The international press and human rights protection through global media coverage and advocacy mechanisms in contemporary society

Damissah, Hilary Esivue and Isiaka, Adam Folorunsho and Adejare, Adenike Deborah and Abdulsalam, Rukayat Oyindamola (2025) The international press and human rights protection through global media coverage and advocacy mechanisms in contemporary society. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26 (1). pp. 2632-2643. ISSN 2581-9615

This research review examines the evolving relationship between international press and human rights protection through global media coverage and advocacy mechanisms in contemporary society. As human rights violations occur worldwide, media organizations employ various approaches to document abuses, from traditional investigative journalism to digital verification techniques and collaborative cross-border networks. The review analyzes historical developments in media-based human rights advocacy, contemporary reporting mechanisms, and case studies demonstrating media impact on human rights outcomes. Despite significant achievements, journalists face numerous challenges including safety risks, access restrictions, digital threats, commercial pressures, and attention fatigue. The article identifies emerging best practices such as collaborative investigations, trauma-informed reporting, solutions-oriented coverage, and strategic partnerships between media and human rights organizations. These approaches help overcome structural obstacles while strengthening accountability for violations. The review concludes that while the international press faces significant constraints in human rights work, it remains an essential mechanism for protection through its capacity to document violations, amplify marginalized voices, shape public opinion, influence policy decisions, and promote accountability for abuses worldwide.