Youth TV reporters trained as human rights advocates
by A. Lumaque
Roxas City (18 May) -- “Open your eyes to the issues of human rights.”
This was the encouragement of Dr. Dale Rutstein, Chief of the Communications Department of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – Philippines during a training on human rights advocacy for youth reporters of the Kabataan News Network (KNN) last May 9 to 12 in Pasig City.
KNN is a rights-based program composed of various video segments produced by children reporters themselves from various provincial bureaus nationwide. It airs every Saturday at three o’clock in the afternoon over ABC 5 television station.
The four-day training named “Sensitizing Children and Youth in Human Rights: Appreciating the Humanity and Rights of Others” was organized by the Probe Media Foundation, Inc. (PMFI) with the support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – Philippines.
The training was designed to develop understanding and appreciation of being human, enhance sensitivity on human rights concepts and principles, learn about international human rights instruments, and be more sensitive to the rights of every human being, among others.
“Use the medium of TV to protect the rights of the people," added Rutstein, brainchild of the KNN program.
A total of 39 youth reporters aged 14 to 19 and 13 adult bureau managers from 12 KNN bureaus of Manila, Camarines Norte, Baguio, Mt. Province, Mindoro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Davao, North Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur, Saranggani, and Capiz attended the national gathering.
Che Che Lazaro, PMFI President, graced the training activities wherein she discussed the role of media in human rights advocacy.
A panel presentation and discussion on the national state of children and women including the political, economic, social, cultural and religious situations and implications to the country and children were presented by resource persons from concerned government agencies, international organizations, and the academic institution.
The participants were also informed about gender and sexuality, Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of the Philippines, and a separate introductory lecture on human rights.
The lectures and discussions were highlighted by a tour of the Supreme Court. (PIA)
No comments:
Post a Comment