Labour migration can be a contentious topic in the Arab States, and journalists face numerous challenges in reporting on the issue. Improving reporting on labour migration to ensure balanced, accurate perspectives that recognize the contributions that migrant workers make can play an important role in reducing negative public attitudes and perceptions. This can have a further positive impact on legislation, policy and practice.

A one-day consultation will be convened with senior journalists and editors from the Arab States region. The objectives of the meeting are to:

• Examine challenges and opportunities for reporting on labour migration in Arab States, including perspectives from the ILO and senior editors and journalists;
• critically review the migration terminology used by media in the region;
• introduce and discuss, with a view to adoption by constituents, the ‘Arabic Migration Glossary for Media’; and
• provide inputs to the design of the ILO’s media engagement and training strategy for 2016-18.

The consultation serves as an opportunity to build an alliance of senior editors and journalists who are actively committed to improving reporting on labour migration the region.