UNHCR and partners in the MENA region are adapting
their communication channels to diverse audiences
and capacities, including by using different languages,
audio-visual platforms, and disseminate podcasts among
others. As highlighted in Core Action 3 of UNHCR’s 2018
AGD Policy, “communication must take place through
means that are appropriate and accessible to all groups
in a community”.
The RB MENA is developing a Communication
and Transparency Toolbox to support UNHCR and
partners, including members of the MENA Community
Protection Network with tools, guidance, and
resources to produce accessible information material
available via digital and traditional media, including
good practices and lessons learned.
“Communicating with communities is not an option.
Listening and talking to communities is a fundamental
part of humanitarian response, including UNHCR
and its partners’ work. It is essential in ensuring our
accountability to our constituents – the communities
affected by crisis, alongside operational effectiveness,
security and stability”.
‘Communicating with Communities’, UNHCR,
Innovation Service, 2023.
3.1 Digital Communication and Social Media in MENA
Many UNHCR and partners in the MENA region have
systematically expanded the use of two-way digital
communication systems and feedback mechanisms that
rely on popular social media channels like Facebook
to share information on protection and assistance
services. UNHCR Libya’s Facebook has more than
64,000 followers,18 UNHCR Egypt’s 104,000,19 UNHCR
Mauritania’s 11,00020, UNHCR Iraq’s 118,00021, and
UNHCR Yemen’s 59,000,22 UNHCR Lebanon’s 84,000.23
Similarly, the UNHCR Türkiye Information Board
Facebook has over 91,000 followers and is dedicated to
receiving queries and providing information for refugees
and asylum-seekers in Türkiye.
3.2 Communications and Transparency Tools in MENA
Communication and Transparency Tools
3.2.1
3.2.2
Handbook for
Communication
with Communities
for UNHCR Libya
and Tunisia
Operations
Communication
with Communities
and Accountability
to Affected People
Survey – UNHCR
Yemen
3.2.3
Information
Board - Concept
and Standard
Operating
Procedures –
UNHCR Türkiye
3.2.4
MENA Multichannel
Communication
Network
Mapping
3.2.5
Dedicated
Information and
Communication
Websites and
Help.UNHCR.
org in MENA
3.2.6
Engaging
with
Communities
in MENA via
‘WhatsApp
Trees’
18
@UNHCRTripoli and @UNHCRLibyaInfo.
19
@UNHCREgypt.
20
@UNHCRMauritanie.
21
@UNHCRinIraq.
22
@UNHCRYemen.
23
@UNHCRLebanon. Additionally, UNHCR Lebanon is supporting five refugee-led Facebook pages with over 400,000 followers, most of which
are run by outreach volunteers.
MENA AAP TOOLKIT: STRENGTHENING INCLUSION AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO AFFECTED PEOPLE
12