"To inform the development of a new radio drama for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, BBC Media Action carried out a small scale qualitative research study that sought to understand more about Rohingya men and womens’ understanding and attitudes towards child marriage, intimate partner violence
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and sexual exploitation and abuse. Eight in-depth interviews and four mini focus group discussions were held with Rohingya men and women living in two camps in Cox’s Bazar, as well as key informant interviews with humanitarian practitioners working on issues related to gender-based violence (GBV). The study found that intimate partner violence and child marriage are deeply rooted and normalised within the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar. The perceived economic and social benefits of marrying their daughters off early greatly outweigh the risks of child marriage for parents, who have little knowledge of the health risks of early childbirth, and fear social criticism if their daughters are not married within two to three years of going through puberty. Both Rohingya men and women accept intimate partner violence as a normal part of life, and believe it is the husband’s right to abuse his wife if she does not fulfil her duties. Women rarely speak out about violence against them, for fear they will be socially ostracised and their husbands will remarry, leaving them with no financial stability and no opportunity to remarry. These findings have clear implications for communications initiatives, including the need to work towards de-normalising gender-based violence, by engaging both male and female audiences in storylines which encourage them to question existing practices and norms." (https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaaction)
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"The main thing I really liked about this project is that UNHCR invested the resources for proper qualitative social media monitoring, as opposed to the purely quantitative analyses that we see so often and which rarely go beyond keyword counting. To complement the social media information, the team
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held focus group and other discussions with refugees who had arrived in Europe. Among other things, these discussion provided information on how the refugees and migrants are consuming and exchanging information [.] Monitoring the conversations on Facebook enabled the team to track trends, such as the rise and fall of prices that smugglers asked for different routes (see image). In addition, it provided fascinating insights into how smugglers are selling their services online. Among other things, the team found: More than 50 Facebook pages offer short-term accommodation in transit countries (mainly in Turkey); Over a hundred financial agents (sarafs) are present on Facebook. They not only keep the deposited smuggling fees as intermediaries between smuggler and client, but also manage financial transfers; Over 100 “asylum and immigration consultants” offer so-called “advice on asylum claims” and provide fake “proofs” of persecution; Occasionally up to 20 users will pretend to be “satisfied clients” posting messages of gratitude, or pictures to express their thanks, on certain smuggler pages. This usually occurs as a reaction to posts denouncing the irresponsibility or cruelty of smugglers; When business is booming, smugglers post vacancy notices as they are looking for additional staff on the ground, most often females. These vacancy notices contain very concrete requirements (language skills, experience with logistics and booking software etc.)." (http://sm4good.com/2017/05/10/fly-on-the-facebook-wall-how-unhcr-listened-to-refugees-on-social-media)
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"Smartphones and digital connectivity are essential for refugees seeking protection and safety in Europe, but they also carry risks for them. This research identified a huge gap in the provision of relevant, reliable and timely digital news and information for refugees on their journeys and upon arr
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ival in Europe. There is a growing number of digital resources designed for refugees. Most are inadequately resourced and unsustainable. They can do more harm than good if they disseminate misinformation. Quick ‘tech fixes’ do not work. Governments and newsrooms in Europe are failing to provide what refugees need, because they fear that they may be seen to be facilitating attempts to seek asylum in Europe. This is forcing refugees to rely on alternative, often unverified and unreliable sources of news and information circulated on social media, particularly by smugglers and handlers. This is endangering them and exacerbating an already dire situation." (Summary of findings, page 5)
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"Wie verändert sich die Welt abseits von Europa in dieser Zeit großer Fluchtbewegungen? Welche Regionen stehen – auch für die EU-Diplomatie – im Fokus? Was passiert in den Herkunftsländern? Und welche Sichtweisen bestimmen dort den Diskurs über Flucht und Migration? In diesem Band werden Hi
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ntergründe erläutert sowie Schlaglichter auf die Lage an zahlreichen Schauplätzen geworfen: auf das Zusammenspiel von Schmugglern, Milizionären und Dschihadisten in der Sahara, die Perspektivlosigkeit im Iran, das tägliche Sterben in Aleppo, die Gewalt gegen die Bevölkerung in Tschetschenien oder die Verhältnisse im sudanesischen Khartum, das zu einer zentralen Drehscheibe für Flüchtlinge aus Ostafrika geworden ist. Die Autorinnen und Autoren zeichnen ein facettenreiches Bild globaler Umbrüche und Dynamiken, das die Tragweite der Herausforderungen erahnen lässt, denen sich die Herkunfts- und Transitländer ausgesetzt sehen." (Klappentext)
