Displacement and Dialogue - A virtual conference on communication, engagement and accountability in crises

When the spread of Covid-19 sparked a global crisis in early 2020, "infodemic" became the buzzword, a term coined by the WHO. The ongoing pandemic underscores our conviction that access to reliable, unbiased information can save lives. The pandemic has further exacerbated existing crises. Migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide are especially vulnerable to economic hardships, mobility restrictions and health risks posed by the new virus. As a result, there is now an even greater need for communication channels, community engagement and accountability in displacement settings.

The number of forcibly displaced persons has continually risen over the last ten years. By the end of 2019, that number had increased to almost 80 million people – those forced to leave their homes or regions due to conflicts, natural disasters and social inequality.

How, then, do we communicate in a health-related crisis? Which mechanisms can be used to collect responses from affected populations? How can host communities take part in the dialogue? And how can humanitarian actors and media development agencies work more closely together? These are key questions for this year’s Displacement and Dialogue conference.

This virtual event brings together refugees, communication professionals and humanitarian experts to discuss issues regarding access to information and dialogue in displacement settings. The conference offers participants a unique opportunity to share knowledge and experiences, present their organizations and discuss opportunities for collaboration.