By Kumba Leigh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson (OGGSP), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Journalism Students’ Association (JSA) of the University of The Gambia (UTG) School of Journalism and Digital Media (SJDM) has engaged students on a two-day training on International Migration Law, misinformation and rumours on return and reintegration.
The training that was held in the conference room of the UTG Kanifing Campus from the 7th to 8th June 2022 brought together experts from different fields to discuss the appropriate ways required by the journalists to responsibly and ethically educate the public on cross-cutting migration issues, through the use of correct terminologies on migration reporting.
At the event, Samba Faal, Media Law and Ethics lecturer at the University of The Gambia School of Journalism and Digital Media made reference to section 207 of the Constitution of The Gambia in his presentation. He said the freedom and independence of the press are constitutionally guaranteed.
‘‘Students should understand that there is a big difference between laws and ethics. Conscience is one enforcer of ethics because it is important in reporting. Thus it should be observed and practiced in the work we do. Journalists should not use derogatory terms and they should understand the subject matter, be mindful of the ethical and legal considerations in their reporting and avoid untrue sensationalism,’’ he remarked.
Meanwhile, Lamin W. Sanneh, National Officer, Strategic Communications, IOM said the misconceptions around migration should be treated with responsiveness, adding that students should be educated about migration laws in The Gambia.
Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu, Principal Information Officer said the Gambian university curriculum is exposed to multiple dynamics of education which students are fortunate to use in building their capacities. He said students should exercise vigilance in using the social media in their film-making and also be tactical in observing ethical practices.
Madam Wumi Moralake Adekunle Dean of the School of Journalism and Digital Media (SJDM) also graced the occasion.
