The Role of the Media in Shaping Public Perceptions of Migrants

By Victor Bwire 

Migration and immigration issues are a constant concern in Kenya, just as they are globally, and they are unlikely to end anytime soon. East Africa, like the rest of the world, is affected by movements of people into and out of the region for various reasons, including but not limited to political turmoil, conflict, instability, unemployment, and the search for investment opportunities.

For years, there has been large-scale population displacement across the region, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda experiencing significant inflows of immigrants.

Global studies show that the media is among the key players in the search for durable solutions to migration-related challenges. Balanced reporting by the media is critical and urgent in shaping a humane and balanced public perception of migrants, promoting the protection of their rights in host countries, and helping to prevent attacks, public humiliation, and hostility towards them.

Media platforms, both traditional and online, have at times published content and videos showing immigrants being victimised, their properties being torched or looted, and their faces being exposed during media interviews, without sufficient consideration of what might happen to them afterwards.

The media plays an important role in addressing migration issues, particularly by shaping public understanding of the circumstances that force people to leave their countries, migrate and remain in host countries when returning home may not be a viable option.

Host countries, often with the support of partners, invest significant resources in helping migrants recover, integrate into host communities and, through economic empowerment programmes, establish income-generating activities. In some cases, migrants are eventually relocated to other countries or refugee camps.

It is important to note that media coverage of the plight of migrants can influence how they are perceived by the public. When migrants are portrayed as people without rights or dignity, such coverage can contribute to negative perceptions and hostility among host communities. Migrants may then be viewed as competitors for jobs, land and other opportunities. The media can also influence public debate and policy discussions on the treatment of migrants within the framework of local and international law and the obligation to protect their human rights.

The migration story must be told accurately and with sufficient context, explaining the root causes of mass population displacement, including war, natural disasters and political turmoil. Such reporting can help host communities understand and accept migrants while minimising harm to those affected.

Journalists should tell these stories with caution, avoid unnecessarily exposing migrants as victims, exercise fairness and humanity towards victims and their families, and question the facts, including who is responsible for their plight and why those exposing them to harm should be held accountable.

Migrants often travel long distances on foot or by road, independently or with the assistance of smugglers. The migration story in Africa is not without its complexities, including allegations of corrupt immigration officers, criminals and other actors who take advantage of vulnerable migrants.

There are cases involving migrants being held for ransom until bribes are paid, criminal gangs subjecting men and women to torture and other abuses, smuggling networks concealing people in trucks and transporting them along remote routes to undisclosed locations, and allegations of immigration officials facilitating irregular entry or movement for financial gain. There are also reports of rape and other abuses of refugees and migrants. Above all, migration can involve massive human rights abuses and significant protection gaps.

It is a story involving hundreds of thousands of uprooted people moving in different directions in search of safety from political persecution, poverty, insecurity, conflict and untenable environmental conditions.

The reasons that force people to move are worth examining and contextualising by journalists. These include globalisation, growing disparities in living conditions within and between countries, persecution, political turmoil, poverty and a culture of migration that can become deeply entrenched.

Even if you chased people out of your country and took over their businesses, would that solve the underlying problem? Does taking over another person's business make you an entrepreneur? Idi Amin attempted a similar policy in Uganda against Asians. Did it ultimately solve Uganda's economic problems?

When harsh proclamations are made against refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants, including threats to close refugee camps or orders for migrants to leave host countries, they may face harsh treatment from authorities and state officials, including detention, imprisonment and deportation.

They may also face rape, kidnapping, thirst, hunger, lack of shelter and limited access to healthcare, as well as additional risks such as road accidents linked to smugglers' negligence and overcrowding. In the process, they can lose their human dignity while being forced to endure conditions arising from circumstances largely beyond their control.

We need balanced reporting that promotes informed public perceptions of migrants and fosters strategic partnerships between the media and practitioners working to enhance the protection of migrants.

The media should apply holistic, caring, contextualised, positive and balanced reporting when covering migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, smuggled migrants and unaccompanied minors.

This is the concept of caring journalism when reporting on migration. Migrants are people with rights who have often been displaced by circumstances beyond their control. Many of the income-generating activities they undertake in host countries are the result of empowerment programmes, combined with their own hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.

Where there are individuals suspected of committing crimes, the rule of law should apply without hesitation. Their actions should be addressed through due process, without allowing the conduct of individuals to define or justify hostility towards entire migrant communities.

Victor Bwire is the Director, Media Training and Development at the Media Council of Kenya.