PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF THE REFUGEE CRISIS: PHASE II QUALITATIVE INSIGHT FOR FRANCE

PREPARED BY AUDIENCENET FOR TENT

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH

The TENT Tracker is a multi-phased study seeking to This report documents the findings from Phase 2 and focuses on the French Online understand public opinion on the refugee crisis: Community.

Segment Number • Phase 1: Multi-territory quantitative research (via an online survey) with representative samples of Overtly Positive 18 the population in 11 countries across North America, Europe and Australia. The findings from Mixed Views 15 this phase established key trends in public opinion, and were also used to segment the Overtly Negative 10 population based on whether their attitudes were ‘overtly positive’, ‘overtly negative’ or ‘mixed.’ Total 43

• Phase 2: In-depth qualitative research (via online Social and Political Context: communities) to better understand the rationale • The period during which the research was conducted was one of increasing social behind, and to identify the strength of, trends flux and uncertainty, with protests at the “Jungle” camp in Calais and worry highlighted in the surveys. This phase also tested amongst the French public. the effectiveness of different types of call to action messages. Five countries were included: Canada, • Amid efforts to close the “Jungle”, local authorities in Dunkirk opened the less Germany, France, Sweden, Turkey, with restrictive and higher quality Grande-Synthe encampment in defiance of the approximately 40 participants in each, split national government, citing worries about the plight of refugee children. across the three population segments identified • A survey conducted among residents of the “Jungle” finds many still hope to find a in Phase 1 (‘overtly positive’, ‘overtly negative’ or means to reach the UK. ‘mixed’). It comprised two rounds of research, in March and June 2016. • Criticism of lack of political leadership & worry about the rise of the far right and other extremist groups.

2 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 OVERVIEW

The French online community showed a considerable amount of unease measures for non-cooperation, the EU offers a pre-existing mechanism for and participants were more likely than their counterparts in other countries sanctions and incentives. to indicate that refugee and immigration policy would influence their vote, Overall, all but the most deeply negative tended to agree that each country with overtly positive and negative respondents likely to be influenced in had some level of responsibility to help refugees and that this should opposing directions. include France, especially given its location, financial resources and In suggesting different approaches to campaigning, several appeared to influence. operate on the assumption that there is a lack of public knowledge of the In the charity and voluntary sector, longstanding success stories such as plight of refugees. Therefore, the primary focus tended to be on les Restos du Cœur and Secours Populaire were cited as useful examples that disseminating information. Secondly, it was deemed necessary to engender refugee-focused NGOs could aim to emulate. a sense of empathy and solidarity, but to proceed on a rational basis as far right extremists had appealed to emotions like fear. Indeed, it was indicated that, thus far, campaigns in opposition to refugee assistance had been more prominent. In spite of the fears that exist following the attacks that have taken place in France, there was a relatively measured response to security matters. The focus turned rather to integration of refugees, as a significant proportion of the French public sees better relations predicated on the acceptance by new arrivals of the morals, norms and values embodied in French Republican tradition. Still, a strong sense emerged from the discussions that there was an ongoing battle for the ownership of these values. For overtly positive participants, cultural diversity can flourish within la laïcité (the French concept of secularism), while overtly negative participants had an exclusionary attitude towards Islam, which they felt was incompatible with these values. For French participants, the EU’s framework offers a more effective means of coordination and assigning quotas. Equally, in terms of punitive

3 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 ONLINE COMMUNITIES TABLE OF CONTENTS

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 4 1 2 3 4 5 Awareness and The French Awareness of existing Identity & opinion Attitudes toward experiences of refugees political landscape publicity campaigns formation refugees

6 7 8 9 Walking in a You’re in charge— Positively influencing Increasing the impact refugee’s shoes approach to policy public opinion of volunteer efforts

5 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 1 AWARENESS AND EXPERIENCES OF REFUGEES

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 6 AWARENESS AND EXPERIENCES OF REFUGEES

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

This activity sought to understand • Have you ever met a refugee participants’ direct and indirect yourself or heard any first hand INSERT experiences with refugees, other stories about refugees? means by which they attained their • Have you heard anything in the TASK (varying levels) of knowledge on the news/media lately about issue, and experiences/perceptions of refugees coming to France? VISUAL media coverage. • Have you noticed any differences in the type of coverage of the refugee crisis depending on the media source?

