On June 14, 2023, the It Takes A Community (ITAC) campaign held a live chat featuring Paddy Siyanga Knudsen, Vice President, Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism, Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, and Onyekachi Wambu, Executive Director, African Foundation for Development.
The live chat showcased diverse perspectives from Paddy Siyanga Knudsen, Nana Gyamfi, and Onyekachi Wambu on reshaping narratives surrounding migrants, addressing racial justice, and integrating gender-responsive approaches. Their insights outlined a comprehensive understanding in transforming public opinion, advancing social justice, and promoting gender equality within the discourse of migration.
Background
The discussion delved into strategies for positive messaging, the intersection of racial justice and migration, and the role of gender perspectives in migration and development frameworks. This report encapsulates the profound insights shared by each speaker and the key questions raised during this thought-provoking chat.
Paddy Siyanga Knudsen, Vice President of the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism, initiated the discussion by raising fundamental questions about changing public opinion on migrants. He highlighted the significance of messaging that positions migrants as central to upholding civilization. He also stressed the importance of migrants feeling justified in their presence, both in physical and virtual spaces. He acknowledged the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bridging the divide between these spaces.
Nana Gyamfi, Executive Director of the Black Alliance for Just Immigration, addressed the intersection of migrant rights and racial justice. She emphasized migrants' integral role within the economic system and advocated for reframing conversations to include black migrants. She
called for highlighting the historical contributions of black migrants. She urged that policy discussions must incorporate racial considerations and challenged the criminalization of black migrants. She also highlighted the importance of allies in reshaping the narrative and protecting vulnerable communities.
Onyekachi Wambu, Executive Director of the African Foundation for Development, offered insights from a diaspora-led organization's perspective. He discussed the foundation's focus on enhancing diaspora contributions to development, particularly through remittances for affordable housing projects in Ghana and Uganda. Onyekachi highlighted that not all diasporas are migrants, affirming the importance of their societal role. He noted that recent migrants face similar challenges to those who have been in the diaspora for generations.
Key Questions Discussed:
1. What strategies/ steps have proven successful in shifting public opinion towards a more positive and empathetic view of migrants?
2. As the PFPAD is one of the main platforms to discuss racial justice how can we ensure migration could be included in the meaningful discussion? or how we could advance on the efforts of the GFMD with the PFPAD?
3. How can gender-responsive approaches be integrated into migration and development frameworks?
Panelists
Paddy Siyanga Knudsen- Vice President, Global Research Forum on Diaspora, and Transnationalism
Nana Gyamfi- Executive Director, Black Alliance for Just Immigration
Onyekachi Wambu- Executive Director, African Foundation for Development