DISC INITIATIVEThe Joint Global Initiative on Diversity

Inclusion and Social Cohesion

The Power of Digitalization in the Age of Physical Distancing

Strengthening social connections and community cohesion through

the digital inclusion and connectivity of migrants

DISC Digest 4th Edition

Table of Contents

Please click this l ink to make sure you have the latest version of this DISC Digest

Introduction 1

Staff Voice Insights and Experiences of IOM experts and

practitioners

2

Featured IOM Initiatives 5

o Social Mixing Leveraging Digitalization to Strengthen Social

Relations and Cohesion between Migrants and Communities6

o Hate Speech and Misinformation Addressing Xenophobia

and Misinformation through Community-driven Online Campaigns8

o Migrant Inclusion Digital Solutions for Migrants Equitable and

Continued Access to Services and Capacity Building10

Migrants Voice Shedding light on migrantsrsquo issues

resilience and concerns

12

Featured Resources on Digitalization 15

DISC Resources and About the DISC Initiative 19

Click here for the previous version of the DISC Digest

Cover Photo copy Rawpixel

Table of Contents

Please click this l ink to make sure you have the latest version of this DISC Digest

Introduction 1

Staff Voice Insights and Experiences of IOM experts and

practitioners

2

Featured IOM Initiatives 5

o Social Mixing Leveraging Digitalization to Strengthen Social

Relations and Cohesion between Migrants and Communities6

o Hate Speech and Misinformation Addressing Xenophobia

and Misinformation through Community-driven Online Campaigns8

o Migrant Inclusion Digital Solutions for Migrants Equitable and

Continued Access to Services and Capacity Building10

Migrants Voice Shedding light on migrantsrsquo issues

resilience and concerns

12

Featured Resources on Digitalization 15

DISC Resources and About the DISC Initiative 19

Click here for the previous version of the DISC Digest

Cover Photo copy Rawpixel

Page 1

The COVID-19 pandemic hasunderscored the importance of social

connections for the wellbeing of migrantsand the overall cohesion of the

communities they live in

Migrants have been a key part of countriesrsquopandemic response as both a population atrisk and as frontline workers or volunteers In theface of lockdowns and physical distancingmeasures governments and organizations acrossthe world have turned towards innovative digitalsolutions to address the social isolationloneliness and anxiety that pandemic-relatedrestrictions and measures can bring Despitemeasures that limit mobility and physicalinteractions the pandemic has stimulated digitalinnovation on a global scale connecting millionsof migrants with their families and communitiesaround the world

However the pandemic has also brought to thefore the increased risk of excluding alreadymarginalized groups While digital innovation hasenabled access to services for those who werepreviously hard to reach the benefits of digitalinnovation are not equally distributed Migrantswho lack access to online connectivity digitaldevices and skills havebeen further isolated

Policies and interventions that do not takeadequate measures to address digital povertyrun the risk of worsening social isolation and

broaden disparities within society At the sametime physical distancing measures and the lackof moderating influence of face-to-face peerdiscussions have exposed a growing populationto an echo chamber of targeted onlinecampaigns of disinformation hostility and outright hate speech against marginalized groups

Migrants have been disproportionately impactedby both developments

Recognizing these immediate challenges

the International Organization forMigration (IOM) has developed and

adapted its interventions in the field to

harness the opportunities but alsoaddress the risks digitalization can bring

to migrant inclusion and social cohesion

In the framework of the Joint Global Initiative onDiversity Inclusion and Social Cohesion (DISC)this fourth edition of the global DISC Digesthighlights the various initiatives that both IOMand other organizations have taken to provideresources and guidance for those looking totransition their activities online in the areas ofmigrant training integration and socialcohesion It also presents some knowledgeproducts and reports and online campaigns thatare particularly geared towards combatting hatespeech towards migrants and misinformation onCOVID-19

COVID-19 Faces of Migration copy IOM Georgia 2020

Introduction

Staff Voice

Insights and Experiences of IOM experts and practitioners

While the COVID-19 pandemic has promptedwidespread expressions of solidarity and support fromgovernments civil society and individuals it has alsoexacerbated misinformation anxieties and fearsagainst migrants in the streets and especiallythroughout the internet

Incidents of xenophobia and hate speech oftenhappen against the backdrop of broader systemicinequalities and build upon if not compoundlongstanding misinformation about migrants Forinstance the global lsquoBlack Lives Matterrsquo protests arerooted in the deep seated and unresolved issues ofsocial justice and racism the pandemic has exposedSuch acts of discrimination as well as the deliberatecirculation of hate content online do not only harmthose who targeted but also threaten social cohesion

The UN Secretary General and the IOM DirectorGeneral have both appealed for an all-out effort tocounter xenophobia hate speech and misinformationglobally The recently released UN Guidance Note callsfor a multi-stakeholder response and thedevelopment of effective operational tools to counterand address harms related to hate speech Thisincludes not only the involvement of Member Statesand international organizations but also theinvolvement of tech and social media companiesmainstream media civil society as well as affected

communities As the proliferation of fake news oftencirculates in news outlets and social media platformsthere is urgent need for equally innovative digital andcommunity-driven solutions to address this challenge

