Let it be as local as possible: dismantling information and communication hierarchies in displacement settings
Bonn:
Deutsche Welle DW Akademie
(2022), 33 pp.
"This paper serves to explore how we can embrace a more expansive and inclusive view of media by drawing on case studies and examples of good practice, particularly with regards to the COVID-19 response, which necessitated major operational changes and reliance on local partners. By collating and sharing different examples of good practice, the paper encourages communication stakeholders to widen their thinking and practice in displacement contexts and explore ways in which more sustainable communication networks can take shape. To solicit different perspectives for the paper, a broad range of communication specialists, humanitarian professionals and media working in displacement settings were consulted. According to a brief survey8 carried out among communication and media practitioners working in displacement contexts, the four main barriers faced when working with displaced communities in the area of communication and media development are: 1. Access; 2. Language; 3. Government restrictions; 4. Funding/resources. When asked about key recommendations for communicating in displacement contexts, most respondents replied that people affected by displacement must be included in all phases of the project." (Focus, p.11)
Contents
1 Focus, 11
DW Akademie survey: Communication and media in displacement settings
2 Participation and local leadership, 13
Under-representation -- Misinformation management -- Case study: The Sentinel Project, Hagiga Wahid, South Sudan -- Case study: Internews, Rooted in Trust
3 Assessing information needs, 15
Data sharing -- Case study: FilmAid Kenya and DW Akademie, Sikika project, Kakuma, Kenya
4 Feedback, 19
Serious complaints -- Case study: UNHCR and International Council of Voluntary Associations, Community Outreach and Communication Fund
5 The role of local partners, 21
Partnerships -- Case study: DW Akademie, Palonger Hota radio project, Cox’s Bazaar
6 Participatory editorial agenda, 25
Case study: Réseau Africa Volontaire and the World Association for Christian Communication, Burkina Faso
7 Social cohesion and connectedness, 27
Case study: Search for Common Ground and UNHCR, Kallo Karayé, Niger -- Dialogue
8 Common services and coordination, 29
Cross-border communication -- Case study: DW Akademie, Cross Border Network, South Sudan and Uganda -- Commons-based approaches
Conclusion, 32
DW Akademie survey: Communication and media in displacement settings
2 Participation and local leadership, 13
Under-representation -- Misinformation management -- Case study: The Sentinel Project, Hagiga Wahid, South Sudan -- Case study: Internews, Rooted in Trust
3 Assessing information needs, 15
Data sharing -- Case study: FilmAid Kenya and DW Akademie, Sikika project, Kakuma, Kenya
4 Feedback, 19
Serious complaints -- Case study: UNHCR and International Council of Voluntary Associations, Community Outreach and Communication Fund
5 The role of local partners, 21
Partnerships -- Case study: DW Akademie, Palonger Hota radio project, Cox’s Bazaar
6 Participatory editorial agenda, 25
Case study: Réseau Africa Volontaire and the World Association for Christian Communication, Burkina Faso
7 Social cohesion and connectedness, 27
Case study: Search for Common Ground and UNHCR, Kallo Karayé, Niger -- Dialogue
8 Common services and coordination, 29
Cross-border communication -- Case study: DW Akademie, Cross Border Network, South Sudan and Uganda -- Commons-based approaches
Conclusion, 32
