MANILA, April 17 (PNA) — The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the International Justice Mission (IJM), together with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), conducted recently an Anti-Trafficking in Persons Conference for Media Practitioners at the Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
The media conference, entitled “Human Trafficking Beat: Combating Trafficking through Responsible Media Partnerships,” was aimed at raising awareness of media professionals on relevant human trafficking issues, pertinent laws and issuances, confidentiality requirements, as well as gender-sensitive and child-appropriate approaches to reporting.
In the same event, the KBP issued a “Manifesto for Media Practitioners on Combating Human Trafficking” seeking to help the government in its fight against human trafficking.
To this end, the KBP members said they shall observe the highest ethical and professional standards in reporting and covering cases of trafficking in persons.
The KBP also pledged to raise awareness of the public by having public affairs programs and commentaries on human trafficking.
It made a public declaration to hold a united stand against trafficking in persons pursuant to Republic Act No. 9028, otherwise known as the “Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2003.”
This is in line with the purpose of the KBP to elevate professional and ethical standards in Philippine broadcasting, promote social responsibility in broadcasting, work for the advancement of the broadcast industry and protect the rights and interests of broadcasters, seminars and conferences.
In its pursuit to provide fair, factual and objective reporting and broadcasting, the KBP promised to be sensitive to vulnerable situation of trafficked victims, so they are not re-victimized or re-traumatized.
It also pledged to protect not only the identity of the trafficked victims, including their family members, directly or indirectly.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, head of IACAT, expressed elation that a prestigious media group such as the KBP is taking an active and direct involvement in the arduous fight against human trafficking.
Salazar said that the media conference and the resulting manifesto serves to inspire media practitioners to practice responsible reporting of human trafficking cases in accordance with gender-sensitive and child-friendly standards.