Maseru- Journalists across Lesotho participated in athree-day training focused on the ethics of reporting on vulnerable groups. Organized by World Vision Lesotho and funded by the European Union, the workshop empowered journalists to safely and sensitively cover issues related to child protection, human rights, and the experiences of marginalized individuals.
Held from October 22nd to 24th, 2024, the training drew journalists from various media outlets across the country, equipping them with skills and knowledge needed to report on sensitive human rights topics. The workshop was part of two larger European Union-supported projects, the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (PPHR) project and the Accelerating Action for Eliminating Child Labour and Forced Labour (AECFL) project. Both initiatives aim to strengthen Lesotho’s media landscape to serve as an advocate for positive social change, especially for those most at risk.
Participants explored the ethical complexities of reporting on human trafficking, child labor, and the rights of individuals with disabilities. Through a mix of lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises, journalists gained insights into reporting in ways that uphold the dignity of the people they cover, avoiding sensationalism and protecting their sources from harm.
“Our job as journalists is to bring these hidden issues to light, but it is equally important that we do so responsibly,” said one trainee.
He further indicated that this workshop has given themessential tools to tell these stories while ensuring theyprotect the most vulnerable among them.
A key part of the training focused on safeguarding the privacy and safety of those affected by the issues journalists are tasked to cover. Participants learned about the importance of handling personal information carefully to avoid any risk of exposing victims to danger or stigma. In particular, trainees were taught how to avoid disclosing identifiable details such as names, specific locations, and images that could lead to unintended consequences for vulnerable individuals.
Lerato Brown, communication and marketing manager at world vision Lesotho and speaker at the training, emphasized the critical role of journalists in championing human rights while maintaining sensitivity. Brown encouraged journalists to hold this principle at the core of their work, using it as a guiding light in situations where ethical dilemmas may arise.
“Journalists are the bridge between society and the truth. By reporting with respect, we can amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, while protecting the safety and dignity of those who entrust us with their stories,” Brown stated.
She stressed that, especially in cases involving children and survivors of human rights abuses, journalists should focus on issues over identities, allowing the public to understand the gravity of the stories without compromising anyone’s safety.
The training also included practical case studies, allowing participants to work through real-life scenarios and receive feedback on their approach. Journalists were guided on how to report on challenging topics such as child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking in ways that align with a human-rights-centered approach. As part of this training, reporters worked to develop a toolkit of best practices, such as seeking consent when interviewing vulnerable individuals, verifying information meticulously, and consulting experts in child protection and human rights.
For many, the workshop was an eye-opener on the importance of consent and context. Trainees acknowledged that, in their eagerness to tell impactful stories, they sometimes overlook the long-term effects their stories could have on people’s lives. This training, however, emphasized that a journalist’s responsibility extends beyond gathering information; it includes protecting the welfare of their sources.
One participant shared how the training reshaped their view on covering sensitive topics. “Before, I thought that as long as we got the story out, we were doing our job. Now, I see that our job is also to make sure that our reporting does not harm the people we report on. This is something I’ll take with me into every story I cover.”
Brown further highlighted the importance of cultivating a public that is informed but also empathetic toward the plight of vulnerable individuals. She said if people can come out with their stories, without fear of retribution or judgment, society stands to benefit. But that requires journalists to set the example by reporting on issues in ways that foster understanding rather than judgment or blame.
By the end of the training, journalists expressed a renewed sense of commitment to ethical reporting. They left equipped not only with the knowledge to report on human rights issues but with a deeper understanding of their role in protecting and empowering the individuals whose stories they share.
