Cairo, 24 June – 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 media personnel on journalism and reporting on trafficking in persons, co-organized and hosted by the Administrative Control Authority of Egypt. The two-day training intends to improve the knowledge of media professionals on the thematic issues and ethical considerations for reporting on trafficking. The training featured opening remarks from Ambassador Naela Gabr, Chairperson of NCCPIM&TiP and H.E. Major General Dr. Hisham Zaalouk, the Director of the National Anti-Corruption Academy, as well as Yumi Ohtsuki, IOM Egypt’s Counter Trafficking Project Officer.

The training, conducted by members of NCCPIM&TiP, IOM and an expert media professionals, covered migration and trafficking concepts, terminology, anti-trafficking and smuggling laws in Egypt, and reporting practices. IOM emphasized the role of the media as both a source of information and an influence on migration and trafficking in persons, including the ability of the media to dispel misconceptions, misinformation, and negative rhetoric, while disseminating correct and effective information. “The role of the media in mobilizing and informing the public is essential. An informed and thoughtful media can change the tide of trafficking in persons. IOM counts on the Egyptian stakeholders and partners to take this information forward in a proactive way”, said Mr. Laurent De Boeck, IOM Egypt’s Chief of Mission.

The training was conducted under the Government of the Netherlands’ programme “Strengthening Egyptian Governmental Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons”, through which IOM collaborates with the Government of Egypt in implementing the 2016-2021 National Strategy to combat trafficking in persons. The trainings support 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 also in line with ‘Egypt Vision 2030’ for a fair interdependent society characterized by equal economic, social, political rights and opportunities realizing social inclusion.

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