In response the IOM DISC Initiative and the Mediaand Communications Team of RO San Jose aredeveloping two key complementary tools 1)XenophobiaZero an online community whereinterested individuals and institutions can accesscounter narratives and facts to discriminatorymessages 2) an experimental and research-orienteddesign of counter speech strategies with a strongcommunity mobilization and MampE component Bothtools integrate public communications and researchby mobilizing members of the community in leadingthe counter xenophobia response while positioningIOM as a key actor in this area

Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of theXenophobiaZero online community

Jobst KoehlerSenior Migrant Integration amp Training SpecialistIOM LHD HQ DISC Initiative

Jorge Gallo Regional Media and Communications OfficerIOM RO San Jose XenophobiaZero

From fighting xenophobia to digitally supporting the mental health and well-being of migrants IOMrsquoswork is driven by the on the ground experience and knowledgeof our experts and field staff globally

This section features some key insights from IOM staff to highlight the impact of digital innovation incurrent projects and their missionsrsquo response to ensure digital inclusion and connectivity of migrants

On combating xenophobia and misinformation

through digital community mobilization

Page 2

Digital access to timely unbiased and reliableinformation allows migrants to make an informeddecision and take ownership of their migrationjourney in full respect of their human rights andregardless of their status

IOM Germanyrsquos Virtual Counselling (VC) project hasdigitally supported the traditional counsellingstructure in Germany during the COVID-19pandemic Due to ongoing pandemic relatedmobility and contact restrictions face-to-facecounselling can take place only in a limited capacityor at times not at all In these uncertain times VChas proven to be a crucial tool for providing digitalsupport by connecting migrants with counselling andother resources across all stages of the migrationcontinuum

In addition digital counselling can enhance migrantsrsquomental health and well-being by addressing anxietiesthat may be caused by the pandemic VC also

provides migrants with crucial information onCOVID-19 in their countries of origin respectivequarantine measures and adapted reintegrationmodalities In doing do VC is also able to digitallysupport public health initiatives by counteringmisinformation on COVID-19

The online format of VC allows the project to serveas an accessible tool of communicationstrengthening the link between pre-departurecounselling the return process and reintegration Despite physical distancing measures digitalinnovation has enabled IOM to digitally provideaccurate information and support across all stages ofthe migration continuum tailored to the uniqueneeds of each migrant

Welella NegussieProject Coordinator for Virtual CounsellingIOM Germany

In Indonesia coordinated prevention measures arebeing put in place nationally as the outbreak of thepandemic happened in the beginning of the schoolyear To this end IOM Indonesia supports andimplements the governmentrsquos Ministerial Regulationon the Implementation of Education in CoronavirusDisease Emergencies on online learning andincreasing students understanding of thecoronavirus This includes providing internetallowance for the students to support theimplementation of learning from home andcoordination with the local education department toensure that refugees and asylum seekers childrenhave adequate quota to enroll in schools

A total of 650 children and 250 adults have activelyparticipated in the online programme through theEdmodo platform studying Bahasa IndonesianEnglish vocational classes and other school subjects

The opportunity to study in school not only provides

children to learn and communicate in the Indonesianlanguage but also to learn from and play with theirschoolmates Some children also admit that being inschool brings more confidence in them inparticipating in school events or activities whichmakes them feel accepted regardless of their status

Acknowledging that distance learning has become achallenge for the mental well-being of students dueto a lack of social interaction limited access totechnology and other academic load issues one ofIOM Indonesias offices in Makassar has conductedonline trainings for public school teachers to addressthese challenges

Diah ZaharaNational ProgrammeOfficer Migrant Assistance and ProtectionIOM Indonesia

Importance of continued distance learning of migrant

children and training of public school teachers

Staff Voice

Virtual counseling for migrantsrsquo informed decision-

making and ownership of their migration journey

Page 3

The iDiaspora is digital venue designed to empowerdiaspora engagement Since its initial launch thePlatform has rec eived more than 389000 visits and507 registered users from 109 countries around theworld

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated thatinformation and communications technologies(ICTs) are key elements to galvanize effectiveresponses to protect global diasporas In theunprec edented context of the pandemic andrestricted mobility diasporas have used digitalplatforms to connect and organise initiatives toalleviate the immediate crisis

To this end iDiaspora has become a hub ofinformation where diasporas have been able toexchange their best practic es learn from theexperiences of other migrant communities and

interact with key stakeholders involved in theresponse to the pandemic such as internationalorganisations governments and experts

As a result of the global health crisis iDiaspora hasbrought together over 300 members of multipletransnational communities who convened to sharetheir experienc es and effective practices in allcontributing to address the effects of the pandemicin their countries of origin and destination andwhich will be shortly published in a report

Connecting and empowering diaspora communities

through digital information platforms

Lara LarisaTransnational Communities and Digital Communications OfficerIOM LHD HQ

Engaging with local governments and empowering migrants

towards digital inclusion and long term-integration solutions

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak IOMGreec e has continuously supported its beneficiariesin using digitalized public services and workedclosely with local governments to establish long-term migrant integration solutions

