Canadian Commission urges media to use ethical reporting to protect child soldiers in conflict zones
The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration between governments, communities, security agencies and media to protect children from recruitment into armed groups. At a media workshop on preventing child soldier recruitment, Omar Alihashi, Political Counsellor at the Commission, warned that conflict-affected children face lifelong challenges beyond immediate violence, including disrupted education and lost future opportunities. Mrs Offiong Nsa, Country Representative for the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, described child recruitment as "one of the most grievous violations of human rights." She emphasized that children captured in conflict are victims, not perpetrators, and public narratives must shift to portray them as potential agents of peace. Canadian officials stressed that ethical reporting can expose hidden recruitment networks, amplify evidence-based information, and contribute to informed public dialogue that influences policy. The workshop provides training for journalists to report on these issues while safeguarding children's rights and dignity. How should Nigerian media approach reporting on child recruitment to both raise awareness and protect vulnerable children?