The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has taken a vital step in reshaping how migration is covered in the media by consulting editors in Senegal on the ethical and accurate reporting of migration-related issues. This initiative, part of a broader effort across West Africa, aims to equip newsroom leaders with the tools and awareness needed to guide journalists in reporting migration stories with sensitivity, depth, and responsibility.
Migration remains a deeply personal and politically charged issue in Senegal, where thousands undertake perilous journeys in search of better opportunities. Media coverage of these movements often risks sensationalism, reinforcing stereotypes, or stigmatizing migrants. Recognizing the power of narratives, the IFJ brought together editors and senior journalists for focused discussions and training sessions that emphasized human-centered reporting over abstract statistics.
The consultations centered on building a rights-based journalistic framework. Editors explored how to report on issues such as forced labor, human trafficking, and fair recruitment, drawing on international standards and tools developed in partnership with organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and ECOWAS. Special attention was paid to the ethical challenges of reporting on vulnerable populations, including minors and victims of exploitation.
Participants also examined the role of editors in shaping newsroom culture, ensuring that migration reporting avoids dehumanization and instead gives voice to migrants’ lived experiences. Sessions encouraged collaborative storytelling and cross-border investigations, highlighting the transnational nature of migration and the need for shared journalistic values across regions.
This initiative is part of IFJ’s ongoing effort to foster journalism that informs rather than inflames public opinion. By targeting editors, the initiative recognizes their unique position in setting editorial standards, approving story angles, and mentoring younger reporters.
As Senegal continues to navigate complex migration dynamics, the role of the media is critical. Through initiatives like this, the IFJ is helping shift the narrative, placing dignity, accuracy, and accountability at the core of migration journalism and empowering editors to ensure their newsrooms uphold these values in every story they publish.
