UNHCR Ghana calls on the media to support and shape perceptions of refugee issues ahead of World Refugee Day

This was one of many issues discussed at a thought-provoking event titled “Conversation with the Media on Refugee Issues" organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in partnership with the Ghana Refugee Board in a bid to promote an increased understanding of refugee concerns by engaging the media ahead of World Refugee Day.

 The event highlighted the crucial role that media and their power as the fourth estate in raising awareness, dispelling myths, shaping public opinion, and driving positive change in the lives of refugees.

Speaking at the event held in Accra, Ms. Esther Kiragu, UNHCR Representative in Ghana shared in-depth information about UNHCR to enable the media gathered to have a better understanding as well as various issues concerning refugees which included refugees finding suitable places to live, the need for adequate infrastructure, access to healthcare, certification, education, and absorption capacities of host communities amongst others. “She said.

She also made emphasis on the importance of accurate reporting, and the responsibility of the media to avoid wrongfully profiling refugees by ethnicity or country of origin to dispel misconceptions and promotion of empathy. She said “The responsibility here is that to make sure the people are not profiled … by their ethnicity or where they come from, those are the same things they are running away from. “A little empathy can do a lot” she added.

Ms. Kiragu commended the Government of Ghana and Ghanaians for hosting refugees. “Kudos to the Ghanaians, I like what the Ivorians were saying when they were going…they will never turn their back on their brothers ever because they owe a debt of gratitude” she said.

Mr. Andrew Ginsberg, the Senior Durable Protection Officer at UNHCR Ghana also spoke at length on the issue of co-existence and the need to alleviate potential areas of conflict specifically on access to water and providing business for the host communities as well as the refugees.

“Ideally, refugees and nationals living side by side, working side by side ... what we have to do in order to promote that is to... alleviate any potential areas of conflict, usually that has to do with areas of water and business” He added.

This event served as a platform for media personnel to engage directly with UNHCR representatives, deepening their understanding of refugee issues including refugee settlements, education and integration, policies on inclusion and coexistence to equip the media with the necessary information and valuable insights to report accurately and sensitively to amplify the voices of refugees, raising awareness and inspiring action.

This year’s World Refugee Day will be commemorated in Ghana by the UN Refugee Agency and Ghana Refugee Board under the theme “HOPE AWAY FROM HOME”.  

About UNHCR

The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees.

It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people. Read more.