Amnesty International trains journalists on human rights reporting in Yola

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

In response to widespread violations of fundamental rights and the unique dangers faced by journalists in conflict-affected areas, Amnesty International Nigeria has convened a major capacity-building workshop for media professionals in Nigeria.
This two-day residential training at City Green Hotel, Yola, Adamawa state, now in its seventh year, is focused on the theme; “Human Rights Reporting in the North-East: Ensuring Truth, Safety, and Accountability.”
The workshop gathered reporters, editors, photographers, and digital creators to tackle the pressing gaps in rights-based journalism.
“The media is powerful agent of change,” Amnesty International emphasized, highlighting the vital role media plays in shaping public opinion, influencing policy, and holding those in power accountable.
However, the organization pointed out that reporting in Nigeria often faces challenges such as insecurity, political pressure, limited access to information, and a lack of specialized training.
This year’s program specifically targets the high-risk North-East region, offering practical modules on conflict-sensitive and trauma-informed reporting.
Other topics include journalist safety and source protection, fact-checking and verification in complex environments, navigating international human rights frameworks, and ethically amplifying survivor voices.
Amnesty International underscored that rights to life, dignity, liberty, and freedom of assembly are frequently under threat in Nigeria.
The initiative aims to equip journalists with the necessary tools to enhance their reporting, uphold ethical standards, and safely expose abuses despite these obstacles.