A specialized seminar for media professionals, content creators, and representatives of government press services was held at the United Nations House in Ashgabat, focusing on the principles of reporting on disability issues through the lens of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Xenia Siminciuc from the UN Human Rights Office in Moldova served as both expert and facilitator for the seminar. She shared valuable experience in implementing a human rights-based approach in her country, emphasizing that the fundamental principle guiding all activities in this field is "Nothing About Us Without Us." This principle means that all initiatives and programs should be developed with the direct participation of persons with disabilities, as they are the foremost experts on their own experiences and needs.
Particular attention was also given to the role of terminology in the media. Participants learned that language is a powerful tool that can either help overcome stigma or, conversely, reinforce discriminatory attitudes and barriers. The seminar demonstrated that using accurate terminology is not merely a matter of linguistic correctness but a cornerstone of the human rights-based approach, emphasizing the dignity and agency of every individual.
During sessions on inclusive communication, participants explored the specific information needs of persons with disabilities and discussed the key principles of respectful communication etiquette. The program concluded with a presentation of UNICEF's Guidelines on Community-Based Mental Health.
According to a UNICEF representative, promoting open and inclusive communication requires the consistent use of widely accepted and professionally appropriate terminology. To support this effort, UNICEF has developed a glossary of standard terminology, available on the organization's official website, providing journalists and content creators with a reliable reference for producing ethical media content.
The seminar also included a practical component featuring online "Living Library" presentations. Viktor Izbash, Coordinator of Youth Projects for Inclusive Education, and Diana Jalba, a disability rights activist, shared their personal experiences to illustrate how media coverage shapes public perceptions of persons with disabilities.
The organizers emphasized that adopting the principles of inclusive communication and using approved terminology resources are essential steps toward building a society in which every individual is recognized as an equal participant in social life, free from harmful stereotypes and prejudice.
