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Oxfam works with others in the UK to challenge the way the media reports on asylum and refugee issues.
The press in the UK often publish inflammatory stories about asylum issues. Reporting can be sensationalist and exaggerated, adding to the difficulties that asylum seekers face whilst settling in Britain. As Elona, 18, a Kosovan asylum seeker, says: “sometimes people say racist things, on the bus or in the street – in school as well.”
Oxfam works hard through it’s UK Poverty Programme to identify the issues and attitudes surrounding asylum, as well as supporting practical projects in the UK to help refugees and young people like Elona fight the stigma of being classed as an ‘asylum seeker’.
A big step in helping asylum voices to be heard is to tackle the way the media present asylum and refugee issues. The Refugee Media Group in Wales, of which Oxfam is a member, brings together asylum groups, local government agencies, refugee organisations and academics to challenge media bias. In the past it has helped journalists to promote positive images of asylum, and offers media advice to refugee community organisations.
In Scotland Oxfam’s Asylum Positive Images project supports a Network and has been involved in similar activities as Wales. In 2004 media monitoring research highlighted how negatively asylum is reported in Scotland and a poll revealed that a massive 80 per cent of adults believed that, contrary to the evidence, refugees came to Britain because they believed it to be a ‘soft touch’. In Scotland the Network has been involved with media awards for press and broadcast institutions as well as continuing to engage with the media and dispel some of the myths.
Oxfam is looking to coordinate its work and learning in Scotland and Wales and to support this type of work through partnerships UK wide. Beyond working with the media, Oxfam believes that it is vital for refugees to play a central role in making positive changes to the situations that they find themselves in. Oxfam works with refugees and Refugee Community Groups to strengthen the work that they are doing and ensure they have a voice at a policy level and in the media.
What is often forgotten in the reporting of asylum issues is that the problem has serious international causes. As Elona says, “We had no choice in coming here, or staying there and dying. I just hope that one day people will understand, and will see that they were wrong”. Oxfam aims to link our international work around root causes of refugee flight with our asylum work in the UK, remind the public and UK government of our shared humanitarian responsibilities, and lobby governments to implement better policies.
Volunteer Student Action for Refugees (STAR) has groups at most universities and colleges. If there isn’t one at yours why not set one up. STAR offers advice on how to get involved in campaigning, volunteering and practical action.
Oxfam works with others in the UK to challenge the way the media reports on asylum and refugee issues.
