IOM Strengthens Regional Media On Migration Reporting

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

BANGKOK, May 28 (Bernama) -- In an era where virtually anyone can publish content online and information spreads instantly, the rapid proliferation of false or misleading information, commonly known as misinformation, has become a pressing global issue.

Addressing this challenge, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) recently organised a specialised training course, “Navigating Migration Narratives and Principles of Ethical Journalism”, to enhance the quality and ethics of migration reporting.

Held from May 20 to May 22 at a prominent hotel in Bangkok, the training brought together 17 media practitioners from Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand.

The course equipped journalists, producers, and communicators with tools to handle complex migration narratives while upholding ethical journalism principles like accuracy, fairness, and accountability.

Over three days, participants explored legal frameworks, root causes of migration, and the lived experiences of migrants.

A key focus was combating misinformation, correcting misconceptions, and avoiding stigmatising language that can fuel discrimination.

A standout feature was the inclusion of migrants’ personal stories, offering firsthand accounts that humanised migration, challenged stereotypes, and fostered empathy.

Among the participants, Shashwaty Sarker Disha, a reporter from Nagorik Television in Bangladesh, said the training reshaped her approach to ethical reporting.

“Sometimes we use a subject in a story without properly explaining the background, which can mislead audiences and create negative perceptions about migrants,” she said.

“It reinforced the need to centre migrant voices, challenge stereotypes, and navigate narratives with sensitivity and responsibility. I’ve also become more conscious of the language I use and more deliberate in questioning the power dynamics behind the stories we tell.”

She added that she now pays closer attention to visuals in migration stories, recognising how photos and graphics can shape perceptions.

Another participant from Indonesia, who requested anonymity, said the training bridged the gap between theory and practice.

“Before joining this training, I was already practising some of these principles in the field. But this program gave me the conceptual understanding I had been missing, the theories and ethical frameworks behind the reporting,” she said.

“It strengthened the knowledge I already had, and now I’m more confident in approaching migration stories with empathy and context, not just instinct.”

She noted that migration issues in Indonesia often only gain media attention when linked to local controversies or larger conflicts, framing migrants as a “threat.”

“What’s really needed is a conceptual understanding of migration, the root causes, the long and often painful journey to seek asylum so that we can go beyond surface-level coverage,” she added.

The Indonesian reporter emphasised that the training showed how better journalism can give voice to the unheard and create a lasting impact.

The programme was led by seasoned professionals, including Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie’s Sheila Mysorekar, a senior journalist and expert on peace and conflict issues, DW editor Zobaer Ahmed, and IOM’s Senior Regional Media and Communications Officer, Itayi Viriri, and others.

They provided mentorship on effective communication, audience engagement, and data-driven storytelling.

Sessions stressed that migration reporting is not just about facts but about shaping public perception and influencing policy through ethical storytelling.

The interactive, cross-border format also encouraged participants to share country insights and brainstorm collaborative stories, paving the way for more balanced media coverage across Southeast and South Asia.

A key takeaway: journalists are not merely conveyors of news; they shape public opinion.

The stories they tell, and how they tell them, profoundly influence how migrants are perceived and treated.

As global migration continues to evolve amidst geopolitical, economic, and climate pressures, initiatives like this IOM training are vital to ensuring media coverage remains factual, fair, and human-centred.

IOM is the leading intergovernmental organisation within the United Nations system, and it has been dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration since 1951.

-- BERNAMA