How refugees can effectively mobilise change in asylum policies.

Israel Migrant Workers protesting racist laws on refugees.

A combination of advocacy, community organization, storytelling, legal action and partnerships with civil society can be effective means for refugees to bring about change in their countries’ asylum policies. Refugees are often seen as victims, but they are becoming more and more active political and social actors who have an impact on migration debates and are calling for a more humane asylum system. They have special knowledge and experiences to recognize areas of shortfall, inequity and negative practice in asylum systems. Collective organisation is one important strategy. Refugees can be more effective in making their voices heard and press for change by creating associations, grassroots movements and advocacy networks. They can raise awareness about issues like the lengthy asylum process, detention, discrimination and lack of access to education or work through protest, petitions, public campaigns and community dialogues.

Collective action also fosters solidarity within the displaced communities and helps decrease sense of isolation. Storytelling and media engagement is also a strong technique. People in the refugee community can use social media, documentaries, interviews, literature and art to “humanize” the refugee situation and to counter negative stereotypical imagery. Some personal narratives have a greater effect on public opinion than data, because they allow for empathy and real-world implications of restrictive asylum policies. If public opinion turns, so too can governments be under more pressure to implement more equitable policies. The advocacy of refugees is further strengthened through partnerships with non-governmental organisations, lawyers, academics, journalists and human rights groups. These partners can contribute expertise, resources, forum and connections.

The more that refugees engage directly in policy discussions, conferences and international forums, the more likely they are to influence decisions that impact their lives. Another key lever is the legal mobilisation. Regional human rights bodies and courts can be used to challenge unlawful detention, deportation or discriminatory policies by refugees and advocacy groups. Winners in court battles often establish precedents that help those who are not covered in the case but are affected. Finally, refugees can spur change most effectively when seen not only as the recipients of aid, but as actors who could make a difference on social and political change.