Cairo, 30 January 2022 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Egypt, in cooperation with the ‘National Coordinating Committee for Combatting and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TIP)’, has launched a series of two workshops on “Capacity Building for Media Professionals and Journalists on Combating Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons” in Cairo. The launching event took place on 30 January 2022 and was attended by H.E. Mr. Christian Berger, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Michele Quaroni, Ambassador of Italy to the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairperson, National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TiP) and H.E. Mr. Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission of the IOM to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

H.E. Ambassador Naela Gabr commenced the workshop by stating “Our cooperation constitutes part of the implementation of two important programmes: RDPP funded by the European Union and Italy, and Aware Migrants funded by Italy, implemented by IOM. These programmes are supporting NCCPIM&TIP in the realization of its strategies to combat trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. Furthermore, this workshop targets the media professionals with the aim of enhancing the capacities and the know-how of the people working in this field, especially the ones who face direct access to the citizens and play a crucial role in creating awareness among different strata of the society.”

“Journalism has such a power and role: passing the right message to shape our minds, promote tolerance and understanding. With the right words, the correct concepts and the precise understanding, journalism shall shape the future. Understanding the difference between refugees and migrants, and their fundamental rights, will in turn promote respect and protection, and encourage an inclusive society based on human rights”, said Laurent de Boeck, IOM Chief of Mission. Both the Ambassador of the European Union and the Ambassador of Italy to the Arab Republic of Egypt reinforced the message that youth shall listen to the right discourse on the dangers of irregular migration, before taking the decision to start their migration. It is only with a proper understanding on the dangers of criminal networks, abusing the youth and promising fake life, that the society may combat irregular migration and trafficking in persons.

The workshop included sessions on key terminologies regarding trafficking in persons and irregular migration; the fundamental role of media in shaping narratives of the two topics; ethical and objective reporting methods; next to challenges and factors affecting media and journalists when covering irregular migration and trafficking in persons topics as well as reaching to reliable sources of information. Additionally, a practical session on interviewing techniques and guidelines was included in the workshop next to the general usage of pictures and media literacy. A total of 30 participants from different media agencies and newspapers attended the workshop.

The workshop was implemented through the generous support offered by the European Union and Italy under the project the “Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP)”, and by the Italian Ministry of Interior under the project “Aware Migrants”.

The workshop contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 10 “Reduced Inequalities”, Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” and Goal 17 “Partnerships for the Goals”. The workshop also aligns to the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), Objective 10 “Prevent, combat and eradicate trafficking in persons in the context of international migration” and Objective 7 “Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration”.

For further information, please contact Omar Awwad at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 101 2428 527 Email: osawwad@iom.int