Reporting asylum and Refugee Issues

a resource by and for journalists. Through the courtesy of Press Wise

Asylum and immigration issues are controversial areas of public policy and debate. However, public opinion and policy formation are not well served when media coverage is inaccurate, mislead or unfair.

This leaflet is design to be of practical assistance to journalists seeking to report on the issues accurately and fairly.

Asylum-seekers and refugees who have already fled conflict and persecution, and communities identified with them, have been subjected to xenophobic attacks in the UK. Alarmist media coverage has been blamed for encouraging or validating such attacks.

In October 2003 the Press Complaints Commission issued a guidance not to editors warning of “the danger that inaccurate, misleading or distorted reporting may generate an atmosphere of fear and hostility that is not borne out by the facts” – and could be in breach of Clause 1 of the industry Code of Practice.

Terminology

Journalism uses shortcuts to convey information. However, it helps to be precise and consistent when using terms with legal definitions.

Who is an asylum-seeker?

Anyone who has applied for asylum against persecution under the 1951 UN Convention or Refugees, and is waiting for a decision.

Who is a refugee?

Anyone who has been granted asylum under the UN Convention, to which the UK is a signatory along with 144 other countries. The precise legal definition in Article 1 of the Convention refers to a ‘refugee’ as a person who: “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable or, owing to such fear, us unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.”

What about those fleeing general conflict?

People who do not qualify for refugee status may be granted humanitarian protection allowing them ‘leave to remain’ in the UK for a defined or indefinite period, if they cannot safely return to their home country. UNHCR describes these people as ‘refugees’.

Can those not granted refugee status or temporary leave to remain be send back home?

Yes – although their country of origin might refuse to accept returnees or return may not be possible. Such individuals will generally not be eligible to receive UK benefits or support, not are they legally entitled to work. In some cases they will be held in detention.

Who is an ‘illegal asylum-seeker’?

NO-ONE. This term is always incorrect. It cannot be illegal to seek asylum since everyone has the fundamental human right to request asylum under international law. The term ‘bogus asylum-seeker’ is also inaccurate and misleading as it pre-judges the outcome of an asylum application – rather like describing a defendant as entering a ‘bogus plea of innocence’ during a trial.

Reporting the cause of asylum seeking

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. Historical, cultural and family links with the UK and a desire for safety under the rule of law may be more significant than so-called ‘pull factors’ like access to benefits.

At least 25% of all those granted asylum in the UK women, and many unaccompanied minors are sent on hazardous journeys to find safety in the UK. A wealth of background information is available on the Internet, and balance can be achieved by referring to a variety of source. (see Contact panel)

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’, stereotyping, negative coverage and public hostility in the UK make many reluctant to talk to journalists.

When seeking interview: