UNSW's Kaldor Centre has partnered with the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) to launch a practical framework that helps individuals and organisations effectively counter migration misinformation.
Misinformation is a growing threat to informed decision-making, particularly when it comes to refugees and migration. In today’s public debate, credible information cannot be taken for granted. That’s why the Kaldor Centre has partnered with the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) – globally renowned for its work in the UK government’s ‘Nudge Unit’ – to launch a practical framework that helps individuals and organisations effectively counter migration misinformation.
Out today, it’s called Countering misinformation about refugees and migrants: An evidence-based framework.
False narratives about refugees and migrants are increasingly shaping public opinion—both in Australia and globally. Understanding how misinformation works, and knowing when and how to respond, is crucial for fostering informed, fact-based discussions.
Kaldor Centre Director Daniel Ghezelbash, a coauthor of the report, highlights the challenge:
'We all need to fight misinformation in our conversations about refugees and migration, but sometimes we struggle to find the right response. This framework takes the guesswork out of it.'
The report sets out an easy-to-follow framework for countering misinformation. While the focus is on addressing misinformation in the Australian debate about refugees and migration, the framework can be adapted for use in other countries and across a variety of issues.
This not a prescriptive messaging ‘playbook’. Instead, it provides key principles and a structured, step-by-step approach that empowers you to:
✅ Prebunk misinformation before it spreads, helping people recognize and resist false claims.
✅ Debunk misinformation when it arises, using research-backed techniques to correct the record.
✅ Redirect the conversation, knowing when to avoid amplifying falsehoods and focus on telling better stories instead.
The framework is designed with flexibility in mind—it can be adapted to different contexts, from public debates to policy discussions and media narratives.
Whether you’re an advocate, policymaker, journalist or simply someone who values truth, this report will equip you with the tools to push back against misinformation and promote more informed conversations.
Explore and share Countering misinformation about refugees and migrants: An evidence-based framework today, so you can promote better conversations and a stronger community.
Register now for a 30-minute online speed briefing on Tuesday, 11 March, at 1pm, where we will step through the framework, empowering you to create stronger, fact-based conversations. You will hear from coauthors Professor Daniel Ghezelbash (UNSW Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law) and Saul Wodak (Behavioural Insights Team). The audience will also have a chance to ask questions.
For more information, visit the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law.