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[13 September 2007] - Media women associations in four African countries are developing a common media code of conduct, aimed at reducing unjust coverage of children issues. A statement issued yesterday by the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) said the task would be carried out through a collective project called Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE). Associations involved will include Uganda Media Women Association (UMWA), Ethiopia Media Women Association (FMWA), Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) and TAMWA of Tanzania. The code will aim to implement Article 3 (1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: 'In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.' Each of the countries has ratified the convention. The statement said the document would explain the need for a media code, the definition of a child, the meaning of sexual abuse and exploitation and media ethical guidelines on how to report child sexual abuse cases. Participation of children Children will be consulted during the drafting of the code and their views will be incorporated, the statement added. The Regional Media Women Associations will also gather information from editors, other NGOs working with children, government and media institutions, it said. The statement said that some media outlets were publishing stories and pictures which exposed minors who were sexually abused or exploited. 'While reporting, some media pay very little attention to perpetrators due to lack of awareness. According to Article 17 of the UNCRC, the role of the media, among other things, is to protect the child and disseminate information which is of social and cultural benefit to the child,' the statement added. Other project activities will include workshops for editors, training for journalists, radio slots, essay competitions for children and the production of booklets. The project is funded by OAK Foundation and is a means to raise awareness on CSAE among children, families and communities through the media. Further information
pdf: http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2007/09/07/97900.html