HELIOS project staff have been remotely supportingbeneficiaries on a one-on-one basis on how to usedigital services such as the issuance and renewal ofunemployment cards and e-registration toVocational High Schools This support is c rucial asGreecersquos digital services are primarily available onlyin Greek and not easily accessed via smartphone

During the months of April and May when strictquarantine measures were applied in Greece IOMGreec e with the support of the Ministry of Migrationand Asylum and the Ministry of Rural Developmentand Food conducted a series of e-meetings toinform local actors about the involvementof beneficiaries of international protection in thelocal labour market

The HELIOS integration project along withthe competent authorities initiated a series ofteleconferenc es inviting local governments andagricultural cooperatives to discuss the challenges ofthe pandemic on agricultural production Theseteleconferenc es were mediatized in local media ofGreec e creating positive narratives on all aspects ofsocial integration of refugees in the country

This cycle of e-meetings were designed toestablish stable linkages between host communitiesand refugees all over the country smoothening thepath for more sustainable and long-term solutionsboth in accommodation and employmentopportunities

Milan Colic HumljanProject Manager HELIOSIOM Greece

Page 4

Staff Voice

Featured IOM Initiatives

Raising Awareness on Migration and COVID 19 through Graffiti and Street Art in Accra copy IOM Ghana 2020

As the world grapples with the COVID-19pandemic societies are witnessing first-hand howdigitalization can help confront the crisis and keepmigrants their families and communitiesconnected

In June 2020 the UN Secretary General releasedtheir landmark report on a ldquoRoadmap for DigitalCooperationrdquo highlighting the importance ofglobal connectivity digital public goods and digitalinclusion in achieving an inclusive digital economyand society The roadmap acknowledges thatmigrants refugees internal displaced personspersons with disabilities women etc are amongthe groups that are particularly vulnerable to therisk of being left behind by digitization Withoutprompt action there is a risk of layering thecurrent obstacles to digital inclusion on top ofexisting barriers they continuously face

The recently released IOM issue brief onxenophobia and stigma on the other handemphasizes the importance of community-basedapproaches such as digital social mixinginterventions and online communicationcampaigns in reducing prejudice andpromoting social cohesion

Even before the pandemic IOMrsquos longstandingexperience and existing evidence show thatproper use of digital technology is instrumental

in providing migrants with more accessibleavenues to cultural orientation and pre-departureactivities and the skills and literacy trainingsneeded to successfully integrate into theircommunities To illustrate these selected IOMinitiatives are featured which focus on thefollowing themes

Digital social mixing strategies includingfilm screenings at-home talent contentsvirtual concerts and online platforms topromote unity solidarity and empathy bybringing migrants and host communitymembers together with fun activities

Community-driven campaigns on

countering xenophobia and

misinformation which comprise ofplatforms providing users with facts andresources to counter xenophobia communication tools and campaigns againstthe proliferation of fake news to ensure thedissemination of accurate information andaddress intolerance in all forms

Digital solutions for migrantsrsquo

equitable access to services such as thedigitalization of education virtual counsellingand training in linguistic skills and digitalliteracy These initiatives assist in mitigatingforms of digital exclusion and inaccessibility

Page 5

Many traditional sites of social connectionand mixing such as leisure centres publiclibraries cafes and pubs have been closeddue to physical distancingmeasures These closures have ledmany marginalized individuals to becomeeven more isolated Migrants may bevulnerable to social isolation due to a lackof a strong social network and a limitedcapacity in the host communityrsquos language

Additionally social isolation can have longterm mental health and psychosocialimpacts Recognizing this IOM haslaunched several digital social mixingactivities in order to strengthen socialbonds between migrants and theircommunities while mitigating the riskfactors of COVID-19 and advancingmigrantsrsquo psychological well-being

IOM Peru launched ldquoTuCausaEsMiCausa (lsquoYour cause is my causersquo)rdquoto lead a social inclusion campaign for Venezuelan nationals in Peruwith UNHCR Despite the COVID-19 pandemic TuCausaEsMiCausahas continued to produce social mixing activities through Facebookand Instagram Online activities included a home talent contestwhere Venezuelans and Peruvians were encouraged to vote online alive-streamed cooking class a live storytelling from a childrenrsquosauthor and other similar activities

IOM Greece organized the online HELIOS Film Festival on World

Refugee Day in collaboration with the Municipalities of Ioannina

Livadia and Karditsa The unique five-day long online Festival

hosted 17 movies on migration from across the globe attractingover 1000 viewers The online delivery of the Festival allowed the

films to have a greater impact to a wider range of audiences while

making the Festival more accessible to everyone Open debate

over the challenges experiences and different aspects of

migration was encouraged thus creating bridges between the host

and hosted communities

IOM UK in partnership with Together Productions celebrated theUKrsquos Refugee Week 2020 by launching a new online global musicvideo project People around the world were invited toparticipate in the creation this video to celebrate theextraordinary contributions of refugees and migrants to ourworld In the video migrants and communities filmedthemselves singing dancing playing instruments and sharingimportant moments from their daily lives

