The media plays a powerful role in shaping public understanding, influencing social norms, and holding duty-bearers accountable. Nowhere is this role more critical than in reporting on children and child-related issues, where the consequences of irresponsible journalism can expose children to harm, stigma, and lifelong trauma. Recognising both the potential and the responsibility of the media, IHRDA, in partnership with UNICEF The Gambia and the Gambia Press Union (GPU), convened a two-day Training of Journalists on “Child Rights and Ethical Reporting of Child-Related Issues” in Banjul, The Gambia, in October 2025.

The training brought together journalists, editors, and media practitioners from across the country to strengthen their understanding of child rights frameworks, legal obligations, and ethical standards, while equipping them with practical tools to report responsibly on sensitive issues such as child abuse, harmful traditional practices, and court proceedings involving children. A core focus of the engagement was reporting on harmful practices and gender-based violence, particularly female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). As The Gambia prepares for a landmark Supreme Court case challenging the constitutionality of the FGM/C ban, journalists were equipped with the knowledge and ethical guidance needed to cover the proceedings accurately, responsibly, and without endangering survivors or prejudicing justice.

This training forms part of IHRDA’s broader advocacy strategy to strengthen national actors who influence accountability ecosystems. By investing in journalists as child rights allies, IHRDA is working to ensure that violations against children are exposed without exploitation, that court processes are reported without prejudice, and that public discourse contributes to reform rather than stigma.

Ethical journalism is not simply a professional standard; it is a child protection obligation. Through initiatives such as this, IHRDA continues to advance a media environment where children’s rights are visible, respected, and defended, and where every story contributes to building a society that places the dignity and best interests of the child at its centre.