Cairo, 19 February  – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in coordination with the Government of Egypt’s National Coordinating Committee for Combatting and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM&TiP), conducted a two-day training in Cairo for Egyptian media personnel on reporting on trafficking in persons. The training focuses on improving the knowledge of media professionals on trafficking in persons and related ethical considerations.

The training, which was conducted by members of IOM Egypt, NCCPIM&TiP, Egypt State Information Service and Farah Abdul Sater, the IOM Regional Media and Public Information Officer, was focused on principles of coverage of migration and trafficking in persons in the media. Great emphasis was placed on the role of the media as both a resource for information and their influence on public opinion, including the ability of the media to dispel misconceptions, misinformation, and negative rhetoric about victims of trafficking through the use of proper terminology, thoughtful and thorough research, and sensitive reporting. Two practical sessions on trafficking in persons case studies were discussed during the training. The training was attended by a large number of media personnel from different entities like the Egyptian State Information Service and National Media Authority.

The training was conducted under the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ programme “Strengthening Egyptian Governmental Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons” (STRENGTH), through which IOM supports the Government of Egypt’s National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Andrea Dabizzi, Head of Migrant Protection and Assistance Unit (MPA) in IOM, said in his opening remarks for the training: “IOM appreciates the important role that the media plays in combatting trafficking in persons, and the role it plays in providing vital awareness raising information to the public. This is our third training conducted with NCCPIM&TIP and the Egyptian media and we hope it is not going to be the last; we look forward to this opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise and learn from one another as we tackle this issue.”

The training supports the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions and Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. The initiative is in line with Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy: Vision 2030 for a fair interdependent society characterized by equal economic, social, political rights and opportunities realizing social inclusion.

For further information, please contact Omar Awwad at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 1032 049 144 Email: oawwad@iom.int