Twenty-five journalists and media professionals gathered in Bangkok from July 6-8, 2026, for specialized training on reporting migration and preventing mass atrocities. Facilitated by Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Law and funded by the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG), the program aimed to equip media workers with the tools to identify human rights risks and avoid harmful narratives in Southeast Asia.
Why Is Journalism Critical in Preventing Mass Atrocities?
Migration often serves as a primary indicator of where vulnerable groups face risks of human rights violations, according to Ana Maria Rodriguez, Global Coordinator of the AIPG’s Bruno and Suzanne Scheidt Refugee Protection Program.
Dr. Vitit Muntarbhorn of Chulalongkorn University Law School led sessions on the legal foundations of these issues.
Participants highlighted the “do no harm” principle as the cornerstone of migration reporting. This means prioritizing the safety and dignity of vulnerable sources over the speed of a breaking news story. If a report risks exposing refugees to further danger, journalists are encouraged to delay publication rather than rush to print.
How Does Misinformation Impact Refugee Safety?
Misleading information on social media remains a significant threat to refugees in the ASEAN region. During the training, journalists Nicha Wachpanich and Nathapob Sungkate of HaRDstories demonstrated how responsible reporting can counter digital hate narratives.
Telly Nathalia, an Indonesian journalist and participant, noted that the training broadened her perspective on the complexity of migration. "It turns out that the issue of migration is very broad, not just about asylum seekers or refugees due to disasters," Nathalia said.
What Future Trends Are Emerging in ASEAN Media?
Fiza Awan, a journalism graduate from Chulalongkorn University, highlighted that the training provided a platform for participants from various ASEAN nations to share insights on conditions in neighboring countries.
The AIPG plans to track the long-term impact of this training by monitoring projects developed by the participants. According to Rodriguez, the goal is to measure whether these media professionals successfully implement their field projects to improve the quality of human rights reporting in their respective home countries.
The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) funded the training to help journalists understand genocide and mass atrocities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “do no harm” principle in journalism?
It suggests that if a story could lead to negative consequences or harm for refugees, the report should be withheld or reframed.
Who funded the Bangkok training program?
The training was funded by the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) and facilitated by the Faculty of Law at Chulalongkorn University.
Why is migration a focus for atrocity prevention?
According to Ana Maria Rodriguez of the AIPG, migration is often the first point where vulnerable groups are formed, making them potential targets for human rights violations and mass atrocities.
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