian principles as
basis for reporting in emergencies, stressing, “Fundamental Principle – Do No
Harm,” is critical.
She
advised; “Even though conflicts whether between combatants, groups,
politicians, organisations or individuals makes a great story, do not promote
it.
“Do
not represent an individual story as a trend. Do not stigmatize and categorise
subjects of your story, example. “BH children” “BH wives” “Muslim
violence” “bad blood”… This could lead to additional physical or psychological
harm, or to lifelong abuse, discrimination or rejection by their local
communities.
“Neutrality
– maintain balance. Keep your politics in check. Do not take sides. Your
stories, reports, editorial judgement should not betray whose side you are.
This is more in humanitarian crisis caused by conflicts.
“People
in humanitarian situations may have lost everything – do
not take away their dignity,” she added.
Porter
further counselled journalists to remember that individuals in humanitarian
situations are not as ‘media savvy as we are.’
“They
may not know to insist that something they say is off the record, for
background only, or that they should remain anonymous.
“You
have a duty to protect the subject of your story. Pay attention to their right
to privacy and in some circumstances, to confidentiality – especially children.”
She urged journalists to change the name and obscure the visual
identity children as the case demands.
“Avoid questions, attitudes or comments that are judgmental or
insensitive to socio-cultural values or that endanger or expose your subjects
to humiliation.
“When reporting on events that involve personal grief and shock,
adapt your questions to reflect the spirit of compassion and discretion and
does not reactivate the pain and grief of traumatic experiences.”
She also said; “The dignity and rights of every child must be
respected in every circumstance; Obtain permission from the child and his/her
guardian for all interviews, videotaping, photographs;
“Ensure that the child or guardian knows he/she is talking with
a reporter. Explain the purpose of the interview and its intended use –
including any socio-cultural or political consequences of the report.
“Do not publish a story or an image which might put the child,
siblings or peers at risk even when identities are changed, obscured or not
used.
“Try to make certain that children are comfortable and able to
tell their story without undue pressure.”
The event brought together experts under the auspices of the UN
Systems – the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Population Fund
(UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations High Commission for
Refugees (UNHCR) and International NGOs (INGO forum) to provide updates on
roles each is playing in assisting Nigeria rebuild the NE.
