African journalists commit to balancing narratives on labour migration

A group of African journalists has pledged to reshape the often-negative portrayal of labour migration involving Africans, emphasising the need for accurate and balanced reporting.

This commitment seeks to challenge the stereotypes perpetuated by Western media and some African outlets, which frequently portray migrants as victims fleeing poverty or conflict. Instead, journalists aim to highlight the contributions and skills of migrant workers while addressing the complexities of migration.

The resolution emerged during a three-day workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, organised by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and ITUC-Africa.

Participants discussed how responsible journalism could counter misinformation, foster greater understanding, and educate potential migrants about safe migration practices.

FAJ President Omar Farouk stressed the role of the media in debunking myths about migration. “Together, we can make a difference in how migration is understood in Africa and around the world,” he said.

Farouk called on journalists to report on both the challenges and the significant contributions of migrant workers, moving away from narratives that fuel stereotypes and discrimination.

Contrary to sensationalized media portrayals that focus on Africans migrating to other continents for greener pastures, data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) revealed a different story. African migrants make up only 14.5 percent of the world’s 281 million migrants. In comparison, Asia accounts for 41 percent and Europe for 22.5 percent. Notably, in 2020, approximately 51.6 percent of African migrants remained within the continent, underscoring the predominance of intra-African migration.

Despite this reality, media reports often prioritize irregular migration to Europe or the Gulf, overshadowing the regular and significant movement of people within Africa. These narratives contribute to negative perceptions that lead to discrimination, low wages, xenophobia, and inadequate protections for migrant workers.

Akhator Joel Odigie, General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, highlighted the critical role of journalists in fostering a better understanding of migration. He emphasised that balanced reporting could help safeguard the human and labour rights of migrants while reducing xenophobia.

“We want the media to educate and raise awareness among potential migrants, so dangerous and desperate journeys can be avoided. Changing public perceptions will also reduce xenophobic hate against migrants both within and outside the continent,” Odigie stated.

Odigie also called for greater attention to the unique vulnerabilities of female migrant workers, who often face compounded challenges due to gender inequality. “The media must amplify the voices of migrant workers, especially women, who are disproportionately affected by patriarchy and stereotypes. Responsible reporting can help improve their wellbeing,” he added.

Ephrem Getnet, ILO Chief Technical Advisor, encouraged journalists to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to improve their reporting on migration issues. He reiterated the ILO’s commitment to supporting journalists with accurate data and technical assistance to ensure fair and informed coverage.

The workshop’s outcomes have been applauded by migrant rights organizations, including ITUC-Africa, which advocates for rights-based migration governance. Balanced media narratives, they believe, will contribute to a more informed public and better protection for migrant workers across the continent.

By shifting the focus to the contributions of migrant workers and addressing the systemic issues they face, African journalists are poised to play a pivotal role in changing the global narrative around migration.

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