Issyk-Kul – International Organization for Migration organized two two-day media trainings for journalists and media representatives to enhance informed migration reporting, focusing on safe and gender-responsive migration and countering xenophobia against international migrants.  

Held in Issyk-Kul from 16-20 May 2023 and attended by 50 journalists and media representatives of radio, television, internet and print media, the training aimed to contribute to strengthening the understanding of media professionals of migration trends in Kyrgyzstan. 

“Media in Kyrgyzstan remain a key partner of IOM in shaping a migration discourse in line with the Global Compact for Migration. The trainings will contribute to a positive change in existing perceptions and stereotype in the migration narratives, and establish solid foundations for ethical media reporting, which directly impacts migrants.” – noted Bermet Moldobaeva, Head of Office of IOM Kyrgyzstan.

The two-day training presented several specialized sessions, including countering hate speech, ethical reporting, challenges and solutions in reporting on migration and IOM’s projects in Kyrgyzstan. Participants had interactive discussions on topics such as decreasing xenophobic and anti-migrant sentiments towards international migrants among the Kyrgyz host society, recruitment, employment, and protection services for prospective migrants from Kyrgyzstan, and gender bias in media reporting.  

The trainings were supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and IOM Development Fund.