Practical Guide for Communicating in the Context of Migratory Crises

"How can communication be a strategic tool to respond to the human mobility dimension of crisis situations?"

Any kind of emergency or disaster that impacts a community creates communication gaps that can endanger people's lives and safety, particularly in the case of migrants. From the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this guide is designed to serve as a practical tool to orient concrete communication actions in crisis or emergency contexts related to human mobility stemming from large-scale and complex movements. In particular, it could be helpful when the communication and information component was not taken into account during the preparation phase, and an immediate response is required. As a quick reference guide, the document is designed for IOM personnel, governmental entities, and civil society actors who work in the field to implement responses to crisis situations.

The document focuses on developing communication strategies that prioritise the inclusion of migrants in preparation, response, and recovery actions, whether in countries of origin, transit, or destination. It is based on the operational frameworks of the IOM, as well as on the principles of strategic communication and communication for development. To that end, it proposes that communication should take place in a cyclical process that is constantly being built jointly with the populations, considering their needs and particularities, and the various partners. This process is comprised of three phases:

1. Observe and listen: analysis and planning - Who is my audience? What are their information needs? What reliable sources of information are available? Which actors and interlocutors are involved?
2. Create and execute: development - What are the key messages? What products and actions are needed? How will the efforts be validated? (Includes tips on creating a work plan: systematisation and follow-up.)
3. Observe and listen again: feedback and listening - Covers feedback mechanisms and spaces for dialogue and listening.

Good practices outlined in the guide include:

• Keep in mind that crisis management always includes preparation, response, and recovery interventions. Prepare messages and communication products and actions for all three phases. Many times, simple actions, such as loudspeaker announcements or informational meetings, can be more effective than a "product". All communication actions can be planned, no matter how simple they may seem. For example, if you want to plan a loudspeaker announcement:
  • Verify that, in effect, it is a communication action that will work.
  • Make sure the necessary resources are available in each case (for example, a megaphone, a translator, and a vehicle).
  • Define the message(s) to be communicated.
  • Identify the best time of day and the areas to be covered.
  • When possible, choose other channels as well to reinforce the message.
• Make sure to listen, and encourage the participation of the migrant population during all phases of the process.
• Be flexible: Remember that in a crisis context, circumstances - and the resultant communication plan - can change at any time.
• Validate all messages, products, and actions before implementing them.
• Create mechanisms to receive feedback on your products, actions and messages.

A final message: "In migratory crisis contexts, communication should be two-way in order to be more effective than ever, since people's lives may depend on the proper communication of a message at the right time. Remember, good communication with the population will be your best ally in managing the emergency."