CHRAJ urges journalists to protect rights of vulnerable, marginalised

• Mr Joseph Whittal

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has called on journalists to intensify efforts in protecting rights of the vulnerable and marginalised in society.

The CHRAJ Commissioner, Mr Joseph Whittal, claimed some journalists had unfortunately contributed to fueling the public disdain against migrants and sexual minorities, citing prejudiced reporting of ‘Fulanis’ as responsible for every highway robbery.

The Commissioner, who was speaking at a two-day workshop on human rights in Accra, yesterday, called on media practitioners to help correct the disturbing trend, saying “As the fourth estate, journalists are expected to be the voice of the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, to defend human rights, and this can only be actualised from a position of knowledge.”

The workshop aimed at equipping 25 journalists with tools and knowledge to enable them to accurately and ethically report on human rights issues, was organised by the CHRAJ in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

It was also to enhance the capacity of journalists on human rights within the context of media freedom, prevention of hate speech and violence.

Mr Whittal said the event sought to deepen journalists’ understanding of human rights norms, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and better engagement with human rights mechanisms and institutions, including CHRAJ, to enhance human rights protection.

The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, said the ministry recognises the critical role journalists play in holding the government accountable, and advocating human rights, which were essential in shaping public discourse, exposing injustices, and amplifying voices of marginalised persons.

She said that, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the government has been committed to protecting press freedom and the safety of journalists as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

Ms Abubakar, in a speech read on her behalf by the Head of Research, Statistics, and Information at the ministry, Charles Sedem Hottor, said the government ensured the enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019, and the Whistleblower Act, to promote transparency and accountability.

She said additionally, the government has helped the Independent Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) establish its Africa Office in Accra, adding that these actions demonstrated the government’s dedication to a free, independent, and responsible press.

The Minister commended CHRAJ and OHCHR for organising the workshop, saying her outfit aligned with the government’s commitment to promoting human rights and a free, responsible press.

According to the Country Representative of OHCHR, Robert Kotchani, the training would not only strengthen journalists’ ability to report thoroughly on SDGs and human rights issues, but would also enhance their ability to implement digital security measures to safeguard information on sensitive human rights issues, particularly gender-based violence and electoral processes.

BY CECILIA LAGBA YADA