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About
ABOUTIn 2014, the Governments of the Philippines and the United States launched the MICIC Initiative to address the impact of crises conflicts and natural disasters on migrants.
MICIC
MICIC
IOM Global
IOM Global
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Our Work
Our WorkThe International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports its counterparts and partners in the implementation of the MICIC Guidelines through a comprehensive offer of capacity building tools and services.
Capacity Building
Capacity Building
- Where We Work
- Data and Resources
- Take Action
- 2030 Agenda
Type of practice: Awareness raising and communication tools
Country: Japan
Name of Stakeholder: WordPress.Org
Type of Stakeholder Implementing the Practice: Host State, NGOs
Type of crisis: Natural Disaster
Crisis phase: Emergency Response
Description
Disaster Japan is a centralized disaster information for non-Japanese speakers in Japan. This site attempts to bring together, in English, as much information as possible. It is not a news service or expert information source or help line, though the information gathered here is meant to point non-Japanese speakers in those directions.
Related Links: DisasterJapan
Guidelines/Thematic Areas
- Communication during a crisis
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GUIDELINE 9: Communicate widely, effectively, and often with migrants on evolving crises and how to access help
Multiple formal and informal communication systems should be activated once a conflict or natural disaster erupts. Migrants should receive information on the evolving nature of a crisis and on ways to access assistance. In addition, those affected by conflicts or natural disasters often have clear ideas about how to improve their safety and security in an emergency. They are an important source of information about risks, local needs, and gaps in protection.
Stakeholders can communicate information to and receive information from migrants and other stakeholders. Repeat messaging, using multiple channels, and different mediums (infographics, audio, and print) can help expand coverage. This is particularly important to reach migrants in an irregular immigration status, those working in isolated and remote conditions, and those who lack access to social and other networks. Communicating and engaging with a diverse representation of migrants, including with marginalized groups, improves needs assessment.
All stakeholders also benefit from timely information as crises evolve and new issues arise. In conflicts, for example, fighting may break out in new geographic areas and affect different migrant populations. In natural disasters, such as earthquakes, aftershocks may cause new damage. It is important to continue to assess these shifting patterns and adapt responses to changing needs.
Different stakeholders are often privy to unique information. Sharing information and knowledge on the evolution of crises and on available assistance can support efforts by all stakeholders to protect migrants and can mitigate confusion that might otherwise arise. For example, some States may obtain information on particular aspects of conflicts or natural disasters helpful to informing actions by other stakeholders, including humanitarian actors. Stakeholders may find value in developing consistent messaging on risks and status updates during crises.
Sample Practices
- Regular crisis updates and information on where and how to access assistance through multiple communication channels in relevant languages.
- 24-hour call centers with linguistically diverse and trained staff offering information and services.
- Dedicated outreach through volunteers and grass-roots actors to disseminate information on risks, logistics, and assistance to those in an irregular immigration status or working in isolated conditions.
- Migrant support centers to disseminate information to migrants.
- Migrants as a source of information on local conditions, on sources of assistance, and challenges.
- Briefings and situation updates by host State authorities.