Inua Advocacy, which advocates for refugee rights in Malawi and beyond, has pledged to work closely with the media in Malawi to promote accurate and ethical reporting on refugee issues.
Speaking during the announcement of a new partnership with Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa)-Malawi, Inua Programmes Manager Apatsa Mangwana Mhango commended the media fraternity for opening its doors to collaboration.
“We are very grateful for this and we hope that this will be the beginning of accurate and ethical reporting on issues involving refugees here in Malawi,” Mhango said.
She said misinformation and negative perceptions about refugees have often led to stigma and hostility from host communities.
“We want the public to understand that refugees are not just a group of people coming to take away resources; they have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the development of Malawi,” Mhango said.
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On his part, Misa- Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said the partnership would boost human rights reporting in the country.
“The World Press Freedom Day celebrations and the annual Misa Awards are the biggest celebration of excellence in journalism in Malawi. Inua has come in a big way by supporting us to recognize excellence in human rights reporting, particularly on refugee issues,” Matonga said.
As part of the partnership, Inua will provide financial support for the organisation of Misa Malawi Annual Media Awards, with the Best Human Rights Reporting (Refugee Issues) category winner receiving K1 million annually in recognition of outstanding journalism that amplifies refugees’ voices.
