Dr. Joseph Whittal, Commissioner of, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has advocated for the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups in Ghana. He made this appeal at a workshop for journalists, organized by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) with funding from the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCRH), to Strengthen the capacity of the participants to engage with human rights institutions, enhancing human rights protection, among other things.
Dr. Whittal in his remarks, highlighted the concerning role that some journalists have played in fueling public hostility towards migrants and sexual minorities. He cited the example of biased reporting that often labels “Fulanis” as the perpetrators of every highway robbery, which he described as deeply troubling and also pointed out that during the recent national debate on LGBTQ+ rights, certain individuals identifying as “Journalists Against LGBT” advocated for the criminalization of LGBTQ+ persons. The Commissioner stressed that such approaches are problematic, in the considered view of CHRAJ, as they lack a proper understanding of human rights principles.
The Commissioner, emphasized the critical role of journalists in defending human rights, noting that as the fourth estate, they are expected to be the voice for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society. He underscored the importance of training for journalists, given their gatekeeping role and the constant pressure on human rights globally. Participants in the workshop, he noted, are not just professionals committed to the pursuit of truth, but also defenders of democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms..
The capacity-building workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of human rights norms and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It sought to equip journalists with the necessary tools and knowledge to report on human rights issues with accuracy, empathy, and integrity. Additionally, the workshop aimed to enhance journalists’ engagement with human rights mechanisms, such as universal periodic reviews, special rapporteurs, and human rights institutions like CHRAJ, to improve the overall protection of human rights.
Published on: August 19, 2024
