The Media and Children’s Rights Manual is Launched in Ukraine
Kyiv, 29 May 2009 – The Ukrainian edition of The Media and Children’s Rights handbook has been launched today at the Press Centre of the Institute of Journalism of Kyiv National University named after T. Shevchenko. The manual for journalists “The Media and Children’s Rights” was translated into Ukrainian language and adapted by the experts of the IPO “Internews-Ukraine” with the support of UNICEF Ukraine. The manual’s presentation is taking place in the framework of the annual young journalist conference on the eve of the International Children’s Day. The event is also dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the UN Convention on Children’s Rights observed worldwide this year. The launch was initiated by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ukraine and organised by the IPO “Internews-Ukraine” and the Institute of Journalism. Opening the event, Volodymyr Rizun, Director of the Institute of Journalism, stated: “The Institute of Journalism as the leading journalism academy in Ukraine does not only teach students, but also contributes to the development of journalism and to promotion of socially important topics. We are glad to serve as the platform for professional discussion on the role of media in promoting children’s rights. We hope that this UNICEF supported event will attract attention of practicing and future journalists to children’s issues. I also hope that the work of these journalists will improve the wellbeing of more than one child”. Addressing the participants Veronika Vashchenko, UNICEF Communication Officer in Ukraine, emphasized: “UNICEF is the world’s leader for children. We, in UNICEF, are convinced that media play a critical role in ensuring wellbeing of children and changing their lives for better. Only media can inform wide audience about children’s problems and call all stakeholders to meet their commitments for children. That is why we have initiated the development of the handbook “The Media and Children’s rights’ for Ukrainian journalists that is launched today”. Kostiantyn Kvurt, Chairman of the Board IPO “Internews-Ukraine”, co-organizer of the event emphasized the importance of social journalism in Ukraine: “Sadly, social reporting is currently not popular among among Ukrainian journalists. Predominance of politics turned the Ukrainian information space into an endless soap-opera. However, social topics are of the most interest to the audience. As the life of our children and ways of protecting them from all dangers are the subject of interest to every single person. Therefore, this topic should become the primary issue in the media. “Internews-Ukraine”, fulfilling its mission has been promoting social journalism in Ukraine for more than 10 years and we hope for significant success in this area”. Prominent Ukrainian journalist Vakhtang Kipiani, who took part in the adaptation of the Ukrainian edition, described it as following: “This handbook is quite original and does not resemble numerous traditional journalism manuals. It identifies main story lines based on themes drawn from the Articles of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. Also it provides checklists to help media professionals measure the extent to which their own practice acknowledge children’s rights. Thus, I think, the manual is very useful tool in their daily work”. Note to the editor About Internews Ukraine: Internews Ukraine is one of the leading NGOs in Ukrainian media field. IUA mission is establishment of European values through development of successful media in Ukraine. Internews Ukraine empowers media community in a number of ways. IUA organizes trainings, workshops to improve quality of Ukrainian media; carries out information and awareness raising campaigns, round table and conferences with media experts, representatives of state authorities and business brought together. The organization develops and popularizes new media technologies; produces audio and video media products; provides legal consultancies for regional broadcasters, etc. As of May 2009, Internews Ukraine has held over 343 training programs; produced over 275 television and 1400 radio programs covering a wide range of political, economic and social topics; provided technical and training support to 315 television companies, 175 radio companies and 72 newspapers of Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. For further information: Andriy Kulakov, Program Director IPO Internews Ukraine
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