A/HRC/56/54 105. IOM research underscores the importance of ethical journalism and evidence-based reporting, rewarding best practices with recognition.114 IOM calls for platform governance and accountability to address disinformation, including partnerships for fact-checking and content evaluation by human moderators. Digital platforms should ensure safety and privacy in all products, alongside the consistent application of policies across countries and languages.115 Combating misinformation involves disseminating accurate information, using the “truth sandwich” method, labelling suspect content and empowering community messengers. Through its annual Global Media Competition on Labour Migration, ILO celebrates quality reporting on labour migration and fair recruitment, countering harmful narratives and fostering public understanding.116 106. Argentina encourages the media to recognize migrants as valued members of society; use non-criminalizing language, such as “persons in an irregular migration situation”; incorporate diverse, credible sources, including migrant voices; and refrain from associating physical traits or nationalities with negative behaviour. In Canada, the Immigration Matters campaign shares positive migrant stories. Cabo Verde launches relevant campaigns and radio programmes. Serbia holds workshops and cultural events with media representatives and officials and organizes campaigns. Lithuania celebrates migrants’ contributions among young people.117 VIII. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 107. The political discourse surrounding migration has taken a negative, inflammatory and divisive turn, culminating in the proposal and adoption of migration policies steeped in an alarmist mentality. This runs counter to the best interests of our economies and societies. Disinformation and misinformation about migration are on the rise, often driven by coordinated groups, with campaigns designed to distort public perceptions of migrants. To a large degree, they are succeeding, due to the reinforcement and legitimacy that some politicians give them. 108. Xenophobia, racism, hate speech and violence against migrants are thus becoming normalized, while migrants’ well-documented and numerous contributions are ignored or denied. This not only causes immediate harm to victims but also shakes the foundations of diversity, equality and human rights on which peaceful societies are built. 109. However, migrants continue to make enormous contributions, leading to sociocultural enrichment, civic-political engagement and economic benefits around the world. Nearly every aspect of life is enriched by the customs, traditions, technologies, skills and knowledge that migrants carry with them. From food to ways of learning, health treatments, sport, film, music and clothing, migrants improve lives and enrich cultures. 110. When permitted, migrants engage in politics, volunteer and support local development, often on a par with nationals. They strengthen diplomatic relations and international cooperation, are key players in peacebuilding and enhance intercultural dialogue, social justice and tolerance in host and origin countries. 111. Migrants enhance economies with diverse skills, innovation and entrepreneurship, often filling essential roles, especially during crises. Comprising 4.9 per cent of the global workforce, migrants contribute to the demographic balance, 114 115 116 117 18 Culloty and others, “Disinformation about migration”, p. 223. See United Nations, “Information integrity on digital platforms”, Our Common Agenda Policy Brief No. 8 (June 2023). See http://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-migration/events-training/media-competition/lang-en/index.htm. Submissions by Argentina, Cabo Verde, Canada, Lithuania and Serbia. GE.24-07075