REaCT: Lessons of tolerance - Inclusive teaching of adults

Advocating for refuges & immigrants

As the social workers across the globe encounter immigrants and refugees – people who have been misplaced from their homes for varying reasons – they have begun to advocate for the protection of the human rights of immigrants and refugees throughout the migration process as well as denouncing harmful practices and policies related to the process (MSW Career, n.d.).

However, as an individual, advocating for the rights of the immigrants and refugees is not always easy. The MSW article lists five things one can do in order to contribute in the advocation of immigrants and refugees.[1] First and foremost, one must listen to the refugees and immigrants in order to understand their point of view. Secondly, getting involved with NGOs active in helping refugees and immigrants increases one’s contribution significantly. Thirdly, contacting the local or national government representatives regarding issues related to refugees and immigrants is a fantastic way to advocate for them. Fourthly, participating in marches, protests etc. indicates one’s support for the refugee and immigrant communities – there is strength in numbers. Lastly, spreading information, educating and fighting against prejudices in one’s own social circle is an important way to advocate for immigrants and refugees.

The Canadian Paediatric Society (n.d.) states that creating an advocacy strategy is essential. To build an effective strategy, the problem must be carefully documented and defined, a target audience or a group that can effect change must be identified, a solution must be proposed and evidence together with data is important to have included in the strategy. [2] Moreover, there are three types of advocacy for refugees and immigrants: policy, system and case advocacy. Policy advocacy calls for changes in policies, system advocacy works to achieve practical changes that improve the quality of life of refugees and immigrants, and case advocacy appeals to the audience through individual stories of refugees and immigrants.