The Cyprus Media Ethics Committee, the Union of Cyprus Journalists, and the UNHCR Country Office in Cyprus in a joint meeting on World Refugee Day 2023. © UNHCR Cyprus
Nicosia, 22 June – On World Refugee Day, 20 June 2023, the Cyprus Media Ethics Committee, the Union of Cyprus Journalists, and the UNHCR Country Office in Cyprus jointly organized a meeting at the Journalist House to discuss the key role of the media in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for refugees in Cyprus, where they can be embraced and accepted as valued members of society.
The President of the Cyprus Media Ethics Committee, Elli Kotzamani, shed light on the increasing number of complaints about media reports that violate the non-discriminatory and hate speech clauses enshrined in the Cyprus Media Code. She discussed the thorough process followed by the Cyprus Media Ethics Committee in examining these complaints, emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical standards in journalism.
The President of the Union of Cyprus Journalists, George Frangos, highlighted the Union of Cyprus Journalists’ commitment to ethical reporting on refugees and migrants. He expressed the Union’s readiness to support efforts aimed at promoting responsible and ethical journalism, underscoring the significance of accurate and fair representation of these vulnerable groups.
The UNHCR Representative in Cyprus, Katja Saha, addressed the concerning deterioration in public opinion and perceptions of Cypriots towards refugees and asylum-seekers. She presented evidence from opinion polls commissioned by the UNHCR over the years and emphasized the crucial role of the media in reversing this trend. Ms. Saha stressed the need for proactive engagement with the media to provide accurate information, challenge misinformation, and humanize the discourse on refugees and migration.
During the meeting, Etinosa Erevbenagie-Johnbull, co- founder of Generation for Change CY, a non-profit organization committed to positive social change through supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities, shared compelling examples of how inaccurate and negative reporting can significantly impact the perceptions of local society and the lives of refugees and asylum-seekers. Etinosa Erevbenagie-Johnbull highlighted the unfortunate consequences of such negative discourse, including the rise of xenophobia and racism, and emphasized the urgent need for change.
The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to clarify terminology and procedures regarding asylum and migration and share ideas on promoting positive media reporting. Emphasis was placed on storytelling that portrays the human aspect of the refugee experience. Additionally, discussions were held on potential collaborative awareness initiatives, such as media trainings and briefings, to shape a more inclusive and humanized narrative.
The meeting concluded with the participants expressing their commitment to work together to harness the power of the media in promoting a welcoming environment for refugees in Cyprus. They acknowledged the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration among media professionals, organizations, and civil society to ensure accurate, ethical, and inclusive coverage of refugee and migration-related issues.
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