7 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

POLARIZATION AND FEAR LESSONS FROM HISTORY

The attacks on French targets by Daesh appear to have fed into a France has a long history of upheaval from war and large movements negative and oftentimes sensationalist narrative around refugees. of people and there are those who are willing to learn from this in Hence, there is more evidence of suspicion of new camps in France informing the country’s response to the present crisis and looking than in other countries in which the survey was conducted. upon refugees with empathy. However, there is some evidence of increasing polarization amid the ongoing coverage of the ”Jungle” in “I have the feeling that TV tries to make people worried about migrants by the port of Calais. giving a new number of migrants everyday. The written press seems to be more compassionate and publish testimonials, etc. I recently saw videos of the meeting in Paris Dauphine University, during which residents were “Concerning today's refugees I only know them through my TV screen. I find it protesting against the opening of a center for refugees . I was shocked by terrible; the rejection they are experiencing. I am 79 years old and I remember their attitude.” the exodus in France during the war. Nationalists and extremists will tell you that we were among French people whereas now it is a foreign danger. The Female, 18-24, Overtly positive fear of the other pushes communities to withdraw themselves without any thinking and careful consideration.””

Female, 75+, Mixed views

8 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF EXTENT OF NEWS COVERAGE DIFFERING NATURE OF NEWS MEETING REFUGEES OR COVERAGE HEARING THEIR STORIES

Participants recounted experiences that Most participants had indeed seen some Both overtly positive and negative came from quite different perspectives. level of coverage of the crisis and there was participants tended to distrust media Some looked to historical examples of a variance of attitudes as to its extent. coverage but from quite different refugees coming to France, from places Some saw coverage as widespread perspectives. Positive respondents tended such as Rwanda or Hungary. Others looked although, apparently, much of the coverage to see the coverage as sensationalist and into the distant past to France’s history has come to focus on the “Jungle of Calais” overly focused on the testimony of Front during World War II, while the remainder rather than looking at the refugee crisis in National politicians and looked at more contemporary its totality. misrepresentations of refugees. circumstances. Negative respondents tended to be Negative respondents tended to suspect Those with direct experience tended to somewhat tired of the coverage, or to traditional media sources of under- reference being from the north of France, at mistrust it, while positive respondents reporting the alleged intent of refugees to points of concentration such as Calais or referred more to their sources. claim social welfare provision on the back Dunkirk. Still, a substantial proportion had of French citizens. experienced the refugee crisis only indirectly through media coverage of the crisis.

9 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““I know a family of refugees from “‘’The media don't tell the truth because all “‘’Some TV channels tend to interview only Rwanda. They now have the French these migrants are people looking for the Front National , others only covers nationality. I helped them a bit with the social security, which our France stories to trigger emotion, others only procedures and their life here , very distributes generously on the back of feature more or less Arabic looking and different from the life they had back French citizen.” demanding men . It s difficult to find a home.” reliable and unexaggerated story. ” Male, 65-74, Overtly negative Female, 75+, Mixed views Female, 75+, Mixed views

“Media do not depict reality. You just “There are many stories, each one crazier need to connect to the social networks to than the last like the migrants takes the “I have never met any refugees personally realize that. Many newspapers place of the homeless, like migrants are but I have read several testimonials in exaggerate the information about the terrorist, like migrants want to come in the press or seen it on TV.” refugees to make French people feel pity France because of RSA (work welfare for them. We are scapegoats and a lot of benefit) and social security. I read them Female, 18-24, Overtly positive people wonder why Saudi Arabia does not everywhere on social networks in help their peers sharing the same particular coming from far right groups religion (Muslim religion).” (associated with the FN), in the media (interview of FN members) to scare people Male, 75+, Mixed views as usual , and mainly to win votes but I won't fall in the trap of this racist, xenophobic and homophobic party .”

