Addis Ababa (ILO News) - A one day workshop organized by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia General Attorney and the ILO to capacitate members of the media to provide better knowledge to the public about the crises of irregular migration such as human trafficking and the means towards safe and fair migration was conducted yesterday, June 2, 2016. The event was opened officially by FDRE Attorney General state minister Tesfalem Yihdego, and Ato Ephrem Getnet representing ILO Country Director Mr.George Okutho.
In his opening speech his Excellency Ato Tesfalem underlined the urgency to create a well-informed society that can resist the false and alluring recruiting techniques of unscrupulous traffickers. He noted that the role of the media towards this and supporting fair and safe migration is crucial and thanked them for the commendable work they have already done in this regard.
Ato Ephrem in his speech also expressed his hope that the workshop which would also expose members of the media to the latest anti trafficking proclamation (proclamation 909 and 923) will strengthen the capacities of media personalities and artists’ capacities not only in combating trafficking but also in voicing and highlighting the legal empowerment of Migrant Workers, especially that or Migrant Domestic Workers.
The workshop which was facilitated by FDRE state minister Mesfin Abebe urged on the increased utilisation of the media’s power in influencing public opinion, raising awareness and prevention of human trafficking while at the same time advocating for a socially responsible journalism by featuring legal presentations by FDRE Attorney General and concrete examples of media advocacy work by Ato Tewodros Teshome, a renowned Ethiopian film maker.
The event which was attended by more than 80 members of the media including representatives of poetry, film and journalism associations was finalized with a discussion on how the media can better collaborate with the government and development organizations towards the prevention of irregular migration, trafficking and safe and fair migration.
This was a workshop funded by the European Union under the project: Development of a Tripartite Framework for the Support and Protection of Ethiopian Women Domestic Migrant Workers (“MDWS”) to the GCC States, Lebanon and Sudan.
For more detailed information, please contact and visit: ILO Country Office for Country Office for Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Sudan, | Aida Awel | +2515444165 | [email protected]
