East African CSOs attend training sessions on impactful communications

Civil society organizations (CSOs) from the East and Horn of Africa Anti-Trafficking (EHAAT) network have begun a bi-weekly communications training program, designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to amplify their message and reach their target audience more effectively. The workshops, hosted by the Better Migration Management (BMM) Programme and funded by the European Union and Germany, focus on outreach and media engagement and provide an in-depth exploration of communication strategies, professional use of social media, responsible storytelling, and media relations.

The initial session of this program lays the groundwork for effective communication by focusing on core concepts and frameworks. Experts guide participants through the processes of identifying their target audiences, creating impactful campaigns, and crafting straightforward, concise and audience-focused messaging. Attendees also explore the evolution of media formats, from traditional print to the increasingly dominant online sphere, and examine the advantages and limitations of various communication tools.

Further segments explore best practices for leveraging social media platforms, including strategies for producing compelling content, platform-specific etiquette, editorial consistency, and the use of respectful, non-stigmatizing language. The blurred lines between professional and private use of social media are discussed, with a focus on avoiding potential pitfalls. A “Social Media Magic Toolbox”, which has proved popular at previous trainings, introduces practical “tricks” to enhance content creation and audience engagement and growth.

The workshop also examines the art of storytelling through an ethical lens, with a focus on writing engaging narratives that respect the dignity and confidentiality of individuals. Participants learn how to craft impactful stories while adhering to responsible guidelines, and the topics covered include interview technique, effective phrasing, and confidentiality. This session underscores the responsibility communicators have in portraying real-life stories, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals or sensitive issues.

During a session on the role of imagery in storytelling and the ethical guidelines surrounding visual representation, attendees discuss the dos and don’ts of illustrating sensitive topics and the importance of maintaining the dignity of individuals featured in images, as well as privacy and data protection. Practical tips on photography using smartphones, as well as basic photo-editing techniques, are shared to enhance participants’ visual storytelling capabilities. Additionally, the session introduces resources such as online photo databases that provide high-quality images while respecting ethical and legal standards.

A discussion on media relations is designed to equip attendees with the skills to interact with journalists, respond to press inquiries, write compelling press releases, and build a strong media network. Participants engage in exercises designed to simulate real-life scenarios, learning how to handle journalists’ requests professionally and effectively. Participants also practice interview techniques, ensuring they can confidently convey their key messages in a media setting.

The workshop is intended to provide a comprehensive and hands-on approach to modern communication strategies, offering not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools to enhance groups’ outreach and engagement efforts. As digital communication continues to evolve, the insights gained will empower organizations to navigate the complexities of media, storytelling, and audience engagement more effectively and ethically, strengthening the overall response to human trafficking in East Africa and beyond.

Here’s a round-up of other noteworthy news and initiatives:

Thousands of foreigners rescued from online scam centers in Myanmar are stranded at hotels and the sites from which they were freed as their respective governments are not ready to accept them, according to a pro-junta militia that controls the region. At one remote camp, hundreds of detainees are reported to lack food, healthcare and sanitation. Since an initial group of released workers entered Thailand in February, Thai authorities have obstructed cross-border movement, allowing in only those whose countries have made arrangements for repatriation, according to Reuters. However, some embassies are reportedly telling their citizens to make their own travel arrangements, leading many to fear they may be sent back to the compounds.

The Regional Support Office (RSO) of the Bali Process, together with the Mixed Migration Centre, has published a report on the lived experiences and information needs of individuals at risk of irregular migration in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. While significant investments have been made in awareness campaigns as a preventative measure, evidence on their effectiveness has been limited, and this assessment provides key insights into how at-risk individuals and their communities perceive irregular migration and what information they need.

Transparentem has published The Price of Work, revealing widespread recruitment fee exploitation among migrant workers in Taiwan’s manufacturing sector, with some workers paying more than US$5,000 in fees, which often leads to debt bondage. Following outreach to suppliers and buyers, key impacts include US$1.5 million in fee reimbursements, elimination of broker fees at three manufacturers, and new zero-fee recruitment policies, underscoring the urgent need for industry-wide reforms to end exploitative labour practices.

FiftyEight, with support from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has released a report on how Business and Human Rights (BHR) regulations impact economic development in Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs). Based on consultations in Ghana, Kenya and the DRC across key industries, the research highlights stakeholder perspectives on implementing human rights due diligence and offers recommendations to ensure positive outcomes for businesses, workers, and governments.

The Council of Europe has published a new study on the implementation of Article 23(3) of its Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, focusing on financial measures to combat human trafficking. The study highlights challenges in confiscating criminal assets linked to trafficking and provides recommendations to strengthen international efforts in disrupting financial flows associated with this crime.

This article explores the ways in which advances in AI technologies have helped transform the detection of human trafficking, allowing businesses, nonprofits, and law enforcement to flag risks more effectively. Used across Europe and the Americas, AI-driven tools have accelerated case investigations, reducing the time needed to build human trafficking cases from years to months.

This research study highlights the complexities of victim identification and support, showing that 51.5 per cent of at-risk individuals in Cape Town report PTSD symptoms and 61.5 per cent struggle with substance use, underscoring the need for broader protections.

Following joint crisis response calls and the release of our statement urging continued anti-trafficking funding, Global Learning Community (GLC) will host further discussions to support members navigating the challenges of the USAID funding freeze. If you are interested in joining, please reach out!