Reporting on forced labour, fair recruitment, and labour migration: An ILO toolkit for journalists - ECOWAS contextualized edition

This toolkit provides practical guidance for journalists reporting on forced labour, fair recruitment, and labour migration in the ECOWAS region. It aims to support more accurate, balanced, and evidence-based media coverage, helping to counter misinformation, challenge harmful narratives, and highlight the socio-economic contributions of migrant workers.

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Developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this ECOWAS-contextualized edition was produced with contributions from media professionals, international organizations, and regional experts, and draws on lessons learned from previous media engagement initiatives. It provides both conceptual explanations and practical tools, including reporting guidelines, ethical considerations, and real-world examples to support journalists in navigating complex migration-related topics.

The publication was developed within the framework of the Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment (FAIR III), the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM West Africa II), and the Action for Improving Labour Migration Governance in Nigeria (ACTION). It reflects field-based experience and regional priorities, ensuring its relevance for stakeholders across West Africa. It ultimately contributes to strengthening informed public discourse, improving migration governance, and advancing decent work for migrant workers.