Page 6

Social MixingLeveraging digitalization to strengthen social relations and

cohesion between migrants and communities

IOM Panama broadcasted lsquoVenezolanlstmo Music and Actionin Times of Quarantinerdquo through Youtube Live This virtualconcert aimed to unite Panamanians and Venezuelans throughmusic and art 25 musicians and poets as well as hundreds ofvirtual attendees joined their voices to generate ties ofempathy and trust

As part of the celebration of Childrens Day celebration IOMPanama organized the Virtual Camp We are the Same foraround 50 children aged 5 to 12 years old This totally free anddigital activity included storytelling song learning and a yogasession It aimed to entertain educate and share in anenvironment steeped in values such as peace respect andsolidarity

These initiatives are part of IOM Panamarsquos SomosLoMismocampaign a joint campaign with the UNHCR which aims topromote solidarity respect and empathy between all migrantsand refugees living in Panama

In the framework of the IOM-UNHCR-coordinated RegionalInter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrantsfrom Venezuela (R4V) the lsquoOne Step Closerrsquo campaign waslaunched which produces audiovisual content to counterprejudice against migrants and refugees in 25 countries acrossLatin America and the Caribbean Through its web series thecampaign promotes messages of empathy solidarity andtolerance through projects involving refugees and migrantsfrom Venezuela including original music scored incollaboration with the Latin Vox Machine orchestra

Page 7

copy IOM Azerbaijan

Social Mixing

Leveraging digitalization to strengthen social relations and

cohesion between migrants and communities

IOM San Joseacute launched their XenophobiaZeroonline platform a long-term initiative that advancesan integrated and community-based approach

to detecting xenophobia and disinformation aboutmigrants This initiative will become a go-to-hubwhere any institution or individual interested inraising its voice against xenophobia will find thetools to share positive content on migrantsact against hate-speech and analyze xenophobictrends in the region

Documented cases of COVID-related racistand xenophobic attacks towards migrantshave proliferated throughout the internetranging from hate speech racial slurs fakeinformation derogatory and violentlanguage

While digital media platforms have creatednew opportunities for social connectionsand more accessible discussions they havealso catalyzed a great deal of hostility andmisinformation towards migrants includingthe vilification of migrants for the originand spread of the virus

Evidence shows that hate speech andxenophobia not only affects migrantsrsquomental and psychosocial wellbeing but also

stigmatizes them from accessing servicesand assistance that are otherwise availableto general population As suchthis undermines meaningful participationof migrants in various aspects ofcommunity life

As these persisting incidents andexpressions of hate have both short- andlong-term implications for society at largeIOM has developed targeted digitalinterventions and campaigns to effectivelycounter various forms of intolerance anddisparaging expressions against migrantsthrough mobilizing migrants and theircommunities

IOM RO Dakar has supported the development of an onlinelibrary of culturally adapted and context specific onlinetools to fight misinformation and the spread of coronavirusin West and Central Africa Through this platform developedby the Regional Working Group for Risk Communication andCommunity Engagement (CREC) migrants can shareinformation by migrants for migrants IOM RO Dakar hasalso sustained their Migrants as Messengers programthroughout COVID-19 mobilizing over 200 migrantvolunteers to disseminate accurate information on COVID-19 through social media and in person

Page 8

Hate Speech and Misinformation

Addressing xenophobia and misinformation through

community-driven media campaigns

IOM Bangladesh has been collaborating with governmentand local actors to establish an Interactive VoiceResponse (IVR) mass communication tool in late AprilKnown as the ldquoCovid Info Linerdquo the system uses pre-recorded information and messaging through phonenetworks to disseminate critical information counter mis-information and collect community feedback inrefugeesrsquo local languages As of June 02 this project has

over 26000 registered users and over 235000 calls havebeen made to beneficiaries IOM Bangladesh is activelyworking to expand the IVR systemrsquos scope to hostcommunities and activities beyond the pandemicresponse

IOM Niger rsquos Community Cohesion Initiative (NCCI)partnered with the GeoAnalytics Center to launch ldquoFakeNewsrdquo a nationwide online campaign that aims to reduce toproliferation of fake news across the country Videos are inlocal languages with French subtitles ndash and made availablein low resolution to ensure a wider dissemination despiteinternet connectivity issues in some of Nigerrsquos regionsThese audiovisual materials are published via WhatsAppand Facebook Nigerrsquos most popular social networks

Featured IOM Mobile Apps for migrant-friendly programming

IOMrsquos Migration Translation App (MiTA) forphones facilitates communication betweenmigration management officials and migrantsduring border procedures and situations of firstcontact This free custom-built offlineapplication can offer a greater help whenmigrants move across borders during the COVID-19 crisis It contains 52 simple questions relatingto the identity mode of travel health andimmediate protection needs of themigrants available in 12 languages

Support For Migrants App provides advice on allthe nearest services and support for migrantsand refugees in the Western Balkans Messagesspecifically formulated for the COVID19emergency are also available in English PashtoUrdu Bengali Farsi and Arabic

MigApp was designed to help migrants makeinformed decisions during their journeys bysimplifying access to secure and reliablemigration-related information and services Theapp also contains select IOM programmesallowing the Organization to reach moremigrants by leveraging the latest mobiletechnology