Male, 18-24, Overtly positive

10 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 2 THE FRENCH POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 11 THE FRENCH POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

This activity gathered views on the • Did you vote in the recent political landscape of each country in election? INSERT relation to the refugee crisis. For • If you did vote, to what extent, if TASK example, refugee and immigration at all, did refugee and policies. immigration policy have an VISUAL impact on how you voted? It also examined the extent to which • How do you feel about the French government actions on the refugee government’s policies crisis informed voter behavior. concerning refugees? • What do you think people in other countries think about France’s refugee policy?

12 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

SEVERE DEMOCRATIC MALAISE NO POLICY DIRECTION

France is clearly going through a period of disenchantment and France is hurting and craves a sense of direction and guidance from malaise, fueled by fear and anger following the events of the past year political leaders. This appears to be lacking, according to the and a half. France’s political elite was lambasted by participants commentary in this online community. Even participants who had across the political spectrum, while those more open to refugees are previously voted for President Hollande showed abject disappointment also evidently perturbed by the rise of extremist forces such as the and concern at his performance in government. Front National. “I don’t really get Hollande’s policy in terms of refugees. The refugees camps in “If there were elections tomorrow I would vote rather against than for the North must not give a good image.” someone. Against the extremism, against the representatives who have been Female, 45-54, Mixed views the same for a long time. There are not many choices left. I don’t think the immigration policy will change anything.” Female, 55-54, Mixed views “No [people in other countries] are horrified/appalled by such a deliberate negligence from the public authority. In their own country things would be “In 2012? I did not vote against Sarkozy but for Hollande. He disappointed me different.” many times. I can’t say if the refugee situation is part of my Female, 75+, Overtly negative disappointments.” Male, 25-34, Overtly positive

13 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

REFUGEE CRISIS & VOTING GOVERNMENT POLICY EXTERNAL PERSPECTIVES INTENTIONS

French participants were more likely than There was a palpable sense of When questioned about what other their counterparts in other countries to disillusionment and disenchantment countries thought of France’s position, the indicate that refugee and immigration among participants in the French usual assumptions were couched in terms policy would influence their vote. Indeed community with their body politic. The that were deeply critical. Overtly positive several also made a distinction between government of President François Hollande participants assumed that other countries refugee and immigration policy. came in for biting criticism from both would be surprised at the lack of progress While overtly positive and negative positive and negative participants. or as well as the failure of such a large respondents were likely to be influenced in One theme that united both sides was a country to offer asylum to more people opposing directions, there were those who perception of inaction and confusion on the fleeing war. warned that too much of a focus on these part of the government. They were divided Negative respondents also pointed to issues would lead to further stigmatization on the between the overtly positive who perceived negligence on the part of French of refugees and an increase in support for criticized the lack of human kindness public authorities. extremist parties. shown to refugees and the overtly negative who felt they were being taken advantage of.

14 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““Yes I would vote, the “all bad” does not ““Yes of course I would vote. The refugee policy ““I would vote whatever the circumstances. exist. There are still people believing in won’t influence my vote unlike the Yes it is an important question for our what they have promised. The situation immigration policy which are two different country so I would review and analyze the with refugees would probably change my things.” proposals by all the candidates and this ill vote except if it is not to vote for the influence my vote.“ extremist parties who are take advantage Male, 45-54, Overtly negative Female, 18-24, Overtly positive of it. But I never voted for them anyway.” Male, 25-34, Overtly positive “Hollande seem to lose control over the events and in front of the English situation.” “I think France is seen as very fragile/weak on this question. Our demographic position Female, 75+, Mixed views “I would vote but most likely it will be a is not in our favor. Our economical issues blank vote given the current masquerade and terrorism make political debates very going on with this band of losers. unhealthy.” Concerning the immigration policy for me, “I think that Hollande is a bit overwhelmed by Female, 75+, Mixed views it is secondary given there are plenty of this migrant crisis but he is doing his best. I bigger problems.” think he should give France the means to welcome these refugees in a decent way. I Male, 18-24, Overtly negative think that people from other countries “Maybe people from other countries think consider us as being very supportive, very that due to the size of the country, France opened, even a bit lax.” could welcome more refugees." Female, 18-24, Overtly positive Male, 25-34, Overtly positive

15 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 3 AWARENESS OF EXISTING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 16 AWARENESS OF EXISTING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

This activity looked in detail at the • Have you heard about/ seen any specific refugee-related campaigns campaigns on the subject of INSERT (information and activism) that refugees? participants had been exposed to. • What do you think about the TASK Participants were asked their general campaign(s)? VISUAL opinions on the campaign(s), • If you were involved with starting including the tone, impact, likes, a new campaign about changing dislikes etc. public attitudes towards refugees, how would you go about It also aimed to identify the most it? effective means to communicate to as wide an audience as possible, both in terms of content and dissemination channels.

