By Mary Kabay
The International Organization for Migration (IMO) ,in collaboration with the Initiatives for Media Development (IMDev), held a two days training for journalists and civil service officials on migration reporting, an event which was held on the 14th and 15th October 2021 at the CCSL Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown.
In a bid for the media to recognize the impact of migration on the host country and the country from which people are migrating from the organizers deemed it fit to build the capacity of journalists in order for them to efficiently report on sensitive issues relating to migration.
As migration has been a global phenomenon contributing to wealth, dynamism, survival and stability of societies, IMO estimated that one out of every seven person is a migrant, that is , someone who has moved across an international border or within a State away from their habitual place of residence.
It was highlighted during the training exercise that journalists have an obligation to report on the issues of migration, refugees and human trafficking in an accurate, fair, balanced, humane and ethical way.
Further underscored was that though they are complex stories, research and news reports indicate the impact of migration and how it is affecting countries across the globe especially on the political, economic, demographic, security, social, cultural, and other sectors in society.
Journalists and CSOs present were enjoined to be knowledgeable on certain subject matters and create awareness in their respective communities by reporting in the best possible ways. Although it was indicated that not all journalists can dedicate their complete time to telling stories on migration but it was advised that acquiring basic information will help them prepare for any future reporting on the said issues.
Lead facilitators during the training program, Yeama Thompson and James Kabia, delved into topics like Understanding the Complexities of Migration, How Migration can be Covered through People and Rights Based Storytelling, Where and How to Find Migration Related Stories, Ideas and Sources, the Media Role in Covering Migration Issues, Understanding the Laws and Procedures Surrounding the Different forms of Migration.
The facilitators stressed the need of applying ethical consideration during reporting and adopting gender sensitive and gender inclusive approaches to reporting.
The training was climaxed with the award of Certificates of Participation to all participants.
Mohamed Barrie, belonging to the IOM Communications Pillar, admonished all present that the training should serve as a guide for journalists and CSOs to report accurately and concisely and also help raise the awareness on what is involved in embarking on migration through their various media platforms and within communities.
