By: Mohamed Sahr
By way of understanding human rights perspectives through its legal instruments, laws, principles and jurisprudence binding the country, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has trained journalists on human rights best approach reporting on Thursday 20th June, 2024 at the Peace Museum Hall in Freetown.
The engagement which captured an array of subject matters around the way journalists should investigate and report issues, gave an in-depth overview for journalists, as well equipping them with the right analytical lens in their reportage.
Madam Patricia Narsu Ndanema, Chairperson of Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone said journalists play instrumental roles including investigating, raising awareness, sensitizing and amplifying human rights related issues in their various platforms. Emphasizing that these roles would be perfectly done in as much as journalists had acquired the capacity needed, which would contribute to their work.
She added that the training would appreciate the work done by journalists in the discharge of human rights issues, as well engendered public discussion, shaping opinions and help to set agenda.
Madam Ndanema furthered that journalists and human rights professionals share similar notion in certain extent especially when dealing with human rights information. “Journalists should always make reference to some portion of the 1991 Constitution and other local and international legal instruments for the enhancement of detailed publication,” Madam Ndanema said.
She mentioned that the importance of the engagement focuses on enriching journalists with information relevant to the work of human rights components to substantiate the reports on human rights related matters.
Alhaji Manika Kamara, National Secretary General of Sierra Leone Association of Journalists called the training as a step in the right direction which helps to strength the capacity of journalists in reporting human rights issues.
He added that the workshop would enhance the understanding of journalists on principles of human rights reporting.
“It focuses to deepen the understanding of journalists to be mindful of dignity, equality and respect,” SLAJ National Secretary General said.
Kamara reaffirmed that the training would help to reinforce human rights perspectives and shine light on marginalized communities, stating that it would also equip journalists to report stories that reflect diverse voices and advocating for justice and accountability particularly for the voiceless individuals.
He urged journalists to abreast themselves with local, international laws, treaties and conventions around human rights ecosystem.
Millicent Kargbo, who serves as the Acting Director of the Directorate of Education Communication and Training at Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone and one of the facilitators said the responsibility of the Directorate gears towards providing education and training to individuals about the functions of the Commission. She cited that the training could be no exception.
Madam Kargbo revealed that reporting human rights issues require specialized skills that ensure that information dissemination could not be altered in the society.
She became aware about the important role media and journalists play to impacting the public.
Sheku Mohamed Sillah, a participant and journalist of AYV Television appreciated the training as it deepened his knowledge in reporting human rights matters with a guide on both local and international legal instruments.