17 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

BEYOND SUSPICION & HATE RATIONAL APPEAL

French participants showed an awareness of a sense of suspicion From the point of view of several participants, the growth of the far that pervades the discourse around the refugee crisis, and the right is based on reactionary and emotive discourse, rather than capacity for this suspicion to lead to hateful perspectives. This rational argumentation. As such, there was a tendency to favor reason formed the basis for the increasing influence of the Front National as the means to win people over to a more progressive and positive and other far right groups. perspective.

“I think [these campaigns] are necessary and useful. Like everything, they will “I would have trouble starting a campaign. We would need to change the selfish have a positive impact on people who are already open-minded and have a attitudes and the prejudices towards foreigners. I won’t use the emotional card good heart. But on the contrary, and I am sure some are heartless and not because it disappears very quickly, it is superficial. You need to be rational; open-minded – for the people against migrants, the racists, the homophobes, interviews must be done with reasonable people without any other request than the anti-Semites, for all these people , it won’t have any impact. Or actually a to live peacefully and not mentioning the financial benefits they will have, make negative impact as these people would think that this is a plot from the them talk about what they have lost, not what they can have. I think it is very government ... When you start seeing plots everywhere it is very serious and hard.” dangerous for us and mainly for them.“ Female, 75+, Mixed views Male, 18-24, Overtly positive

18 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

KNOWLEDGE OF EXISTING PERCEPTIONS OF CAMPAIGNS WHAT WOULD YOU DO CAMPAIGNS DIFFERENTLY?

There did not seem to be widespread Perspectives on refugee-focused In suggesting different approaches to knowledge of refugee-focused campaigns campaigns differed according to where campaigning, several appeared to operate among French participants in the online participants were located on the positive- on the assumption that there is a lack of community. There were some references to negative spectrum. Positive participants public knowledge of the plight of refugees. reports on TV or radio but they did not tended to think such campaigns were Therefore, the primary focus tended to be on elaborate on these to any great extent. necessary in order to appeal to people’s disseminating information. Secondly, it was In terms of government intervention, there sense of solidarity. deemed necessary to engender a sense of empathy and solidarity; to humanize were criticisms of the government’s Negative participants tended to focus on refugees and to encourage French people to initiative to close down the “Jungle” in the cost of helping refugees, implying that be supportive and compassionate. Calais. There were also some comments to to do so was at the expense of needy French the effect that campaigns against refugees people. As such, they were not receptive to Finally, there were those who encouraged a were more prominent. the messages of campaigns such as these. move towards rational discourse, rather than emotion as the basis for convincing people of a more positive perspective towards refugees.

19 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““It seems that all campaigns are against ““Without explanations people don’t ““If I was going to take part in a refugees: the countries close their understand , feel that they are not given campaign aimed at changing public frontiers, build walls or placed barbed any choices; they can’t say anything, they opinion on the refugees ; I would do like wires. They reject mentally if not in reality become defensive, it is impossible to have this. other human beings, which bothers me. I open and constructive discussions with don’t think it will solve the problem but them. But when you explain all this to - Give the opportunity to the refugees to talk just postpone it because refugees will them, maybe their mentalities will find other way ton get in. Those change.” - Show what they have to go through campaigns have an negative impact to get to a country like France Male, 18-24, Overtly positive because if others do it, why not us? And why we should welcome people that - Then explain why they have left their others countries don’t want? country, the reason for the war , how Unemployment is important here so they “If I had to take part in [a campaign], I the war can be solved, with who and won’t find any work. Who is going to pay would encourage people to consider how long it will take” refugees as other human beings like us, for those who don’t work?” Male, 18-24, Overtly positive to remove the labels put on every human Female, 75+, Mixed views being. We need to to get people to be supportive and compassionate. We should not impose on them. To succeed it “It seems very difficult to answer those must come spontaneous. And as human questions today especially after what beings we all have inside ourselves this happened in Brussels.” feeling of solidarity.” Male, 55-64, Mixed views Female, 18-24, Overtly positive

