Islamabad, The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan, in collaboration with the Global Migration Media Academy (GMMA) and the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), recently completed a series of trainings aimed at enhancing ethical reporting practices on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Pakistan. This initiative is part of the project ‘Countering TIP and SOM in Pakistan,’ funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark.

According to the United Nations International Organization for Migration, the trainings, conducted from November 13 to 22, 2023, were part of efforts to support the Government of Pakistan in achieving objectives under the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat TIP and SOM for the period 2021-2025. Over 100 journalists and media professionals from across Pakistan participated in these trainings, which covered various topics including key concepts and legal frameworks of TIP and SOM, media’s role in prevention and protection, victim-centered and gender-sensitive reporting, community engagement, and ethical use of data.

Ms. Suzana Paklar, Senior Programme Coordinator at IOM Pakistan, emphasized the critical role of journalists in combating TIP and SOM and in protecting victims. Ms. Sandra Ruiz Moriana from IOM’s GMMA led the trainings, providing journalists with practical tools for ethical reporting on these sensitive issues. SSDO’s Mr. Syed Kausar Abbas discussed legal frameworks and the roles of law enforcement entities, while senior journalist Ms. Myra Imran shared insights from her experience in the field.

Participants acknowledged the importance of the trainings in refocusing their approach to sensitive subjects like TIP and SOM, emphasizing the need to maintain empathy for the victims. The trainings are seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the capabilities of journalists in Pakistan, ensuring responsible reporting, and contributing to the broader efforts of the Government of Pakistan to combat TIP and SOM effectively.