Participatory communication strategy regarding the opening of new reception centers for asylum seekers

Switzerland has a long tradition of sheltering refugees. At the same time, opinion polls consistently show voter concern about high levels of immigration, and about sheltering people who may not be genuine refugees.

Opposition against such shelters or asylum centers has been a regular occurrence in the recent past. In many cases, local residents have voiced concerns about security and public order. To address some of those fears, the Swiss government has developed a participatory communication approach to prevent opposition against asylum centers. This communication strategy occurs in two phases: before the center opens and after the opening of the accommodation. A series of events and communication activities are being organized: preliminary discussions with the local authorities, written agreement with the local authorities, information sessions for local residents, testimonies, school workshops, publication of press releases, media tour in the center, etc.

This participatory communication approach has given promising results: First of all we have been facing comparatively little opposition among local residents since its implementation, the discussion turns out to be less emotional and more fact-oriented and finally, we have witnessed that the population started own initiatives in view of improving the cohabitation with the asylum seekers (i.e. language courses, activities for children, handicraft activities).

https://vimeo.com/111990122

GFMD 2016 RT 2.1 "Migration, diversity and harmonious societies"

National Government of Switzerland