On 11–12 and 24–25 August 2026, the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), in partnership with the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and with funding from UNICEF The Gambia, held two capacity-building workshops for journalists in The Gambia on Children’s Rights and Ethical Reporting.

The workshops aimed to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report on issues affecting children across traditional and digital media platforms. They focused on helping media practitioners balance the public’s right to information with the rights, dignity and best interests of the child.

The opening sessions featured remarks from Dr. Musa Kika, Executive Director of IHRDA; Ms. Isatou Keita, President of the Gambia Press Union; Ms. Nifasa Binte Shafique, UNICEF Country Representative in The Gambia; and Hon. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services of The Gambia. The speakers reflected on the significant influence journalists have in shaping public understanding of children’s rights and the responsibility that comes with reporting on issues involving children.

Dr. Musa Kika highlighted the importance of equipping editors and media practitioners with the knowledge and skills required for child-sensitive reporting. He emphasised the media’s role in advancing children’s rights by informing public debate, creating a public record and influencing policy, while underscoring the need for accurate, responsible and ethical reporting on child protection concerns.

The workshops combined knowledge-based sessions with practical learning. Through case studies, group discussions, role plays and interview simulations, participants had the opportunity to move beyond theoretical concepts and apply child rights and ethical reporting principles to situations they may encounter in their day-to-day work.

The next phase of the project will focus on supporting participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop in practical media work. In particular, 10 participating community radio outlets will receive support to produce three talk shows each on children’s rights, resulting in a total of 60 radio programmes. This will provide journalists with an opportunity to translate the principles discussed during the training into content intended for public audiences.