The app also providesinformation on travelrisks and requirementsand low-cost moneytransfer comparison Itis available in 8different languages

Hate Speech and Misinformation

Addressing xenophobia and misinformation through

community-driven media campaigns

Migrant Inclusion

Digital solutions for migrantsrsquo equitable and

continued access to services and capacity building

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasizedthe growing importance and value of digitaltechnologies by moving many socialinteractions and social services onlineHowever this transition to digitalization isnot without its caveats there are largesections of society who are now unable toaccess essential services or interact withtheir friends family and the rest of societydue to a lack of digital access

Digital inaccessibility can take two mainforms 1) a lack of digital literacy or theskills required to navigate the internet and2) a lack of access to technology Manymigrants do not have access to wifi or dataor do not havecannot afford the devicesthat are required to join the digital

community Internet non-users are atparticular risk of social isolation due totheir digital exclusion Migrants may alsoface additional barriers to digital inclusiondue to a reliance on others to translate thewebsites of service providers and socialmedia platforms to their native languagesWhile the pandemic has prompted moreinnovative approaches to service deliverydigital inclusion is of paramountimportance The pandemic has highlightedthe potential that digitalization can bringbut it is imperative to strengthen the bondsbetween people and service providers toensure that the opportunities ofdigitalization are open to everyone

IOM Indonesia continuously supports school childrenrefuges and asylum seekers through distance learning andinformal education activities To complement childrenrsquosdistance learning IOM Indonesia conducted online trainingsfor public school teachers in collaboration with UNICEF andother local NGOs These trainings aim to build theawareness and capacities of counsellor teachers onsupporting their studentsrsquo mental and psychosocial well-being to address the challenges that distance learning canbring Sample student assignment

IOM Germany runs a virtual counselling (VC) service designed to assist migrantsconsidering a voluntary return Migrants in Germany can call and message IOM staff in 16countries of origin to speak in their native language about what reintegration is going tolook like in their individual case The project was developed IOM Germany in 2019 and isfunded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees It aims at providing an easilyaccessible culturally sensitive and unbiased counselling service by establishing directcontact between the migrant communities in Germany and the counsellors in thecountries of origin The continuous contact with the counsellors even upon return

supports a sustainable and smooth reintegration process

Page 10

IOM Slovakia has been managing an IOM Migrant Information

Centre which continuously provide advice and services forforeigners in the country They provide online counselling

services regarding visa legal advice residence employment inline with COVID-19 official measures from the Slovakiangovernment This is done for example through organizing

webinars on migrant family benefits and first steps for foreignstudents

IOM Azerbaijan launched a four-week intensive online business and financial literacy training for

youth selected from different regions within the framework of the lsquoPublic Action for Resilience(PAR) Activity The training lasted from June 18 to July 18 and aimed at improving managerial

skills and financial literacy Most participants are those who had an affiliation with YouthHouses and Career Development Centers in the regions out of the capital The training coveredbasic theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of fundamentals of economics

fundamentals financial and management accounting and business administration

IOM Brazil facilitated greater linguistic inclusion for migrant

and refugee children undergoing remote education as aresult of the COVID-19 pandemic Educational material

lsquoLearning Pathsrsquo was translated from Portuguese to EnglishFrench and Spanish to support migrant and refugeechildren This material has reached almost four thousand

refugee and migrant children In Manaus and Boa Vista IOMBrazil has organized several taskforces to help Venezuelan

refugees and migrants who lack internet access to completethe registration required for emergency financial assistanceoffered by the Brazilian government Through these

taskforces IOM Brazil has reached over 1500 people

Page 11

IOM Greece developed asynchronous e- learning courses which

featured 360 hours of of integration material on subjects such asGreek Language and soft skills These courses will support

beneficiaries in their efforts to integrate into Greek society andconstitute as an important step towards digital literacy The digitalliteracy benefits of these courses will allow beneficiaries to access

further e-learning opportunities available online worldwide FromJune 2020 to date 2447 beneficiaries have been supported by

HELIOS staff while 860 are already matriculated HELIOS e-students

Migrant Inclusion

Digital solutions for migrantsrsquo equitable and

continued access to services and capacity building

Migrants Voice

Shedding light on migrantsrsquo issues resilience and concerns

Monitoring and evaluation is a crucial part of IOMrsquos activities to ensure highest standard of service deliveryand accountability to beneficiaries This section draws from IOMrsquos evaluation reports to highlight keyfindings and migrantsrsquo perspectives on the successes challenges and the path ahead in IOMrsquos work indigitalization migrant inclusion and social cohesion

Digital poverty a key barrier must be

addressed to facilitate the meaningful

inclusion of migrants into new and

emerging digital spaces

IOM Greecersquos HELIOS programme conducted aDistance Learning Feasibility Survey which mappedout the availability of devices internet access andtechnological literacy of HELIOS beneficiaries Thisdata is used to support the design of tailored distancelearning platforms used for the provision of HELIOSintegration courses

Of the 537 respondents 99 indicated that theyown a smartphone and know how to use mobileapplications while only 15 owned laptops

