The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pakistan, together with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), recently organized a media workshop in Islamabad aimed at enhancing ethical and responsible reporting on human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The initiative brought together over 30 journalists and editors from major media outlets to build their capacity for survivor-centered journalism and accurate coverage of these crimes.
The workshop, facilitated by senior journalist Oun Sahi, placed strong emphasis on the correct use of legal terms by differentiating between Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM). Journalists were advised that misuse of terminology can lead to public confusion and weaken legal and policy actions against these crimes.
Participants learned about adopting a survivor-centered approach in their reporting. This includes avoiding stigmatizing language, refraining from sensationalism, and prioritizing the privacy and dignity of survivors through the use of pseudonyms, blurred images, and trauma-informed interviewing techniques.
Legal aspects were also highlighted, with references to Pakistan’s Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act and Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, both enacted in 2018. Journalists were urged to ground their reporting in these laws and adhere to ethical guidelines that avoid clichés, provide context around human rights issues, and shed light on systemic challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, and migration gaps.
The event also addressed the influential role the media plays in shaping public understanding, setting government priorities, and sustaining momentum for critical reforms. Journalists were encouraged to expose organized crime responsibly and help raise awareness of victims’ experiences without compromising their identities or dignity.
Supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, this initiative underscores the ongoing collaboration between UNODC, FIA, and the media to promote accurate, constructive narratives that protect survivor dignity and foster accountability in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
