Al Jazeera Media Network has signed a new partnership agreement with the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) to raise the voices of the millions of people displaced within their countries’ borders due to conflict, violence and disasters.
The partnership aims to increase journalists’ awareness and coverage of issue of internal displacement in the media, tell the stories of the women, men and children displaced or at risk of becoming displaced in the future and shine a light on the humanitarian and development challenges of this global phenomenon, the network has said in a statement.
Dr Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, said: “We are honoured to be joining forces with IDMC and to bringing more attention to an issue that has not been given enough consideration in the media. It is one way for us to be there with the people.”
Together, Al Jazeera and IDMC will work towards enhancing the dissemination of data, analysis and stories of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and organise joint training and events to highlight — to the international community — the causes and impacts of this phenomenon, the statement notes.
“This partnership is a huge step in IDMC’s ability to mobilise more political support and commitment to this issue,” said Alexandra Bilak, director of IDMC.
“By expanding our media outreach, we hope to keep the situation of IDPs high on the international agenda and ensure that millions of vulnerable people get access to better protection and assistance in the future.”
The signing ceremony took place on Monday at the Al Jazeera Media Network headquarters in Doha.
IDMC is the world’s authoritative source of data and analysis on internal displacement. Since its establishment in 1998 as part of the Norwegian Refugee Council, the centre has offered “a rigorous, independent and trusted service to the international community”.
Officials mark the partnership.