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"Anhand einer repräsentativen Umfrage mit 404 Flüchtlingen, die vorwiegend aus Syrien, Irak, Afghanistan, Pakistan und Iran kamen, liefert die vorliegende Studie erstens Erkenntnisse dazu, wie sich Flüchtlinge in ihren Herkunftsländern, auf ihrem Fluchtweg und in Deutschland Informationen versch
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affen und welchen Quellen sie vertrauen. Zweitens interessiert die aktive Nutzung von mobilen Medien zur Verbreitung von Informationen sowie zur Kommunikation mit anderen über die eigene Flucht. Drittens soll die Aufdeckung von Zusammenhängen der Mediennutzung mit Erwartungen, Bewertungen und Entscheidungen der Geflüchteten in Bezug zum Zielland Deutschland dazu dienen, konkretes Verhalten vor und während der Flucht besser verstehbar (und ggf. prognostizierbar) zu machen." (Executive summary)
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"This publication will contribute to ensuring that the breadth of human rights violations in Eritrea becomes known, and that the issue of human trafficking migrates more strongly upwards into the public eye." (Back cover)
"Through the narratives and movements of survivors of the war in Lanka these interconnected essays develop the concept of 'survival media' as embodied and expressive forms of mobility across borders." (Publisher description)
"The assessment concludes that there is not ‘one magic answer’ to the question of which media channel is the most effective – rather a variety of channels must be used to reach as many people as possible. While TV scores high among both refugees and host population as a preferred media channel
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it will be challenging to reach out to the refugees through TV, as it seems they mainly watch international, Syrian and Pan-Arabic TV channels, whereas the host population primarily watches local Kurdish/Iraqi TV channels. Other communication channels such as the internet and telephones are being used by refugees and the host population but direct communication and dialogue with aid providers is valued by refugees. The assessment underscores that the information needs among refugees – residing in camps or in urban settings – do not differ much."
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"As information among internally displaced people (IDPs) spreads mostly through word-of-mouth and social media, rumors and misinformation are rife. Citizens in eastern Ukraine have low trust in traditional media, and Ukrainian TV is largely not perceived as a credible source of information. IDPs do
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not seem to be fully aware of eligibility criteria and/or what aid they are able to access if eligible to do so. This increases expectations of displaced communities and feeds further frustration. The situation directly affects the capacity of local and international relief groups to effectively plan and deliver aid. Timely, accurate and neutral information about entitlements, rights, legal assistance, eligibility criteria and available aid are vital in enabling affected populations to make informed decisions and regain a degree of self-agency. As the conflict escalates and the economy worsens, host communities that have shown unprecedented solidarity and generosity are beginning to feel the pressure in their own communities. This is creating social tensions, stigmatization and discrimination against IDPs, who are struggling to integrate." (Page 6)
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"This report demonstrates how providing information to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in South Sudan can dramatically increase their health, safety and well-being and make a positive impact on their lives in the midst of an ongoing conflict [...] Boda Boda Talk Talk (BBTT) was the first Humanit
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arian Information Service program to be developed by Internews in response to the conflict. It utilizes staff and community correspondents hired from within the Tong Ping site in order to deliver vital information in such areas as: how to obtain food, water, shelter, and non-food items; receiving medical assistance and other forms of help including referral services, registration/legal assistance and special services for women, girls, the disabled, and the elderly; available educational opportunities; family reunification procedures; health promotion and disease prevention; and information related to protection and security [...] In February, 2014, Internews worked with Forcier Consulting to conduct a baseline survey of 612 respondents from the Tong Ping site to identify information needs, sources, and preferences to help guide their intervention strategies, and in April 2014 Internews again teamed up with Forcier Consulting in order to conduct a second wave of data collection and assess the impact of BBTT while working towards a deeper understanding of general information needs at the Tong Ping site [...] The results were extremely encouraging as community members in overwhelming numbers stated that they were listening frequently, and that they found the program both relevant and trustworthy. Nearly all (95.8%) survey respondents had heard of BBTT and of these almost two thirds (62.1%) listened to the program frequently." (Executive summary)
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"On 4th July 2014, Internews launched Boom Box Talk Talk (BBTT) in the Malakal, UN Mission Protection of Civilian (PoC) site, to provide people affected by the conflict with life saving and life enhancing information. BBTT is a professionally produced audio Humanitarian Information Service (HIS). In
