Round Table on Human Trafficking Prevention 

PRESS RELEASE

    Tuesday, April 24th, 2007, a Round Table on ‘Human Trafficking Prevention: information and social responsibility’ was organized in Bucharest by AIDRom, în cooperation with CARITAS BUCHAREST, National Agency against Human Trafficking and ADPARE Romania.   

    The event brought together a diversity of participants mainly representing relevant mass media institutions, but also UNDP, NGOs, parents and teachers. The aim of the Round Table was to bring human trafficking for the attention of the participants, highlighting its consequences at social level, as well as the good practice models in how the phenomenon should be reflected in mass-media. 

    The event started with the presentation of the new, revised edition of the Human Trafficking Guide, a practical training and information tool meant to serve as guidance to those involved in the counter-trafficking efforts.

The major discussions focused on:

• experiences in working with mass media,
• HT as reflected in mass media
• Identification of efficient communication and cooperation ways between mass media and the entities involved in HT prevention.

    We are very thankful to the contribution of our special guests, Mr. Muzaffer Baca - International Blue Crescent and Mr. Mustafa Aydin – BIL Holding, Istanbul, who shared with us all their long-term experiences in anti-trafficking issues and in working with media in Turkey, as well as in prevention campaigns developed at educational / University level.     

    The event is just another step forward to establishing a real coordinated relationship with media and in joining all the efforts in fighting against this worldwide reshaping ‘modern slavery’. Under this context, media has an important role to play but the impact upon readers or viewers shall not be as expected unless media moves from the ‘sensational’ side to the investigation side of the phenomenon, joining the efforts in the attempt to reduce the risks of trafficking but also to provide the required assistance and support to the victim of trafficking. It is to contribute to having healthy and safe communities, where each member is valued and where human rights perspective is the key factor to consider.