The National Union of Somali Journalists supported by UNICEF have successfully concluded a three day training on child rights in Mogadishu on Monday.

The training held from July 22, to 24 , 2017 attracted up-to 40 working journalists from more than 20 different local and national media organizations in Mogadishu. 

The training is intended to generate responsible coverage for child related issues, and the impact of adult behavior and decisions on their lives. 

"Media professionals and children’s rights Journalists are champions of human rights and this training was aimed to build capacity of local journalist and upgrade their knowledge on CRC. UNICEF has developed principles to assist journalists as they report on issues affecting children”. We offered guidelines that we believe will help media to cover children in age-appropriate and sensitive manner.” Mohamed Elmi UNICEF National Communication Director in Somalia told participants. 
The media in Somalia often focus on current political and conflict issues in the country. The social and community issues are not covered well, therefore we would like to exhort journalists to cover enough all significant stories including youth and children.

"I am pleased that some of our journalists have received this important training on children's rights, and I hope the knowledge acquired here will have a great impact our future reports in our respective media” Farah Omar Nur NUSOJ training secretary in his opening remarks. 
Journalists attended the training recounted and shared with Said Hagaa Afrah one of the facilitators of the training some interesting stories which they came across during their journalist job in the past. 
Mr Nur Farah from Coalition for Child Rights explained into detail about child rights situation in Somalia. 
"Somalia has become the 196th nation to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) – the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. 
The Convention outlines the rights of and means to protect children and provides the basis for the Federal Government of Somalia to realise the rights of all Somali children. 
Former President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, signed the ratification on 20 January and from that day we would have begun to work on drafting and adopting child friendly policies and systems, and implement measures to target child survival, development, participation and protection but so far little have been done to move ahead despite a process” Nur said

"To work effectively, journalists need to have access to this kind of training. A reporter cannot ensure that they practice ethical journalism for children without being familiar with comprehensive guidelines on ethical practice, therefore , I would like thank UNICEF for their support” said Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu NUSOJ Secretary General.

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