Access to technical devices is no guarantee thatbeneficaries would be able to utilize the distancelearning plaform While 91 of respondentsindicated they have the will and interest toparticipate in e-learning course 66 indicatedthat they would require substantial technicalsupport to be able to participate

Similarly 38 of respondents reported a needfor support for internet connectivity Collectingdata on the context specific needs of migrantsand integrating them into programming is key infacilitating digital inclusion in service delivery

IOMrsquos ADMIN4ALL regional program is conducting anongoing online survey with 33 municipalities across 7

EU Member States to assess the impact of COVID-19on migrantsrsquo access to local services The survey revealed that majority of

municipal servic es surveyed have transitioned todigital delivery (through avenues such as emailSkype telephone and other online platforms)but this was not always a smooth transitionMany municipalities also reported challenges inaccessing appropriate equipment

While the transition to digitalization has enabledmunicipalities to continue providing beneficiarieswith services the survey revealed that primarychallenges included migrantsrsquo lack of access toICT devices communication barriers anddifficulties in reaching out to beneficiaries due tolack of specialized staff

IOM Indonesia conducted a survey on their OnlineLearning by On-Call Teacher programme allowingmigrant beneficiaries to continue their education andmore engage in positive and meaningful activitiesIndonesia released a report on thisprogramme which reached 328 people by July 2020

The survey revealed that respondents were moremotivated to join online learning due to theprogrammersquos provision of a communicationallowance to support their learning Allowancessuch as these ensure that migrants have theresources required to engage with digitalization

Page 12

Migrants Voice

The uncertainty of the pandemic has

increased the propensity of migrants to

accept deceiving or exploitative job

opportunities Connecting migrants with

accurate and reliable online information

sources and enhancing their capacity to

recognize these is crucial in ensuring

migrantsrsquo safety and allowing them to

make informed choices

IOMrsquos Regional Program on Migration Mesoamericaand The Caribbean conducted digital surveys for theCommunication for Development (C4D) campaignwith over 400 young people in northern CentralAmerica The surveys aimed to determine how thepandemic has affected migrantsrsquo life plans anddecision making

The results indicated that the uncertainty relatedto COVID has increased the risk of young peoplefalling victim to face offers related to fraudexploitation human trafficking or smuggling

IOM RO San Jose conducted a digital survey with 1600migrants in Central America and Mexico to gatherdata on the impacts of COVID-19 on migrantpopulations in this region This data can be used toguide the response of actors in health migrationmanagement and socioeconomic recovery strategies

The study revealed that COVID-19 exposedmigrants to heightened risks of deception orexploitation when looking for job opportunitiesDespite this most participants indicated theywould risk taking a job abroad even withoutproper information

Both surveys highlight the importance of connectingmigrants with accurate information digital literacyskills and tools to recognize reliable informationsources Without these tools migrants are at a higherrisk of engaging with irregular migration humantrafficking and exploitation

The pandemic has exacerbated the

precarious position of migrants in the

labour market which can increase digital

poverty and worsen the digital divide

Recovery strategies must ensure that

migrants are not left behind in the

COVID-19 response

IOM RO San Josersquos survey illustrates the impact of thepandemic on migrantsrsquo livelihoods As governmentsgrapple with the devastating economic effects of thepandemic inclusive social protection measures andunemployment benefits must be taken to ensure thatmigrants are not left behind

Of the 1600 migrants surveyed 51 lost their jobsdue to pandemic related reasons Similarly ofthese 51 of migrants only 20 are currentlyworking This means that only one third ofmigrants were able to find employment in thepandemic economy

The survey also revealed that 4 out of 10 migrantssaw their working hours cut or had their wagesreduced while 48 of participants indicated thattheir salaries and incomes had been reduc ed dueto COVID-19 related reasons

While the loss of livelihood can be devastating in non-pandemic times the increased reliance ondigitization compounded with the high costsof digital connectivity and technology means that aloss of livelihood can potentially cut migrants out ofthe digital community

Social mixing interventions are a powerful

tool to inform and address negative

perceptions about migration

IOM DISC Initiative and GMDAC conducted a globalpilot evaluation of how the films and public filmscreenings of the Global Migration Film Festival caninfluence public perceptions towards migrants andunderstanding of migration

Based on data from over 4000 respondents inover 40 countries this study revealed thatparticipation in such events can positivelyinfluence attendeesrsquo perceptions of migrantschange their attitudes towards diversity and bringdifferent communities together

The data indicated that positive views aboutmigration increased by around 11 after viewingand 34 of participants responded that the filmldquodefinitelyrdquo changed their perc eptions ofmigrants 58 of respondents indicated thatmigrants enrich a countryrsquos cultural life and 49responded that migrants can be trusted

Page 13

Migrants Voice

While the GMFF pilot study is only an initial step itsuggests that films and film screenings are a powerfuladvocacy tool to bring attention to social issuescounter prejudice and create a platform formeaningful interactions

