Raising awareness about the rights of children and the promotion of children's rights is a challenge to media. Media must not just report fairly, honestly and accurately on the experience of childhood, but they must also provide space for the diverse, colourful and creative opinions of children themselves. Whether it is news and current affairs, or the complex world of creative and performing arts, all media professionals, and the organisations for which they work, have a responsibility to recognise children's rights and reflect them in their work.
Activities in 2003-2004
· Preparation of regional review on coverage of children in Eastern African and Southern African media including two cases studies from Kenya and Ethiopia
· Organisation of regional workshops to review access to information from governments on the implementation of the conventions and projects related to promoting child rights, to discuss media coverage on the issues, to review IFJ guidelines and agree follow-up activity to be organised at national level.
· Production of Reporting Children Handbook with Specific examples of good practice, guidelines, relevant legislation, contact and resources.
The regional workshop on child rights and the media was organised in February 2003. The report will soon be available.
See also
IFJ Seminar Report: Reporting Children's Rights in Eastern Africa
IFJ case study - Kenya
Reporting Children’s Rights: A case study on Ethiopia
Putting Children in the Right. Guidelines for Journalists and Media Professionals
