Experts have emphasized the need to highlight issues of forced labor and migration, shedding light on the grim realities faced by millions of workers.
Forced labor remains a critical challenge in Pakistan, with over 3 million people estimated to be trapped in exploitative conditions. Migrant workers are especially vulnerable, being three times more likely to experience forced labor compared to non-migrants.
In the past decade, over 6.5 million Pakistanis have migrated abroad for employment, primarily to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue.
To tackle this, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the US Department of Labour (USDOL), organized a two-day training workshop in Faisalabad as part of its BRIDGE Project. The initiative aims to eradicate forced labor and promote fair recruitment practices.
The workshop brought together 30 journalists from print, electronic, radio, and digital media platforms.
Dr. Faisal Iqbal, ILO’s National Project Coordinator, stressed the media’s critical role in raising awareness about forced labor and labor migration. “Media can significantly influence public perceptions and accountability,” he noted.
Award-winning journalist and media trainer Aoun Abbas Sahi led sessions highlighting the media’s responsibility in addressing forced labor and fair recruitment. “Despite its relevance to millions and the economy, forced labor and migration are not prioritized by Pakistani media,” Sahi said.
Sahi emphasized the importance of a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach, especially when interviewing survivors. He trained participants in identifying compelling stories, gathering data, and crafting human-centered narratives for various media platforms.
The workshop concluded with interactive sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises, reflecting a growing commitment among journalists to address forced labor and promote fair recruitment practices.
“While accurate data on forced labor in Pakistan is unavailable, over 3 million individuals are estimated to be affected,” Dr. Iqbal noted. “Media must play a vital role in highlighting these issues and advocating for solutions.”
