"Nothing about us without us” is the motto of this toolkit, which introduces you to authentic storytelling techniques and ways to involve migrants and refugees so that they can tell their own stories. Our toolkit was written by journalists for journalists. We know that in newsrooms, pressure is often high and time too scarce to delve into a story. That’s why this toolkit has a clear, structured approach and considers what you as a journalist could need when reporting on migration and forced displacement. The toolkit’s hands-on approach offers tips, guidelines and checklists to support your reporting. It also includes best practices and examples, facts and figures, and links to resources and organizations to help you avoid time-consuming research and show you that you are not alone in your endeavours.
The toolkit has a wide scope, with content ranging from key concepts of migration and tools for conflict analysis, to research and data collection and conflict-sensitive storytelling techniques. It also looks at how to avoid stereotyping and bias, and explores language use and visual/multimedia reporting. In addition, it points to legal frameworks, and trauma and mental health support for journalists. The toolkit is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Chapter 1) focuses on Understanding Migration. Part 2 (Chapters 2 – 5) is at the core of the toolkit and tackles the essentials of reporting on forced displacement and migration. To offer a deeper understanding of migration reporting, Part 3 (Chapters 6 – 9) helps with diving deeper into the context. What distinguishes this toolkit from others is its Asian perspective: While providing general information on a given issue, such as international migration laws, it always includes examples valid for an Asian context. This helps you find correct information applicable to your country and the issues you are covering. Each chapter begins with a fictitious journalist in a different Asian country, highlighting the challenges and range of issues that you may need to cover. The chapter then points to gaps and how you can close them. Again, we have focussed on the practicability and usability of the toolkit for your work in and outside of the newsroom." (Introduction, pages 4-5)