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order to reflect the voices of the community, Internews recruited and trained community correspondents who themselves had been affected and displaced from their homes. The service is designed as a platform for people to discuss issues, share ideas, and ask questions of each other and humanitarian agencies operating in the PoC [...] This baseline survey was conducted in August just as the project was starting. It aims to inform Internews on the nature and content for BBTT, and assess people’s need for, and access to, information in a context where radio and other communication channels are highly limited." (Page 1)
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"Connecting the Last Mile explores how communities in the most devastated areas of the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima got their information. It identifies which communications channels were used before, during and after the earthquake and tsunami, and it attempts to answer a central ques
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tion: what are the lessons learned about communications with disaster-affected populations from the megadisaster, not only for Japan but for the international community of humanitarian responders? The report demonstrates the importance of using all possible channels and technologies, from the highest tech to the lowest, in order to ensure connecting the “last mile” – that is, to reach the most vulnerable populations with critical information when disaster strikes." (Internews website)
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"The report presents findings that pose both unique challenges and opportunities for programs seeking to provide humanitarian information to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. So far, according to the report, there is little evidence of any comprehensive strategy or investment in providing a humanitarian c
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ommunication strategy. Various agencies are employing piecemeal tactics to communication through counseling lines, SMS and face-to-face outreach, yet all of these have their limitations. Furthermore it is clear from Internews research presented here that all current outreach tactics are fundamentally undermined by a profound lack of trust and/or understanding on the part of the refugees about what they are being told, and by whom. Syria has a long history as one of the most media-oppressed countries in the world and the Syrians have a mistrust of media and officialdom in general." (Internews website)
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"The study is divided into three parts: Part One is a discussion on brief history of civil war in Myanmar especially in Kachin State, the past experiences of the Church in pastoral and evangelizing communication in Kachin State and the current life situation of the Kachin refugees. In Part Two, we p
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resent the concept of refugees from the Church documents and social teaching of the Church, and. the Church’s approach of Pastoral and Evangelizing Communication. Part three is a discussion on how the Church responds to the pastoral needs of the refugees and it also proposes some qualifications of communicators that the Church ministers would be able to respond effectively to the needs of the Kachin refugees." (Abstract)
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"Starting in 2005, Internews built three humanitarian radio stations in Eastern Chad to help those fleeing the violence in Darfur to receive the critical news and information they needed to survive. Seven years after the first station went on air, Internews has left eastern Chad as funding to intern
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ational agencies has significantly reduced. Internews has spent the past year preparing the stations for independence, including establishing rent-free premises, community governing boards and marketing strategies. This report is a result of the work of of journalist Celeste Hicks and photographer Meredith Kohut who spent a month with the stations in July 2012 to document the past seven years – and what the future holds as these enormously popular stations strike out on their own." (Internews website)
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"FilmAid International (FilmAid) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use the power of film to promote health, strengthen communities and enrich the lives of the world’s vulnerable and uprooted populations. FilmAid offers programming that aims to facilitate social change by providing co
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mmunication tools, information, and opportunities for people to come together to explore, debate, and express ideas. Although other aid organizations have used film as a medium of change and instruction, unlike the FilmAid approach this has generally been ad hoc, irregular, and part of a wider program of interventions. The FilmAid approach is therefore unique and offers an opportunity to conduct a study of the impact of showing films to a refugee population. Apart from an evaluation conducted in 2003 of FilmAid’s own program in Kakuma, Kenya, the authors are not aware of any other formal assessments. Consequently, there is little known regarding the impact of the FilmAid program. Gaining knowledge on this subject will not only assist FilmAid in their operation of programs, but will also provide guidance for other organizations interested in using films as interventions. The purpose of the assessment reported here was to evaluate the impact of the FilmAid International program in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kakuma, Kenya. We used a three-phase approach employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The assessment was led by an independent consultant assisted by faculty at the Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and the staff of FilmAid." (Executive summary)
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