THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN TIGRAY

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of the media in promoting human rights. Central to the study is an effort to find out why the media decide to include human rights coverage as part of their programs as well as the portrayal of human rights elements in such programs. The main objective of this paper was to investigate and analyze the role of media in the promotion of human right in Tigray region. Accordingly, two major media organizations- Woyen newspaper and Wurayna Tigrigna magazine- were selected for the study. Both the interviews and documentary analysis provided data needed to answer the research questions. Findings from the interviews and the documentary reveal that the media do have a role to play in human rights promotion. Media organizations in Tigray are attempting to create awareness on human rights issues. Though they do not have regular columns on human rights agenda, they sometimes go to the extent of investigatory report. Despite these efforts, media organizations are faced with multiple challenges ranging from restrictive laws, lack of capacity in terms of staff and lack of necessary financial resources to do more on human rights. Accordingly, to achieve better contribution to the human rights situation in Tigray, there must be revisions of some of the laws; the linkage between human rights institutions and the media must be improved; and media should be supported with technical support (capacity building) and financial support