British Embassy and IOM strengthen capacity of Turkmen journalists in the field of combating human trafficking
Modern slavery and human trafficking is a global problem which concerns the lives of millions of ordinary people. Thus, eradicating it is one of the UK Government's highest priorities. We work with partners in the UK and around the world to pursue offenders, safeguard victims and to prevent vulnerable people in source countries from becoming victims.
British Embassy supports Turkmen journalists
Mass media plays a crucial role in raising public awareness among the population, providing accurate information about human trafficking that helps to shape public opinion and protect the vulnerable population from potential harm.
With the financial support of the British Embassy in Turkmenistan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has completed a two-day interactive workshop in Ashgabat aimed at strengthening the organisational capacity of journalists and NGOs working in the field of combating human trafficking and illegal migration.
The workshop will especially help local journalists generate a deeper understanding of the factors that have an impact on their decisions when covering the topic, and to discuss the importance of fair and balanced media coverage of the issue, particularly its potential victims, in order to avoid them being trafficked or re-victimised and suffer any undue hardship arising from media interventions in the future.
David Pert, Deputy Head of the Embassy noted:
The British Embassy is pleased to be able to support the IOM with this important work in Turkmenistan. The IOM works actively with the Turkmen government on the implementation of the next National Action Plan on Counter-Trafficking, as well as with NGO partners on this topic, so I am glad that we are able to support this event through our project funding.
Mass media plays a crucial role in raising public awareness among the population
Looking ahead, we the British Embassy in Turkmenistan will continue to support the Government of Turkmenistan as it looks to implement the anti-human trafficking measures set out in its legislation, and we look forward to more successful prosecutions, and stronger support and protection of victims of human trafficking.
