From the avalanche of nearly daily media and official reports, to the activities of non-governmental organizations, the issues of human trafficking and migration in Nigeria remain a very disturbing conversation at national and international fora. This is rightly so because the issues have intricate implications on security, economy, political governance, humanitarian challenges and, particularly, the fundamental human rights of victims.
For instance, recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commission (NHRC), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Protection of Migrants (PROMIS) organized a training programme to build media capacity on human rights based approach to migration and prevention of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in their reportage. The event happened between 25th and 26th September, 2024, at Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Among other things, the programme was designed on how to enhance understanding of Trafficking in Persons (TiP), Smuggling of Migrants (SoM) and human rights-based approach to migration, equip the media with the skills and knowledge to report ethically, accurately, and sensitively on issues of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
During the training session, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, summed up the highlight of the programme in his remark. According to him, “We recognize the vital role media plays in shaping policy discourses that affect how people act. Through accurate, sensitive, and solutions-oriented storytelling, you can help dismantle the architecture of human trafficking, challenge xenophobic narratives, and advocate for the rights and dignity of migrants.”
Similarly, the role of the media in promoting the fundamental rights of victims of trafficked persons, migrants and smuggled migrants was equally underscored by the Senior Human Rights Adviser, Office of the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu, during her opening remark.
Papers on the plights and human rights of victims, media ethics and professionalism, public policy and media advocacy, national laws and international conventions, among others were presented, thus highlighting the crucial intervention of the media in making the safety and rights of victims topmost priorities in reportage.
In Europe, Africa and all around the world, migration crises are big political, economic and social issues. Since July when he came to power, Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, has deported 3,600 to various countries, many of who complained about ill treatments and lack of respect of migrants’ human rights.
According to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 4,877 victims of human trafficking from Nigeria voluntarily returned to the country since 2017. It was based on IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration programme. Unfortunately, more often than not, the stories and experiences of many of the victims – if not most of them – are under reported or are never reported at all.
The questions begging for answers are: what is the root cause of human trafficking, migration and smuggling of migrants? Are they reliable information and data on the issues for further research? Do we have effective laws that guarantee the rights of victims? Are the laws implemented? Do citizens have adequate awareness on the effects of trafficking, migration and smuggling of migrants?
On this basis, we cannot agree less with the above view points, particularly in view of some recent unprofessional, unethical and condemnable media reports that further exposed victims of trafficking and migration. The victims were dehumanized and stigmatized, and rendered even more vulnerable.
While we commend the organizers of the programme, we would like to suggest that such a training should be held on a sustainable basis in order to enhance professional reportage and then further create greater public awareness for parents, traditional and religious institutions, governments, policy makers and victims on the need for collective effort towards tackling this hydra-headed problem.
As a newspaper with conscience, we will stand with Nigeria, Nigerians and victims of trafficking, regular and irregular migration. We shall ensure that we report the issues objectively, ethically and professionally in line with national laws and international conventions.