As part of the European Union’s ongoing efforts towards improved reporting on migration issues and migrant safety and welfare, ICMPD hosted trainings for Iraqi journalists.
Conducted under the EU-funded project 'Awareness raising and information campaigns on the risks of irregular migration in Iraq' (MIRAMI), the trainings hosted 15 journalists and young reporters in Baghdad on 23-24 September, while 16 joined in Erbil on 25-26 September. Among key discussions were on:
- Irregular migration, migrant smuggling and human trafficking, including Legal Frameworks
- Information campaigns and research findings on the risks of irregular migration
- Reporting guidelines and media engagement to improve gender-sensitive migration
- Return and reintegration framework in Iraq and the support services provided by counterparts
- Ethics and protecting vulnerable sources and ethical use of images
- Avoiding hate speech in the media and protecting oneself physically and digitally while reporting
- Digital storytelling as transformative practice and pitching your stories to your editor
Also in attendance were media freelancers, communication professionals in government and private companies, media photographers, and students of migration, media, and development studies.
Migration – especially irregular migration – is often rife with challenges, misinformation, and risk. It is necessary for potential migrants to have access to accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions about their migration journey. Without accurate information, migrants can also become victims of crimes, abuse, and exploitation. As journalists, you are the link between facts and the general public. Your reports can shape the decisions of those considering migration, potentially changing the course of their lives, as well as decision-makersFatima Jarkas, ICMPD’s Head of Office in Iraq, said at the opening of the trainings.
Participants from government also presented key statistics and situational analysis of, as well as some of the national laws around irregular migration issues – specifically around human trafficking.
After receiving exercises and case studies to stimulate group work, participants will be covering various themes around migration, including personal migration journeys, the impact of migration on families, the role of women in migration, and the economic contributions of migrants. They also expressed interest in reporting on issues such as climate-induced migration, migrants’ access to healthcare, and challenges faced by undocumented migrants. Additionally, participants highlighted their interest in creating stories around the experiences of returnees rebuilding their lives.
The trainings under the MIRAMI project are co-funded and co-implemented by Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, and Greece.
Tiba Khalil, MRC (Migrant Resource Centre) Coordinator, leading an information session to journalists on MRC’s services for (potential) migrants.