By Chol D. Johnson
A member of Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has called on journalists to uphold ethical standards when reporting on labour migration.
Agasio Akol Arop, Chairperson of the Labour and Industrial Sub-Committee in the TNLA, made the remarks on Wednesday during a media roundtable on labour migration in Juba.
He urged journalists to remain professional and cautious when covering migration issues, emphasizing the need for accuracy, balance, and personal safety.
“Do not endanger yourselves in reporting that may not benefit you in the long run. I encourage you to engage effectively and handle this complex issue with care,” Akol said.
He stressed the importance of local knowledge and cooperation between journalists and government institutions, noting that collaboration can help improve access to accurate information and reduce misunderstandings.
“Working together allows journalists to access more reliable information and avoid unnecessary challenges,” he added.
Akol also highlighted the need for journalists to analyse information critically, particularly in the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly. He said reporting on crossborder and regional migration requires balance, empathy, accuracy, and attention to safety.
He warned that journalists may sometimes face pressure to report favourably on certain issues, even when facts suggest otherwise, and encouraged them to maintain integrity.
The lawmaker further called for collaboration among journalists to enhance accuracy in reporting migration issues, which often involve sensitive topics such as refugees and displaced populations.
He also pointed to language barriers as a challenge, noting that poor communication can affect reporting, especially when dealing with communities unfamiliar with journalists’ language. He added that misinformation surrounding migration documentation can further complicate reporting.
Meanwhile, Pasquale Michael, Secretary-General of the South Sudan Workers Trade Union Federation, said the Horn of Africa remains a major migration route, with many people moving toward Europe in search of better opportunities.
He noted that South Sudan continues to face significant migration challenges, with about 2.4 million refugees living abroad, alongside a large number of internally displaced persons since the outbreak of conflict in 2013.
Pasquale also cited an estimated unemployment rate of 30 percent over the past four years, which he said contributes to migration trends.
He highlighted efforts under the Better Regional Labour Migration Project since 2021 to promote safe and legal migration for workers from the Horn of Africa and East Africa.
“Journalists are the eyes and the voice of the voiceless. Media houses must become platforms to address the root causes of migration and turn challenges into opportunities,” he said.
Aida Awel, Chief Technical Advisor for the Better Regional Migration
Management (BRMM) Programme at the International Labour Organization (ILO), said the organization is working closely with governments and employers to strengthen labour migration systems.
She emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of migration through accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting.
“Policies and programmes alone are not enough. The media plays a key role in informing the public,” Awel said.
She added that balanced reporting helps ensure potential migrants have access to reliable information, highlights both the benefits and risks of migration, and holds institutions accountable.
Awel warned that misinformation and incomplete narratives can increase the vulnerability of migrants, stressing that responsible journalism can contribute to safer migration outcomes.