The President of the Gambia Press Union, Isatou Keita, joined journalist union leaders, trade unionists, and media stakeholders from 12 ECOWAS countries in Abuja for a two-day validation and capacity-building workshop focused on labour migration. Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the regional event aims to adapt the ILO’s global media toolkit on forced labour and fair recruitment to address the unique migration challenges in West Africa, thereby fostering ethical journalism and protecting the rights of migrant workers.
West Africa faces complex migration dynamics, with thousands crossing borders in search of economic opportunities, often encountering exploitation, human trafficking, or unsafe recruitment practices. The media’s role in shaping accurate, balanced, and African-led narratives is critical, as migration stories are frequently misrepresented in alarmist or dehumanizing ways. The workshop equips journalists with tools to promote responsible, rights-based storytelling that highlights the human struggles and aspirations behind migration.
Ms. Inviolata Chinyangarara, representing ILO Country Director Dr. Vanessa Phala, emphasized the power of ethical journalism to expose labour exploitation and advocate for the fair treatment of migrant workers. “This toolkit is a call to action for journalists to deliver deeper, more impactful reporting,” she said. The ILO’s initiative aligns with its global mission to promote decent work, eliminate forced labour, and strengthen labour protections for vulnerable populations. Through partnerships with governments, civil society, and the media, the organization addresses irregular recruitment and enhances regional labor systems.
FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman delivered a compelling keynote, urging African journalists to take ownership of migration narratives. “We’re not just reporting facts—we’re telling the stories of people who leave home out of necessity, not choice,” Osman stated. “African journalists must lead with truth, dignity, and our own perspective.” He highlighted FAJ’s ongoing efforts, including the African Labour Migration Journalists Network and the Dakar Communiqué. He called for stronger ties with ECOWAS and the African Union to institutionalize ethical reporting.
Participants, including Keita, are reviewing the draft toolkit, sharing regional insights, and discussing practical approaches to ethical storytelling. The finalized toolkit will guide journalist training, editorial policies, and newsroom practices across West Africa, empowering media professionals to address the region’s complex migration landscape. The workshop fosters collaboration to amplify human-centered stories that reflect the dignity and resilience of migrant workers.
GPU President Isatou Keita
With economic migration shaping West Africa’s social and economic fabric, the Abuja workshop responds to an urgent need for responsible reporting. By uniting journalists and stakeholders, the initiative ensures that migration stories are told with accuracy, humanity, and respect, amplifying the voices of those navigating perilous journeys in search of better lives. The event marks a significant milestone in strengthening the media’s role in protecting the rights of migrant workers and reshaping public discourse on labor migration in the ECOWAS region.
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