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Salvaggio made the appeal at the opening of a five-day workshop on the prevention of the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence, held in Abuja on Monday.
The workshop was organised by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security in collaboration with Journalists for Human Rights and the Canadian Embassy.
Represented by the Counsellor (Political) at the Canadian High Commission, Omar Alihashi, Salvaggio emphasised the critical role of the media in raising awareness about the plight of children affected by conflict and insecurity.
He noted that children caught in conflict situations often suffer far-reaching consequences that extend beyond immediate physical harm, including disruptions to education, psychological trauma and diminished future opportunities.
“Addressing these challenges requires collective action from governments, communities, civil society organisations, security institutions and the media,” he said.
According to him, journalists can contribute significantly to child protection efforts through accurate, evidence-based and ethical reporting that informs public discourse and highlights the experiences of vulnerable communities.
He stressed that reporting on children affected by violence must be guided by professionalism, sensitivity and respect for the rights and dignity of every child.
The envoy reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to global initiatives aimed at protecting children in conflict zones and promoting the principles of the Vancouver Principles, which seek to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
He encouraged participants to use the workshop as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of child protection issues, exchange knowledge and explore ways journalism can support peacebuilding and security efforts.
“The insights, networks and expertise gained here can contribute to meaningful change and strengthen child protection efforts across communities in Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security in Nigeria, Mrs Offiong Nsa, described journalists as key actors in the promotion and protection of children's rights.
She said media professionals have a responsibility to expose recruitment networks, spotlight the realities faced by children affected by violence and advocate for child-centred reporting practices.
Nsa urged journalists to use their platforms to draw the attention of governments and stakeholders to issues requiring urgent intervention.
In her remarks, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, described children as society’s most vulnerable group and its most valuable resource.
She expressed concern that many children continue to be coerced, manipulated or forced into armed groups, criminal activities and violent networks, both online and offline.
Ike warned that such experiences often result in the loss of childhood, interrupted education, emotional trauma and long-term social consequences.
“The media has a vital role in combating this challenge. Journalists shape public opinion, influence policy discussions and hold institutions accountable,” she said.
She urged media practitioners to focus on stories that address the root causes of child recruitment, including poverty, limited access to education, family instability and social exclusion.
Ike also cautioned against sensational reporting that could glorify armed groups or reveal the identities of child victims and their families.
She encouraged journalists to amplify the voices of survivors, caregivers and community leaders working to protect children from exploitation and violence.
The NUJ chairman further called on policymakers and security agencies to strengthen the enforcement of laws prohibiting child recruitment, invest in child protection services and ensure that security operations respect children's rights.