20 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 4 IDENTITY AND OPINION FORMATION

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 21 IDENTITY AND OPINION FORMATION

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

This activity looked to uncover the • When thinking about your influence of identity on opinion personal identity, do you talk in INSERT formation. It looked at both personal terms of local area, region, and national identity, and whether nationality or something else? TASK these framed participants’ views in • What does being French mean to relation refugees. you? VISUAL A key objective was to ascertain whether • What do you think are the best people from particular sub-groups or and worst attributes of French holding certain worldviews are likely to society? be more hospitable or hostile to • Why do you think many refugees. refugees want to come to France above other developed Western countries?

22 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

REPUBLICAN VALUES SOME DISCRIMINATORY PERSPECTIVES

This exercise exhibited a sense of malaise in terms of French Overtly negative participants showed a certain level of welfare identification. While many of the respondents showed a strong chauvinism, not wishing to extend solidarity beyond the present aspiration to the Republican values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, population. Added to this, there were references to growing a strong sense emerged from the discussions that there was a crack Islamophobia and racism, as well as a perception that refugees who in the façade. came to France were not given anything like the welcome they had anticipated. “For me the values of the Republic are the basis of my perception of France: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. I feel mainly French because I can “The worst characteristics: the non-respect of other people’s religion. As a recognize myself in the richness of France in terms of land and as the Muslim wearing the veil, I often feel discriminated against – especially when country of the Enlightenment age.“ it comes to work – whereas in other countries women with the veil are Female, 35-44, Mixed views independent and work where they want (USA, Canada, Europe, except for France, Middle East, Russia, China, etc…). I have a cousin in England who works with her headscarf on and when she tells me how it is there, my eyes “Being French means respecting the values of the Republic.” light up. I think it is a shame that in France the Muslim women are regarded Male, 65-74, Overtly negative less than others.” Female, 18-24, Overtly positive

23 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION, ATTITUDE TO FRANCE & WHY DO REFUGEES COME LOCALE, REGION & NATIONALITY FRENCH SOCIETY TO FRANCE?

This phase tested the link between personal There was a variance of responses here, not Participants offered a variety of explanation identity and opinion formation. The activity necessarily linked to whether respondents as to why refugees would come to France. sought to see how various forms of were overtly positive or negative. There were Some attributed it to the attractions of identification impacted on French people’s those who saw French society as merely an social provision and a country that already response to the refugee crisis. indication of citizenship and the rights and has a longstanding experience of obligations this brings. demographic diversity. While overtly negative participants were slightly more likely to invoke French Participants invoked the motto of the Others put it down to the location of France, nationality as the basis for their personal Republic and the contribution of France to as the closest continental European country identity, there was a tendency among those culture, literature and universal human to the UK. The implication here was that with positive and mixed views to invoke a values. Yet it appears these values have France was not an attractive destination for French identity bound up in Enlightenment been used by both sides of the debate on refugees. There were those who elaborated and Republican values of Liberty, Equality how to approach the refugee crisis. Some further, indicating either that France was a and Fraternity. Others among the positive also noted an increase in racism and country in decline, or that refugees who had and mixed tended to identify more as antipathy towards Muslims. gone there did not receive as welcoming a individuals, with values derived from their reception as they had hoped for. education, family and friends.

