The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and its partners have unveiled a comprehensive Standard Reporting Handbook aimed at journalists covering human trafficking cases in Nigeria.
The Director General of NAPTIP, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi, disclosed that this handbook has been developed to assist journalists and media professionals in raising awareness and supporting the fight against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIPSOM).
The announcement was made during a two-day Validation and Technical Finalization Workshop held in collaboration with Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) and the European Union (EU) in Keffi, Nasarawa state.
The Director General highlighted the need for the reporting template, emphasizing that the United Nations has stressed the use of specific language and terminology related to trafficking in persons. Failure to utilize these prescribed terms might inadvertently perpetuate stigma and hinder victim support.
She further emphasized that the reporting template was not created by NAPTIP alone, but based on established UN conventions, ensuring that the words used in reporting are appropriate and effective in addressing the issue.
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The Director Training and Manpower Development of NAPTIP, Arinze Orakwue, representing the Director General, underscored the importance of a standardized reporting document.
He explained that trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants require unique registers and terminologies that must be used appropriately when reporting these cases.
During the workshop, Federico Millan, Team Leader of A-TIPSOM, commended the significance of the reporting template in the ongoing battle against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
A-TIPSOM, a project implemented by the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (GIIAP), aims to address these pressing issues.
Millan stressed the importance of protecting victims during the reporting process, emphasizing that the manner in which cases are reported can significantly impact their well-being. It is crucial for journalists to adhere to approved terminologies and demonstrate professionalism in their reporting.
Commenting on the impact of responsible reportage on victims, Josiah Emerole, the Director of Research and Programme Development at NAPTIP, urged journalists to report on these issues using approved terminologies and in a sensitive and professional manner.
He praised the outcome of past workshops, which have contributed to more effective reporting practices, culminating in the development of this standardized reporting document.
The introduction of the Standard Reporting Handbook signifies a major step forward in ensuring that journalism surrounding human trafficking cases in Nigeria is accurate, responsible, and respectful towards victims.
By employing the recommended terminologies, journalists can play a crucial role in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and ultimately combating this heinous crime in the country.
