prijava
SARAJEVO, July 17 (FENA) – The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Association BH Journalists organized a workshop in Sarajevo today, were journalists and editors advanced their knowledge on using the right terminology while reporting on migrant crisis, and pointed to the need of reducing sensationalist approach when reporting statements, especially by local officials.
"It is noticeable in media reports that there is not a complete picture on the situation or problem regarding migrations. It is also tendency to mix definitions of refugees and migrants, which makes it even more confusing and it encourages prejudice," stated Anne Christine Eriksson, heads of regional UNHCR office in Sarajevo stated.
She emphasized that media should report on people who arrived in BiH within the migrant route in the Balkans in a humane way, having in mind that many who are leaving their homes are faced with social isolation and discrimination.
It is necessary to know that refugees left their country for fear of persecution, conflict, general violence or other circumstances that seriously violated public order and they need international protection.
Migrant is a person who crossed the international border or is leaving their residence within their state, regardless of legal status of a person, cause of movement or length of residence.
"Events related to refugees and migrants are suitable topics for sensationalist reporting. That is why it is important to talk about terminology to report accurate information," emphasized Neven Crvenković from the UNHCR Mission in BiH.
It was determined that media report very little on violation of human rights in conflicts that force people to flee their homes.
"Furthermore, when officials talk about refugees and migrants, they are speaking from the political aspect, that is, the upcoming elections in BiH," stated president of the Association BH Journalists Borka Rudić.
(FENA) A. B.
