Media blamed for creating tensions over refugee issue

THE media were severely criticised for their coverage of the refugee issue at a press conference in Dublin yesterday which was organised by the National Committee Co-ordinating European Year Against Racism and the National Union of Journalists.

Ms Anastasia Crickley, chairwoman of the National Co-ordinating Committee of the European Year Against Racism, said recent coverage of the issue was a grave matter of concern".

Mr Philip Watt, co-ordinator of the European Year Against Racism (EYAR), said some of the coverage "can, at best, be described as irresponsible and, at worst, outright racist in content". Other reports had been balanced and well researched, "only to be undermined by the application of an alarmist or sensationalised headline or sub-heading".

He quoted examples from many newspapers which he interpreted as suggesting "a flood or tide" of refugees had arrived in Ireland; that the refugees were persistently associated with begging, petty theft and serious crime; that they were "bogus" and were here to exploit the welfare system as economic refugees.

Mr Eddie Cassio, from Zaire, currently working here with the Cities Against Racism Project, said when he came to Dublin three years ago, going down the street was "like walking in my home town", people were so Friendly and welcoming. But now he was frequently addressed as "nigger", accused of stealing jobs from Irish people and, four months ago, he had been beaten up by two men. He blamed the media for "creating tensions".

Ms Eilish McCourtney Baldwin, PRO of the Harmony group, said her mixed race son was now afraid to walk Dublin's streets. She described the media as being "like racist cheerleaders" and was particularly critical of headlines, the Pat Kenny Show on RTE and the Chris Barry Show on the independent radio station FM104.

Ms Patti Abozaglo, from Peru but living in Dublin, and Ms Valerie Hughes, of the Ireland Action for Bosnia-Herzegovina group, were also both highly critical of the Pat Kenny Show and the Chris Barry Show.

Mr Seamus Dooley, leas-cathaoirleach of the Irish Executive Council of the NUJ, said he could not accept responsibility for everything written by every journalist, but he "could not defend the tone and tenor of some of what passes for reporting and analysis of the refugee situation".

He said the Irish executive of the NUJ would be drawing up guidelines to assist members in "race reporting". However, he said "journalists cannot ignore issues of public importance and interest". Where provocative or controversial statements were made by public figures, these should be recorded. It was important not to shoot the messenger.