Similarly IOM Peru released an evaluation report onits ldquoThe Ball has No Flagsrdquo initiative an intergroupcontact activity that brought together children andyouth in Peru through football 337 Peruvian andVenezuelan girls boys and teens benefitted directlyfrom this project strengthening communityparticipation and networks between the two groups

bull Over 80 of participants indicated that they ldquohavemore friends from other countriesrdquo and ldquoare ableto connect with boys and girls from [other]countr[ies] after participating in the program

The evaluation of these social mixing interventionsthrough sports and film screenings suggest that theyare fit for the purpose of bolstering COVID-19 relatedcounter-hate speech and xenophobia strategies

Digital inclusion is crucial to migrantsrsquo

mental health and well-being as it can

alleviate the pandemic-related isolation

fears and anxiety of migrants

IOM Indonesiarsquos Online Learning by On-Call Teacherprogramme has recognized the impact of physicaldistancing measures on not only IOMrsquos ability toprovide services but also on the mental health andwell-being of migrants

The physical distancing requirements and

lockdowns in countriesrsquo pandemic measurescause social isolation and anxiety for manymigrants at the detriment of their mental health

The On-Call Teacher programme allows migrantsto continue their social interactions and providespsychosocial activities through online learningParticipating migrant students reported feelingless stressed as the class distracted them fromtheir worries and that the programme providedthem with meaningful activity during the stay athome time period

Migrants continue to demonstrate

resilience and ingenuity despite the

crisis and their personal situations

IOM RO San Josersquos survey revealed that 22 ofmigrants turned to entrepreneurship after beingleft unemployed due to the pandemic Althoughthe majority of these entrepreneurships wereinformal in nature this illustrates the ingenuityand resilience of migrants despite difficulttimes

IOM Perursquos evaluation report also revealed thatin addition to intergroup contact The Ball has NoFlags provided leadership training to itsparticipants 10 Peruvian and Venezuelan youthwere c ertified as youth leaders to co-executesocial sporting classes while 9 representativeswere certified for their participation in theleadership school Through sport participantsdevelop their leadership and cooperation skillsthrough the prism of equality and inclusion tostrengthen values such as resilience integrationand community cohesion

IOM Argentina delivers food hygiene and information on COVID-19 to vulnerable migrants copy IOM Argentina

IOM RO Vienna recently published guidelines on online

facilitation to support IOM offices around the world inadapting activities to an online context This resource

outlines strategies in preparing implementing andmonitoring and evaluating virtual activities IOMNetherlands released a complementary instructional

video on virtual facilitation on Youtube

IOM Turkey released a guidance note on online and virtual Mental

Health and Psychosocial (MHPSS) support during Covid-19 Socialdistancing has had negative impacts on the mental health and

coping mechanisms which can lead to long-term consequenceswithin communities families and vulnerable individuals This notehighlights ways to ensure inclusion in social connection during

COVID-19 by supporting the community to find ways to connectwith each other during virtual activities

Featured Resources on Digitalization

Guidelines for Virtual Facilitation

Guidance Note on Online and Virtual Mental

Health and Psychosocial (MPSS) Support

IOM has released an issue brief on countering xenophobia and

stigma which articulates how digital media has been an importantlifeline for many during lockdown and physical restrictions including

migrants At the same time social media is a platform where fakenews and misinformation related to the pandemic continuouslyproliferate The brief notes that affected communities must be

involved in the development of effective tools to address cases ofonline hate speech as well as NGOs tech companies IOs etc

IOM Brief on Countering Xenophobia and Stigma

Page 15

The UN Secretary- General released its ldquoRoadmap for Digital

Cooperationrdquo highlighting that migrants refugees internal

displaced persons persons with disabilities women etc are among

the groups that are particularly vulnerable to the risk of being leftbehind by digitization This report serves as a practical roadmap to

the implementation of the 2019 reportrsquos recommendations and

highlights challenges such as meaningful participation through

ensuring equal to digital technology digital capacity building the

creation and consolidation of digital public goods and the protection

of digital human rights

UN Roadmap for Digital Cooperation

Migrating in the Digital Post-COVID World (Helvetas)

This article touches upon the multi-dimensional impacts and risks of digitalization to migrants and

migration In an interview Marina Manke LHD Head articulated that there was a pronounced trend

towards digitalization in human mobility patterns even before COVID-19 and digitalization has its

pros and cons While it is impactful digitalization requires investment into digital skills andtherefore creates the potential for the so-called digital divide of communities Development

organizations must be mindful while offering digital literacy opportunities and ensure it is done in

an equitable manner allowing all communities to benefit

AI digital identities biometrics blockchain A primer

on the use of technology in migration management

This primer seeks to serve as a first orientation for stakeholders to techtools and approaches in key migration policy areas as well as areas wheretechnology is advancing rapidly It outlines the potential to better predictmigration through AI-powered analysis of big data sources and theincreasing use of digital identities particularly in humanitarian settingsBiometric borders and automated decision making and the employment oftechnologies in asylum processes are other crucial areas covered

Briefs on Emerging Immigration Consular and Visa

Needs amp Recommendations

Supporting governments with digitalizing solutions for integrated border management and IDmanagement is an IOM priority These briefs present the most recent findings andrecommendations from the ongoing Identification and Monitoring of Emerging ImmigrationConsular and Visa Needs initiative launched as part of IOMrsquosCOVID-19 Response

