Media Migration Awards 2024; International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)

Message title: Media Migration Awards 2024

Organization/Project: International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)

Title of your vacancy/procurement: Media Migration Awards 2024 contest

Closing date: 15 October 2024

Contact information: info@mrc-tajikistan.org

External/Direct link: (if any)

Short description:

“Improving Migration Management and Migrant Protection in selected Silk Routes and Central Asian Countries” (PROTECT) is a three-year EU-funded project which started in June 2023. PROTECT comprises two components: 1) Migration governance, and 2) Continuation and expansion of the Migrant Resource Centres (MRC). The PROTECT project aims to improve migration management and migrant protection throughout all phases of emigration and immigration in the target countries, to enhance awareness on the risks of irregular migration, and facilitate the protection of migrants. It will support informed migration decision-making at the individual, family, and community level, including pre-departure preparation, migration, and residence/work abroad, voluntary return and sustainable reintegration. The project covers Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; however, the level of engagement and activities differs from country to country.

The Phase II will further expand the joint cooperation of ICMPD and the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of Population (MoLMEP) enhancing the role and functions of the MRC in Tajikistan to reflect the changing realities of migration from Tajikistan as well as existing and planned state policies and regulations.

Throughout history, people have always been on the move migrating from one place to another for various purposes, ranging from seeking a better work environment, a higher income, to reunite family, an education, and seeking safety, to name a few.

Along with all the advantages and opportunities that come with migration, there are also disadvantages and risks that people intending to migrate should be aware of. Therefore, the main goal of governments, international organizations and CSOs has always been to make sure people who migrate are well-prepared before their migration, that they are informed about their rights and obligations and that they are protected. One of the most effective ways to keep people informed is through media. Today, media is one of the major role players in conveying messages and delivering information to migrants in various forms and ways. Media is a powerful tool to effectively reach out to people of various backgrounds, ages, gender and be able to impact their thoughts and understanding of an issue through means closest to them intellectually and physically. By reporting on migration issues, media has a vast influence on the formation of a broad image and perception of migrants and migration. In turn, public opinion affects state approaches and, consequently, shapes decisions on a policy level. This cycle continues when media report back to the public on migration policy. This exemplifies the influence and importance that the media has when reporting on migration issues.

To understand to what extent media objectively and ethically sees migrants and engages in news coverage on migration, the Ministry of Labour, Migration and Employment of Population (MOLMEP) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) have announced a call for applications to participate in the Migration Media Awards 2024 in commemoration of the International Migrants Day on 18 December 2024.

Entries /nominees’ media works will be judged based on the following criteria:

1. Outstanding contribution in reporting and raising public awareness on issues related to migration from/to Tajikistan.

2. Dedication and commitment in advocating for the rights, welfare, and well-being of Tajik citizens overseas and/or their families in Tajikistan.

3. Significant service in promoting a positive image of Tajik citizens overseas, and the migration and development nexus.

4. Creativity, originality, and innovativeness of the media work vis-à-vis promoting safe, regular and orderly migration. The topics that should be covered by the submitted works are emigration and immigration, labour migration, internal migration, legal migration, women and migration, safe migration options, challenges regarding migration, risks of irregular migration, opportunities of migration, migrants’ success stories, return and reintegration, remittances, families, and children left behind, diaspora and migrant communities abroad, and any other migration related topics.

Nominations:

Any person or organization based in Tajikistan or overseas may nominate any media work, qualified agency/ organization that is registered in Tajikistan, or individual for the awards. Self-nomination for any category is also allowed. The nominating party or the participant may submit more than one entry/ nominee in each category. The contest is open for all citizens of Tajikistan residing in and/or outside of Tajikistan – regardless of age, gender, and background.

All entries must be media works released/ published on or accomplishments of nominees made from July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024.

The following forms must be submitted:

Nomination form can be downloaded from our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram.
A 200-word summary of the entry’s outstanding contribution related to migration with the inclusion of references to the relevant works (articles, photos, news, videos, documentaries, vlogs, blogs, commercial and etc.)
Any other supporting documentation, such as official recognitions, awards, other media pieces, etc.
All submitted documents must be in Tajik or Russian languages. Works in English language will be accepted too (with subtitles wherever required).

For any queries, please contact the project team via email at info@mrc-tajikistan.org