Under the theme of Media and Migration in Sudan, with generous funding support from the US State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, IOM hosted its first quarterly media forum on May 10th-11th 2016 at its offices in Khartoum. A total of 29 media professionals participated in the forum including TV, radio, internet and print media and were given a chance to discuss issues related to migration in Sudan and globally. IOM Sudan and Cairo offices presented an overview of the organization as well as an outline of key terminologies and language use. The session on Ethical Reporting for Journalists was facilitated by Mr. Faisal Mohammed Salih, a renowned and respected Sudanese journalist and media trainer with over 25 years media experience.

Participants in the forum expressed their appreciation and commitment to the issues discussed and asked for further technical training support; also highlighting the absence of specialized media coverage of migration in the country and their interest to be part of the upcoming August 2016 forum. “As journalists, we need to show more responsibility when speaking of migrants in Sudan”- Abdelgader Mohammed- Sudanese freelance journalist.

IOM Sudan Chief of Mission Mr. Mario Lito Malanca adressed the forum'S closing session stating the importance of partnering with Sudanese media in reminding the public of the positive contributionS of migrants both economically and socially; as well as emphasizing that the most effective ways of increasing awareness on migration and IOM’s role in it is through strengthened proactive media relations; which are instrumental in influencing the public's opinion. This quarterly forum serves to encourage an IOM partnership with Sudanese media that is based on a committed, knowledgeable and influential narrative around migration, in addition to encouraging responsible media coverage of migration in Sudan.

For more information, please contact: ELROUBI Dalia , Communication Officer, Email: delroubi@iom.int