Page 16

Resources on Digitalization

How digitalization can help achieve fair migration (ILO)

This op-ed presents the potential of digital migration management platforms to make

regular migration more attractive by reducing the cost and time of formal recruitment

processes It also addresses the challenges of the digital divide hidden behind theimpressive levels of connectivity in Asia

Guidance Note on Connectivity for Refugees

UNHCR released a Guidance Note on Connectivity which focuses on issues regardingcommunications and the delivery of remote programs and accordingly provides keyconsiderations and advice that can be used to address them Additionally the documentprovides relevant UNHCR resources such as a Planning Checklist for Managers and anOperational Checklist for Practitioners both of which help identify actions and steps tosupport forcibly displaced peoplersquos digital access and inclusion

Global Network Resiliency Platform (REG4COVID)

The International Telecommunications Union ITU has launched two platforms to positivepotential of digital technologies during COVID-19 The Global Network Resiliency Platform(REG4COVID) is a place where regulators policy makers and other interested stakeholderscan share initiatives and exchange information among peers to ensure communities remainconnected harness the full power and potential of ICTs during this crisis and to prepare forthe medium and long-term recovery from COVID19 CYB4COVID outlines a list ofcybersecurity resources to allow communities organizations and governments remainconnected securely

Resources on Digitalization

copy IOM Germany Virtual Counseling Project

This paper aims to better understand how technology is beingapplied in the integration context by looking at how

Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration Asylum and

Refugees (IGC) States have used digital tools to support the

settlement and integration of migrants and refugees This paper

highlights the specific use of technology for integration purposes

and offers insights on the best practices and considerations gainedfrom research in this area

Digital Tools for Migrant and Refugee Integration

in IGC States

The Digital Lives of Refugees How Displaced Populations Use

Mobile Phones and What Gets in the Way

This study conducted by GSMA with support from the UNHCR provides research to strengthen the

evidence base for humanitarian organizations and MNOs and showcases methods through which

humanitarian assistance can be digitalized This report identifies the current state of mobile

technology use and accessibility for refugees as well as barriers to access It examines the ways thatmobile technology can improve access to financial services utilities identity services food

insecurity and gender and inclusivity in the refugee context

Measuring Digital Development Facts and Figures 2019

This report by ITU serves to offer a snapshot of the most important ICTindicators highlighting key barriers and areas to address to increasedigital inclusivity This report highlights that the digital gender gap isgrowing as Internet use increases It emphasizes that more effectiveaction is needed to address the range of barriers (eg cultural financialskills related) that are impeding internet uptake especially amongwomen

Leveraging Technology to Support Refugee Youth

in the Middle East and East Africa

This report by the Immigrant Services Society of BC provides recommendations and information onhow technology can be used to safely provide additional support to refugee youth selected forresettlement under Canadarsquos humanitarian immigration stream This reportrsquos recommendationhighlights ways that organizations can overcome barriers to inclusion for refugee youth beingresettled to Canada through technology though its findings can be generalized more broadlyoutsideof the Canadian specific context

Page 18

Resources on Digitalization

IOM Initiatives on Countering Xenophobia

The DISC Initiative is a flexible demand-ledand multi-phased initiative which aims toelevate IOMrsquos capacity and programming tosupport Member States and relevantpartners in the areas of social cohesionmigrant integration and inclusion The DISCInitiative serves as a global platform to share

learn develop and implement innovativestrategies and interventions in this area

For more information about the DISCInitiative please download our infosheet orvisit our SharePoint Donrsquot forget to checkthe resources above

DISC Digest 1st

EditionDISC Digest 2nd

Edition

DISC Resources

Page 19

DISC Digest 3nd

Edition

Resource Bank on COVID-19

The Effect of the GMFF on Social

Cohesion

IOM Initiatives on Countering Xenophobia

IOMs Response to Xenophobia

amp Discrimination

Upcoming The DISC Initiative in partnershipwith IOM RO Vienna will soon release a handbookwith evidence-based recommendations and keyprinciples that enable effective ldquosocial mixingrdquo tostrengthen migrant integration and social cohesionbetween migrants and communities

The note will complement this digesthighlighting key factors that IOM staff and otherkey actors can draw from in developing socialmixing interventions in both online and offlineformats The note identifies underscores the

importance of building trust andmutual understanding between groups carefullyidentifying and tailoring activities towards targetgroups facilitating positive and sustainedsocial relationships and monitoring evaluating andadjusting social mixing programmes asneeded Through meaningful social mixing in boththe face-to-face and digital worlds migrants andhost communities can develop stronger positivesocial connections and counter intolerance in allits forms

The Power of Digitalization in the Age of Physical Distancing

Strengthening social connections and cohesion through

the digital inclusion and connectivity of migrants

DISC InitiativeThe Joint Global Initiative on Diversity

Inclusion and Social Cohesion

Disclaimer The opinions expressed in this digest are those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of

the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Integration and Migrant Training Unit LHDdisciomint | DISC Sharepoint17 Route des MorillonsCH-1211 Geneva 19 Switzerland