DUSHANBE, May 30, Asia-Plus — A May 29 roundtable meeting, organized UNICEF CO Tajikistan and Tajik Journalists’ Union, focused on issues related to coverage of children’s problems in media.
Speaking at the meeting, UNICEF photographer GIacomo Pirozzi dwelled on problems of photographing children and child’s rights. Mr. Pirozzi, in particular, stressed that it is necessary to approach very carefully to coverage of child’s life.
“One must not traumatize children by sensational article or photograph,” said the UNICEF photographer. According to him, during a business trip to one of African countries, where 1,400 of 1,700 HIV-infected children died, he decided not to photograph their faces. However, children asked him to photograph them, justifying it by saying that let people know that they live with that disease.
The photographer noted he now photographs faces of children with any physical disabilities or living with HIV only with their consent.
Ms. Parvina Muhamedjonova, public relations assistant, UNICEF CO Tajikistan, noted that personal contact with Mr. Pirozzi, who has visited more than 30 countries of the world, will help Tajik reporters observe international media ethical norms.
