The initiative is part of broader measures designed to enhance freedom of expression and improve access to credible, migration-related information across the country.
The launch held at Governor’s Office in Brikama, attracted media representatives, civil society organisations and partners in migration issues.
The initiative, a partnership between r0g_agency gGmbH (Germany) and Peach Hub, is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.
In his introductory remarks, Lamin Sanneh, programme manager MMAct, revealed that the 18-month community-based initiative is focused on research and developing and sharing media programmes so as to promote safe migration opportunities, positive alternatives, freedom of expression and access to migration information.
The MMAct Project, he added, also seeks to address the challenges posed by the spread of misinformation on social media, which he observed, often glorifies irregular migration and downplays it risks.
Through comprehensive training for media practitioners and to improve access to reliable information, they aim to change the migration discourse in The Gambia, moving from a narrative of desperation and risk to one of the informed decision-making and positive local alternatives.
‘‘The project will work with media organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality of migration reporting, highlighting both the dangers of irregular migrations and the opportunities available through legal migration channels.’’
He said the project would work with media organisations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to enhance the quality of migration reporting, highlighting both the dangers of irregular migrations and the opportunities available through legal migration channels.
‘‘By promoting safe migration practices and providing accurate information, Migrant Media Action aims to empower potential migrants to make informed choices and contribute to the economic development of their countries.’’
Highlighting the pivotal role of media in shaping public discourse, Sanneh maintained that media channels, both local and international, have often focused on sensational stories of migrants' successes in Europe or tragic deaths, without providing comprehensive, balanced narratives that inform the public of safe migration options and local opportunities for economic growth.
Bakary Sonko, Coordinator of Peace Hub The Gambia, a partner organisation to MMAct, disclosed that Peace Hub, The Gambia, as a peace building organisation, their work basically centers on advancing the meaningful participation of young people in peace and development process.
Sonko talked about some of the challenges associated with irregular migration, noting that it is about dignity, rights, and the welfare of people.
‘‘Migration is not only a political decision, it's a social issue as well. So as young people, it's important that we try to find ways in which we can also share accurate and also timely information.’’
This project, he added, is beyond what people say about migration and it is also how people discuss it.
‘‘Migration is a human right, that people should be able to move from one place to another. But in as much as it's a human right, it's also important for migration to be done in a safe and orderly manner. We all know migration is a critical issue.’’
He underscored the need for access to accurate information, adding that when misinformation becomes the information that people get, then chaos has a way in society.
‘‘And a society that feeds on misinformation is a society that is bound to be chaotic. There is no way that we can improve our society without accurate information.’’
Commissioner Hamadi Jammeh, regional Immigration Officer, West Coast Region, spoke highly of the initiative, which seeks to strengthen migratory literacy, while promoting freedom of expression in communities.
The vision behind this project, he added, is not only commendable but necessary and timely.
‘‘It is a reality saved by hope, hardship, opportunity and tragedy. Therefore, any information about migration must be anchored on facts, dignity, truth, empathy, mature and collaborative responsibility. As immigration authorities, our mandate is to secure or to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration while safeguarding national security and upholding the international best practice.’’
Demba Sowe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Coast Region, acknowledged that even though migration is as old as humanity, it has to be done in safe and orderly manner.
To this end, he spoke about the risks involved and highlighted the need for people to be careful when it comes to irregular migration at all times.
In his launch statement, Amul Nyassi, deputy governor of West Coast Region on behalf of the Governor of the region, acknowledged that the country stands at the cross road of change, where the movement of people demands attention, compassion and action.
Migration, he added, is a global phenomenon that touches us all, shaped by the forces of conflict, climate change and the pursuit of a better life.
‘‘Today, we commit to understanding the complexities, addressing the challenges and harnessing the opportunities that migration presents. Today, we launch a call for action on migration recognizing for inherent dignity and work of every individual on the move.’’
To this end, he alluded that millions are forced to flee their homes seeking safety, opportunity and chance to thrive, reminding of the need to address the root causes of migration.
Similarly, he reminded that no country would want to accept a liability, making reference to the recent surge of unskilled youths attempting to travel to the West through irregular means.
‘‘You want to go to a foreign country and you don’t have the academic qualification to secure office work and you don’t have the skills. Which country on earth would accept you? Let’s convince our young people to understand that they can make here in The Gambia. Fortune will not come overnight. It is a process and one must work for it.’’
To that end, he paid glowing tribute to all those who died on the way, while others continue to languish in jails without support.
Nyassi highlighted the need to engage the youth to reason that man has to live a dignified life, while calling on the need for increased advocacy regarding irregular migration.
The latest launch precedes series of regional launching across the country to deter youth from embarking on such perilous sea voyage.
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