On April 24, 2023, the It Takes A Community (ITAC) campaign held a live chat with Ms Nery Santaella. She is a Venezuelan migrant, Director of Voices Of Venezuela and Winner of the 2022 Gene Dewey Refugee Award from USA for UNHCR
The live chat emphasized that shifting the narrative surrounding migration requires authentic storytelling to humanize migrants and dispel unfounded fears and biases. Central to this effort is highlighting migrants' contributions from their own perspectives, using inclusive language to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes. Addressing myths and prejudices related to crime and poverty is essential. Informed decision-making hinges on thorough research and understanding of migration complexities, encompassing diverse viewpoints, including those of host communities. By weaving together these approaches, societies can foster empathy, unity, and a more accurate portrayal of migration's impact.
Background
In the realm of migration, it has become evident that transforming public perceptions and attitudes requires a deliberate effort to communicate authentic stories. By transcending preconceived notions, we can pave the way for a more empathetic and inclusive society.
Humanizing through Personal Stories:
Communicating genuine, relatable stories is the cornerstone of reshaping the migration narrative. These stories shed light on the experiences, aspirations, and challenges faced by migrants. By sharing authentic stories, we replace misconceptions with insights into the shared human experience.
Recognizing Contributions and Perspectives:
Highlighting the invaluable contributions of migrants is imperative. This endeavor should involve showcasing these contributions from their own perspectives, expressed through inclusive and appropriate language. Utilizing accurate terminology is vital, as misused words can perpetuate negative stereotypes. Depicting migrants solely as beneficiaries of aid obscures their potential as active contributors to society.
Challenging Stereotypes and Myths:
Stereotypes and myths that surround migrants amplify existing biases related to poverty, ethnicity, and inequality. Criminalizing migration and sensationalizing nationality in media coverage contribute to the mistaken belief that migration correlates with criminality. Dispelling these unfounded notions is crucial in fostering a more accurate understanding of the diverse migrant experience.
The Importance of Informed Decision-Making:
To make informed decisions and formulate effective policies, an in-depth understanding of the intricacies and dynamics of migration is indispensable. Researching and updating our knowledge about the realities of migration provides the foundation for well-informed public discourse.
Inclusion and Collaboration:
An all-encompassing perspective is vital in shaping the migration narrative. The voices and perspectives of host communities must not be overlooked. Through collaboration and dialogue, a more holistic understanding of the impact and benefits of migration emerges. Embracing the collective experience can counterbalance negative assumptions and foster unity.
Panelists
Nery Santaella- Nani (as she is known to her online community) is a Venezuelan migrant, Director of Voices Of Venezuela and Winner of the 2022 Gene Dewey Refugee Award from USA for UNHCR. Over its two years the initiative has impacted around 640,000 migrants in Colombia to access services, programs and protection mechanisms in their host communities through the implementation of communication strategies such as Some Venezuelans (A program where everything is taught that a migrant needs to know to integrate in Colombia) and communication technologies such as a ChatBot with access routes to services, programs and protection mechanisms at the local level that was recognized by WhatsApp's Chat For Impact and Turn.oi as one of the 10 worldwide solutions in the use of chatbots for social impact. She develops her work with a holistic vision that she educates from empathy on sensitive issues such as human trafficking, gender violence, xenophobia and other forms of discrimination.