Journalists Engage for More in In-depth Coverage of Migration Issues

“I am not a journalist specialized in migration issues even though I work a lot on this issue,” says Mohamed Diop, a reporter. “I often use concepts or terminology shocking to some, without any intention behind. This kind of meeting allows us to correct these mistakes.”

Intra-regional or Europe-bound migration is a complex, multi-dimensional subject that is covered by the media on a daily basis. The diversity of profiles, objectives and migration routes makes it necessary to involve as many partners as possible, in order to ensure the dissemination of clear and transparent information for both host communities and migrants, and ensure that potential migrants can act in a rational and informed manner, giving priority to regular migration channels.

As part of the implementation of the “Aware Migrants” project, and to encourage ethical reporting, information-sharing and in-depth analysis of migration issues, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Mauritania organized two training sessions for 23 journalists and media actors in November 2021.

“This participatory session allowed me to refresh my memory,” says Ibou Badiane, a migration investigative journalist. “My expectations from this training were to enable me to better understand the migration data in figures, especially the new migration routes in West Africa. These expectations were met.”

The two-day training sessions took place in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

“Today, if I want to write an article, I know that I have the tools, background and little more knowledge on how to deal with information [on] migrants and how to deal with subjects that concern them without undermining their dignity, while respecting them and having a code of ethics in the way I deal with information,” said Houleye Kane, journalist and junior consultant for “Genre et Media”, at the end of the training.

In Nouakchott as well as in Nouadhibou, many subjects were discussed, such as terminology, angles to be adopted, the risk of a dehumanizing approach or attention to illustration photos. These conversations were above all an opportunity to address the critical issue of access to information, for Mauritanians and migrants alike, and its treatment in the most informed way possible. IOM was able to share reports and data as well as multiple sources of information, while reaffirming its commitment to cooperate regularly and closely with the country’s journalists.

“The main risk is that thousands of people who are determined to lead a fulfilling life in their country of origin or host country will find themselves increasingly marginalized due to a lack of information or access to certain services, thus limiting their chances of economic and social integration,” says Nicolas Hochart, IOM Project Manager. “This situation of vulnerability may lead some to risk their jobs or lives to find a better life. It is our common responsibility to ensure that they have all the cards in their own hands and all information available to make these choices in a safe and regular manner.”

“I expected this training to give me a different perspective on migration and I ended up being motivated to apply the knowledge I gained to my work,” says Hawa Deme, a news journalist.

In 2022, IOM will continue this multidimensional approach by involving journalists, media, local and national authorities, but also migrants and migrant associations, to disseminate these messages and best respond to migrants’ needs. There are still too many people living in isolation from the rest of society, unaware of services available to them to improve their daily lives and strengthen their socio-economic integration. IOM and its partners are working in Mauritania to address this situation in a sustainable manner.

The “Aware Migrant” project aims to provide better information on the risks of irregular migration, to strengthen social cohesion between migrant and host communities, and inform migrants in transit or settled about safe migration opportunities, assistance and protection services in host countries and in their country of origin.

These activities are supported by the Italian Ministry of Interior, under the Regional Development and Protection Programme for North Africa (RDPP NA).