5 June 2013 - Aiming to increase journalists' knowledge of ethics when reporting on children, UNICEF organized a two-day workshop that ended today in Upper Nile State.

The workshop, held in the state capital Malakal, discussed media guidelines that seek to protect children's rights when interviewing, reporting on and taking photographs of them.

"These guidelines strive for standards of excellence in terms of accuracy and sensitivity when reporting on issues involving children," said UNICEF Communication Officer Mercy Kolok. "(They) ensure verification of information provided by children ...takes place without putting child informants at risk."

Recognizing that reporting on children could place them at risk of retribution or stigmatization, UNICEF developed several principles to assist journalists in covering young people in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. These include respecting the dignity and rights of children in any circumstance and protecting their interests over any other consideration.

Some 30 participants attended the workshop, which also covered the 2008 South Sudan Child Act.

"Most of the journalists in Upper Nile are not informed on the protection of children's rights and the Child Act... That's why children are not given their rights in our state," said Peter John from Sout-el Muhaba (Voice of Love) radio.

David Igulu, head of UNICEF in Malakal, said his office was ready to support journalists by providing more training and logistical assistance.