IOM Organizes training on human rights-based for Journalists

IOM has organized training on human rights-based reporting for journalists and Ministry of Information officials in Puntland, Somalia.

The training, which was funded by the European Union (EU), aimed at increasing their knowledge of the sensitivity and confidentiality required in reporting cases of child trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV) in Somalia.

“The media are crucial social actors in preventing GBV and child trafficking in Somalia. If they’re able to report on these issues accurately, it will help public opinion not to accept this violence as a norm,” said Michele Cervone d’Urso, the EU Ambassador to Somalia.

The Secretary General for the Media Association of Puntland (MAP), Fatuma Mohamed Mohamud said: “The role of media in educating the public about child trafficking and GBV in Puntland is paramount. The training will educate the journalists on ethical practices and the protection of survivors from harmful exposure.”

GBV and human trafficking cases have been documented in Somalia and some cases have been reported by the media. But in some instances confidentiality and protection of the identity of survivors has not been respected.

Both the EU and IOM recognize the need to establish partnerships work with all actors to prevent and respond to GBV and human trafficking in Puntland.

IOM has supported the creation of a referral mechanism for victims of trafficking. It has also assisted the Puntland authorities through training security officers on combating human trafficking and GBV.