‘Human rights key to reporting sexual, reproductive health rights’

Journalists have been advised to take cognizance of the human rights of parties involved when reporting on sexual and reproductive health.

President of a non-governmental organization, Lawyers Alert, Barrister Rommy Mom, gave the advise during a training workshop on media coverage of sexual and reproductive health rights organized by the organization in Abuja.

“Report  with consideration for human rights of the parties involved. Reporting does not give you the right to take away their humanity,” he said.

Mom also urged journalists to stick to the issues and not their emotions irrespective of the sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity or whatever attributes differentiate the persons or situation concerned from theirs.

Communications and Global Outreach Officer, UNAIDS Nigeria, Charles-Martin Jjuuko, said it was important for journalists to be mindful of the level of description they give in their reports especially when it involves victims of rape to avoid hurting or exposing them to more harm.

Zubaida Abubakar, a Sexual and Reproductive Health Focal person of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said research and data was key to reporting issues on women and the girl child.

She said giving enough attention and support to sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls was beneficial to the country on the long run.

Lawyers Alert is a justice sector NGO made up of a network of lawyers that render free legal services and defend the rights of the less privileged and other groups.