Journalism ResourcesFOREIGN PRESS USARefugees, Migrants, Best Practices

Creating Accurate, Ethical, and Compassionate Narratives on Refugees, Migration, and Displacement

Journalism ResourcesFOREIGN PRESS USARefugees, Migrants, Best Practices
Creating Accurate, Ethical, and Compassionate Narratives on Refugees, Migration, and Displacement

The coverage of refugee, migration, and displacement stories demands precision, impartiality, and ethical reporting practices. These multifaceted issues deserve a balanced and ethical approach that not only ensures factual accuracy but also upholds the dignity of those involved. Journalists play a vital role in providing an authentic and compassionate account of these stories.

Incorporating original first-hand accounts from refugees, witnesses, and other stakeholders involved in these narratives can significantly enhance the credibility of your reporting. Leveraging calls to action and crowdsourcing techniques enables refugees to become storytellers and sources of vital information.

Journalists can also harness crowdsourcing to enrich their reporting on refugees during the pandemic. A variety of resources are available to facilitate effective crowdsourcing, such as checklists from organizations like ProPublica and comprehensive guides like the one provided by the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR).

In a world where misinformation and conspiracy theories proliferate online, fact-checking is paramount. Credible journalism relies on rigorous fact-checking to maintain the highest standards of truth and integrity. When using crowdsourced information, it is crucial to employ fact-checking resources. The CoronaVirusFacts/DatosCoronaVirus Alliance Database by Poynter and resources from the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) are just two examples that can aid in verifying information.

Ethical journalism forms the bedrock of responsible reporting on refugees, migration, and displacement. Upholding an ethical code that prioritizes integrity, objectivity, and impartiality is essential. This becomes even more crucial when crafting stories centered on human experiences.

  • Consider the Impact: Reflect on how your story may affect the refugee community you are reporting on.

  • Collaborate Impartially: Partner with humanitarian organizations in the field without bias.

  • Combat Bias: Be conscious of explicit and implicit biases in your reporting.

  • Factual Accuracy: Ensure the accuracy of statistics and legal terms used in your narratives.

  • Understand Treaties: Familiarize yourself with relevant treaties and agreements concerning refugees.

  • Treat Sources with Dignity: Interact with sources in a humane and dignified manner.

  • Context and Motivation: Be attentive to the context, circumstances, and motivations of refugees.

  • Highlight Skills: Shed light on the skills and capabilities of refugees in your reporting.

  • Positive Narratives: Remember that refugees possess positive stories and unique life experiences.

  • Do No Harm: Avoid causing harm, whether intentional or unintentional, to your sources.

By following these guidelines, journalists can play a crucial role in shedding light on refugee, migration, and displacement stories with accuracy, empathy, and ethical integrity.