The capability constructing workshop introduced collectively 40 journalists and editors from 35 international locations throughout Africa, with all 5 areas of the continent duly represented. In attendance had been additionally representatives from the Senegalese authorities, the AUC and the IOM.
In his opening tackle, delivered on behalf of Mr Alioune Sall, Senegalese Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Digital, the Director of Communication on the Ministry, Ousseynou Dieng, emphasised that migration is a worldwide concern as folks in every single place have a tendency to maneuver. He famous that these migrations, which take folks from area to area, nation to nation and continent to continent, might be skilled, financial, or social in nature. They could be common or irregular, voluntary or compelled. Dieng highlighted that in Africa, folks have traditionally moved from nation to nation in the hunt for work and to guard their households from need. Right this moment, this type of migration is additional inspired by the free motion of individuals and items throughout varied states on the continent.
He urged the media to contribute to elevating consciousness amongst migrants, enabling them to acquire correct info and make knowledgeable choices about their integration and future. Dieng pressured, “This coaching ought to assist to strengthen your expertise and your understanding of the typically complicated topics and ideas linked to migration points. Given the essential position that the media play in lobbying decision-makers and companions and in elevating public consciousness, your contribution on the finish of this workshop should be translated into particular media productions. Finally, what is anticipated of you in your varied newsrooms is to take a larger curiosity in migration points and to deal with them with professionalism, accountability and all of the rigour that goes with it.”
The Head of the Labour, Employment and Migration Division on the AUC, Dr Sabelo Mbokazi, identified that one important problem confronted in Africa is that some media homes publish editorial content material sourced from Western media, which regularly perpetuates a damaging portrayal of the continent. He acknowledged, “Ideally, this move of knowledge needs to be reversed, with Western media drawing from African sources to current a extra balanced and correct depiction of Africa.”
Dr Mbokazi emphasised that the under-coverage or damaging portrayal of migration points can’t be totally blamed on the media. He defined, “Journalists steadily encounter obstacles in accessing dependable and authoritative info on growth programmes in Africa.” This workshop, subsequently, aimed to deal with this hole by offering sources that may improve the standard of reporting on migration, equipping journalists with the data they should inform the total story.
FAJ President ,Omar Faruk Osman, highlighted the vital position journalists play in shaping public discourse and influencing perceptions. He acknowledged, “As journalists, we possess the ability to form public discourse and affect perceptions. Subsequently, our position in protecting labour migration can’t be overstated. We should endeavour to current correct, balanced and complete narratives that mirror the complexities of this challenge.” He additional emphasised that it’s significantly crucial for African journalists to construct optimistic narratives on labour migration governance as a result of the media performs an important position in shaping public opinion and contributing to progressive policy-making.
Osman added, “Once we observe migration being negatively portrayed, we as Africans should see migration as a part of the developmental agenda and journalists are duty-bound to make clear the plight of migrant employees, particularly these from Africa. We should discover methods to make sure that our governments implement the insurance policies and devices from the African Union that tackle the plight of migrant employees.”
On the conclusion of the three-day programme, the Africa Labour Migration Journalists Community (ALMJN) was established. The community’s management contains Jemima Beukes from Namibia as Chairperson, Mokhlis Brahim from Morocco as First Deputy Chairperson, Aminata Sanou from Burkina Faso as Second Deputy Chairperson, Hilaire Hamekoue from Cameroon as Third Deputy Chairperson and Eric Charles Oduor from Kenya as Rapporteur.
Demonstrating a collective dedication to enhancing media engagement, the JLMP, which is a partnership initiative by the African Union Fee, IOM, ILO and different cooperating companions, has launched a number of initiatives. Amongst these was the JLMP Media Awards in 2022, recognising exemplary protection of migration points.
Because the programme drew to a detailed, Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi introduced the launch of one other section of the media competitors, this time targeted on human-interest tales about migrant employees and the formation of a community of journalists devoted to protecting labour migration and first rate work. He highlighted that the AUC and its companions have developed a coaching guide on capability growth for the media, underscoring their dedication to supporting journalists of their important position.
For extra Info, please contact the IFJ – Africa Workplace
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