CHRAJ urges journalists to protect rights of vulnerable, marginalised
Published:
4 months ago
Source:
Ghanaian Times
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has called on journalists to intensify efforts in protecting rights of the vulnerable and marginalised in society. The CHRAJ Commissioner, Mr Joseph Whittal, claimed some journalists had unfortunately contributed to fueling the public disdain against migrants and sexual minorities, citing prejudiced reporting of 'Fulanis' as responsible for every highway robbery. The Commissioner, who was speaking at a two-day workshop on human rights in Accra, yesterday, called on media practitioners to help correct the disturbing trend, saying "As the fourth estate, journalists are expected to be the voice of the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, to defend human rights, and this can only be actualised from a position of knowledge."
The workshop aimed at equipping 25 journalists with tools and knowledge to enable them to accurately and ethically report on human rights issues, was organised by the CHRAJ in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It was also to enhance the capacity of journalists on human rights within the context of media freedom, prevention of hate speech and violence. Mr Whittal said the event sought to deepen journalists' understanding of human rights norms, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and better engagement with human rights mechanisms and institutions, including CHRAJ, to enhance human rights protection.