Research report: Voices of Refugees
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Executive summary – Voices of Refugees (137 KB)
Research report – Voices of Refugees (1,298 KB)
Executive summary – Voices of Refugees (137 KB)
Research report – Voices of Refugees (1,298 KB)
The study examines communication’s behaviours and priority information needs of refugees in three areas: on their journey, in “transit” camps in Greece, and in Germany.The research’s objective was to identify opportunities for better communication with refugees across Europe, so that humanitarian agencies have access to insights on successful communication with refugees and can identify communication gaps.
The findings highlight refugees’ need for critical information about how to survive in their current situation, and what their future will hold. Concretely, refugees’ priority is to receive timely and reliable information on how to get to their next destination safely, quickly and without being detained. Communication with Communities raises the very specific challenge of credibility in addressing information and communications needs. A re-definition of roles and mechanisms is seen as necessary, including the identification of credible information sources, the clarification of service providers and information, and the adaptation of the messages provided to affected population from different countries and ethnic backgrounds, speaking different languages and differing enormously in levels of literacy and use of technology.
Refugees also expressed their need to be listened to and tell their stories. In many cases they have been faster to respond than international organisations and are already feeding other refugees with information through their own social media platforms or webpages.
In April 2016, humanitarian agency staff in Greece reviewed the research findings. The report shares recommendations from refugees and humanitarian agencies. These recommendations can be useful to adapt CwC initiatives but also to develop new strategies to respond to pressing information and communication needs.
The report is accompanied by a film designed to be watch on a mobile phone. It helps viewers to experience the perilous refugees journey.