Citizens, volunteers and humanitarian responders assisting communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa are being urged to act with sensitivity and compassion when capturing or sharing images and videos of children.

The appeal comes from youth-led non-governmental organization, Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF).

As relief efforts intensify across the island, the FWCF notes that children are among the most vulnerable in times of crisis.

The foundation says the way persons choose to portray them matters, adding that images and stories shared without care can have lasting emotional and psychological impacts.

Executive Founder Africka Stephens is urging everyone to avoid disaster voyeurism and to prioritize the dignity and well-being of children above all.

She emphasized that while it is natural to want to document the rebuilding process, such actions must never compromise a child’s dignity or safety.