Online training course for Iraqi journalists to tackle misinformation swirling around COVID-19

A training course on “Safety of Journalists and fighting disinformation amid COVID-19” was held in Baghdad from 29-30 May under the auspices of UNESCO, as a result of the misinformation and fake news that accompany the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first Iraqi training course to counter the pandemic was held with the participation of 58 journalists (32 female) from all governorates of Iraq and KRI, representing different types of media: print media (newspapers, magazines), broadcast media (TV, radio), outdoor or out of home (OOH) media, internet (social media).

Participants were given a two-day intensive training course by trainers and experts from UNESCO, including several methods and techniques on online learning, and the use of interactive training platforms that simulate realistic training sessions, pre- and post-training questionnaires, ad a practice on how to operate the fact-checking tools and resources before using it.

The participants formed a group that will work on tracking misinformation that addresses everything surrounding COVID-19 and the procedures that accompany the pandemic.

UNESCO Iraq Office supports this initiative in the context of the Multi Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP), in terms of responding to the COVID-19 crises. This was one of a series of activities that is implemented by the UNESCO Iraq Office within the framework of protecting Iraqi journalists and raising awareness of the implications of misinformation and disinformation.