The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has emphasized the need for responsible reporting on migration issues, highlighting the importance of fostering empathy and understanding instead of perpetuating harmful stereotypes. During a capacity-building workshop focused on a human rights-based approach to migration and the prevention of trafficking, Chief Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, addressed journalists and stressed the influential role of the media in shaping public discourse and policy on migration.
Ojukwu articulated that the media can either reinforce negative stereotypes or cultivate a more compassionate understanding of migrants. He noted, “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.”
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), aimed to enhance media understanding of trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants. Ojukwu outlined the training’s objectives, which included equipping media professionals with the skills to report on these issues ethically and sensitively.
Highlighting the complexity of migration, Ojukwu stated, “Migration is a contentious phenomenon that is multifaceted with millions of individuals residing and working in countries outside their own.” He underscored that migration is a fundamental human right and emphasized the universality of human rights protection for all individuals on the move, as enshrined in national, regional, and international laws.
The NHRC Executive Secretary pointed out that negative perceptions of migrants have escalated in recent years, driven by exclusionary practices. With many individuals risking unsafe journeys in search of better opportunities, he stressed the urgent need for a nuanced understanding of migration and its connection to human rights.
He elaborated on the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), which promotes the protection of human rights according to international standards. This framework empowers vulnerable migrants to participate in decision-making processes and hold responsible parties accountable, prioritizing their humanity through principles of non-discrimination and inclusion.
Ojukwu affirmed that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perceptions and policy discussions that influence the treatment of migrants. By highlighting the challenges, aspirations, and vulnerabilities of migrants, the media can facilitate a deeper understanding of the drivers of migration and influence policymakers to design effective programs.
Adwoa Kufuor-Owusu, the Senior Human Rights Adviser at the UN, added that Nigerian media coverage of migrants is often inconsistent. She noted that migrants are frequently portrayed as “returnees,” “evacuees,” or “illegal migrants” without proper context, diminishing their complexities and backgrounds. Kufuor-Owusu urged journalists to focus on migration terminology, ethical reporting, and the importance of contextualizing the narratives of migrants.
Throughout the workshop, participants were encouraged to engage with resources provided by the UN system to expand their coverage of migration issues. The NHRC’s initiative aims to empower media professionals to report on migration responsibly, fostering a culture of empathy and respect for human rights in their narratives.