In a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a family – the Alis. The village, once harmonious and peaceful, had recently fallen victim to a violent conflict fuelled by political unrest. The Alis, like many others, found themselves caught in the crossfire.
As tension escalated, the Alis faced daily challenges: the distant echoes of gunfire, dwindling food supplies, and the constant fear of danger knocking on their door. The children, once carefree, now huddled together at the sound of explosions.
One fateful day, the Alis received a threatening message. It was a stark warning that their lives were at immediate risk. Realizing they had no choice but to flee, the family hastily gathered a few belongings and embarked on a perilous journey.
Their journey began with a night of stealthy escape through darkened alleyways, guided only by a dim moonlight. Fearful whispers echoed through their group as they navigated unfamiliar paths, each step taken with the weight of uncertainty.
Crossing borders brought new challenges – checkpoints manned by armed guards, questioning glances, and the constant fear of being discovered as they sought refuge in neighboring countries. The Alis faced exhaustion, hunger, and the harsh elements as they moved through vast landscapes, their eyes reflecting a mix of desperation and hope.
Throughout the journey, they encountered fellow refugees, each with their own tales of anguish and loss. Families displaced, dreams shattered, and lives forever changed by the turmoil that forced them to flee their homes.
The Alis’ journey, fraught with danger, emphasized the stark reality that people become refugees not by choice but out of sheer necessity. The causes of fleeing as a refugee, rooted in conflict and persecution, force individuals and families to leave behind everything they once knew, risking their lives for the chance of safety and a new beginning.
Activity: Kahoot Quiz on Migration and Xenophobia | Duration: 10 Mins
Activity: Voices of Resilience: Ukrainian Refugee Realities | Duration: 25 Mins
Activity: Changing the Narrative | Duration: 40 Mins
The purpose of this activity is to critically examine, deconstruct and challenge common xenophobic tropes associated with refugees and promote a more informed and empathetic perspective.
Begin with a brief discussion on what xenophobia is and its impact on individuals and communities. See below examples of xenophobia across Europe.
Examples across Europe:
Hate crimes: Targeting of specific ethnic or religious groups has been reported in several European countries. These crimes may range from graffiti and vandalism to more severe acts of violence. In Ireland there were riots, street violence, burning vehicles, broken windows and racist and xenophobic slogans in the centre of Dublin, after a random attack on children.
Online xenophobia: Hate speech, discriminatory comments, and misinformation targeting certain groups have become prevalent in online platforms. Anti-immigrant and anti-refugee discourses revolve mainly housing; moral deservedness; and the good versus bad immigrant trope. Anti-Muslim discourses have mobilised four tropes: terrorism; sexually deviant; and a general and unspecified antipathy.
Nationalist Movements: Throughout Europe, the vilification of migrants has played a role in the rise of several far-right populist parties, exemplified by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, or Dutch politician Geert Wilders’ movement. These movements frequently capitalize on economic anxieties, cultural distinctions, or concerns about the erosion of national identity to garner support. In Ireland, there is a growing influence of the far-right, which includes religious fundamentalists, nationalists, and various other groups. However, the movement has recently unified around a common focus: immigration.
Violent Attacks: In various European countries, there have been instances of violent attacks against individuals perceived as immigrants. These attacks may include physical violence, property damage, or verbal abuse. Recently in Ireland people have blockaded centres they believe will house refugees, some centres have even been burned down to prevent their use.
Introduction
- Watch video
- Ask participants to visualize or brainstorm scenarios that would force them to leave everything behind, emphasising the dire and complex situations refugees may face.
- Discuss the emotional and practical challenges involved in seeking a new home.
- Below is an example scenario that can be read out to the group.
Please Note: Be mindful of participants who might have had experience of displacement or forced migration, for further information download our guidance
- Divide participants in to groups, assign one video for each group. If needed more can be found on UNICEF’s YouTube channel. Distribute the Child Rights Impact Assessment Handout and the Key Messages Handout.
- Watch the real-life videos featuring refugees, providing a glimpse into the experiences of displaced individuals.
- Ask participants to conduct a child rights impact assessment using the handout, consider the implications of not having a safe place to call home.
- Upon completion, ask participants complete the second handout creating Key Messages for politicians based on the Child Rights Impact Assessment.
Group Work
- Divide participants in to smaller groups
- Distribute handouts listing common xenophobic tropes related to refugees.
- Participants discuss and identify instances where they may have encountered or heard these tropes.
- Assign each group a specific xenophobic trope to deconstruct.
- Ask groups to research and gather information that counters the negative stereotype they’ve been assigned.
- Encourage them to find real-life stories, statistics, or expert opinions that challenge the trope.
- Groups prepare a short presentation (5-7 minutes) debunking the xenophobic tropes.
- Discuss as a wider group. Emphasize the importance of using facts, personal stories, and other compelling evidence to challenge stereotypes.
