JHR URGES JOURNALISTS TO STRENGTHEN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING

Journalists for Human Rights has urged Nigerian journalists to use their platforms to promote human rights, democratic reform and climate action while helping to combat misinformation in their communities.

The call was made on Monday when a delegation from the Canada-based media development organisation visited PUNCH Place in Magboro, Ogun State.

JHR Ambassador, Murdoch Davis, described journalism as an important tool for advancing human rights and urged reporters to give greater attention to human-angle stories that help audiences understand the impact of issues on people's lives.

He also encouraged journalists to report on democratic reform, climate action and misinformation while maintaining their social responsibility.

The organisation’s Board Chairman, Michael Cooke, discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in journalism, noting that AI could improve areas such as writing, editing and the speed of newsroom operations.

Cooke, however, said journalists needed to adapt to technological changes and develop skills that combine journalism with technology and creative work.

The JHR delegation also expressed interest in collaborating with PUNCH on human rights journalism training, mentoring and professional development.

The organisation said such collaboration could strengthen journalists’ capacity to produce more comprehensive reporting and connect with civil society and government stakeholders on human rights issues.