The MediaWise Trust

What drives people to seek asylum?

Relatively little coverage is given to the human rights abuses and conflicts that force people to flee their homes, yet providing this global context would improve the quality of debate around asylum issues. Research has shown that historical, cultural and family links with the UK and a desire for safety under the rule of law are more significant than so-called ‘pull factors’ like access to benefits. A wealth of background information is available on the Internet, and balance can be achieved by referring to a variety of sources (see: Contacts panel overleaf).

Interviewing refugees and asylum-seekers
Asylum-seekers and refugees have a right to be heard, and many have amazing stories to tell. However fear of reprisals ‘back home’, negative coverage and public hostility in the UK make many reluctant to talk to journalists. Refugee agencies listed overleaf may be able to recommend individuals prepared to speak with the media.

When seeking interviews be aware of the impact your piece could have on the individual’s situation in the UK, any impact on friends and family in their country of origin and be sensitive to requests for anonymity.

Journalists are asked to respect the sensitivities of individuals who may be reluctant to talk about their reasons for flight because doing so resurrects painful or traumatic memories.

What’s the story?
Avoid mentioning a person’s refugee/asylum status unless it directly relates to the story. For example, reporting a criminal’s immigration status may appeal to certain audiences but can have serious consequences for the exiled community as a whole. Make sure that any such descriptions are accurate and in accordance with the PCC Code of Practice.

Getting facts and figures right
A failure to distinguish between fact and conjecture can have alarming consequences, as can distortion of facts and figures. It is always worth checking and challenging figures quoted by individuals or parties with a vested interest.