24 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““I am French of Algerian origin. I never had ““France is very generous in terms of “‘’I am proud of being French because of its any problem with being French. I am born social aids, it offers many freedoms , that history, it’s human values, its cultural and there it is my country. When I was younger, is why it attracts so many refugees. “ literary heritage. It is a welcoming land French of French ancestry lived better than even though colonization damages /cause Male, 18-24, Overtly positive us but we did not care. I am a teacher so a prejudice to populations.” civil servant. We are French with our Female, 75+, Mixed views differences and that is it!!” “My personal identity is my nationality , it Female, 35-44, Overtly positive is being French. It is the feeling of belonging to a nation which is made up “I am not that proud of being French. I think of a mix of Celtic, German and Latin that we have no reason to complain. There “My personal identity is related to my people from the West.” are people unhappier than us but that’s education, the people I have met, to the life. I love the region where I live. I am lucky Male, 75+, Overtly negative knowledge I have gained much more than to live in Provence but I don’t like people’s the sense of belonging to a particular mentality there even though I am a real country.” Mediterranean, I am born there.” “My personal identity is ME ; Me as a Male, 25-34, Overtly positive whole. My origin, my nationality, my Female, 45-54, Overtly positive religion,, me as a citizen, as a sister, as a mother or God knows what.” “Some refugees prefer coming to France “Difficult to say without using clichés. The Female, 18-24, Overtly positive because it is the country of Human Rights rise of racism seem the worst but it is mainly the only way to England.” characteristic of our society today.” Male, 25-34, Mixed views Male, 25-34, Overtly positive

25 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 5 ATTITUDES TOWARD REFUGEES

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 26 ATTITUDES TOWARD REFUGEES

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

This activity sought to establish the • To what extent, if at all, do you strength (if any) of negative sentiment think refugees arriving to France INSERT towards refugees, as well as what pose a security threat? TASK drives it (e.g. fears and anxieties). It also • Do you think some groups of looked at whether negative sentiment or refugees are better than others at VISUAL prejudice was more common in relation integrating into French life? to particular ‘types’ of refugees.

27 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

NEED FOR PERSPECTIVE LEVELS OF INTEGRATION

In spite of the fear that has pervaded France in light of the various In the medium- to longer-term, with the focus turning to integration of attacks that have taken place there, participants in this study tended refugees, it is apparent that a significant proportion of the French to see the security risk posed by refugees as minimal. public sees a road to integration predicated on the acceptance by new arrivals of the mores, norms and values embodied in the “Refugees flee the war . They don’t come to commit attacks or other bad Enlightenment Republican tradition. Efforts to utilize this will need to take ownership of this tradition so that it cannot be abused by those things.” who seek to exclude specific groups. Female, 35-44, Overtly positive

“There is a difference between integration and assimilation. The ones who arrive enrich us with their cultural diversity: it is their duty to share our culture “For the fact that terrorists could hide among refugees, we can’t know for and the underlying values of the Republic without having to reject who they are sure. But terrorists had settled in our country well before the refugees started and where they come from.” to arrive. Female, 35-44, Overtly positive Female, 45-54, Overtly positive

28 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

SECURITY INTEGRATION DUTY AND VALUES

Evidently there are fears among the French Positive and negative respondents differed Among both positive and negative public about matters related to security, on matters of integration. Positive respondents, there was a tendency to owing to the attacks that have taken place respondents tended to see an opportunity invoke French Republican values and their there, as well as those in Brussels and in enriching France through greater cultural universality. Negative respondents tended elsewhere. diversity. to assume that certain groups were incapable of absorbing these values. Some participants in this online Their negative counterparts tended to focus community did project their fears onto on cultural identifiers such as language However, even more positive and refugees arriving from Syria, although these and religion. There was an Islamophobic welcoming respondents tended to see the tended to be overtly negative participants. undertone to how this line of reasoning acceptance of French norms as a basis for Others were of the opinion that security went, implying that the practice of Islam successful integration. The implication is threats were more likely to come from was incompatible with French values. that cultural diversity can flourish once a people already living in France. These basic set of ground rules, the “underlying Some also indicated that it would be easier participants tended to be of the opinion values of the Republic” is accepted, for younger and better educated refugees to that security should not affect the including the universality of the French integrate into French society. treatment refugees receive in France. concept of secularism, la laïcité.

29 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““I think the arrival of refugees is a good ““The refugees (if they really are) don’t pose “‘’ In my opinion young people integrate opportunity for us and not a threat. They a threat although the arrival of people can better than the older ones: the language fell on harsh life conditions. France has scare them. The problem is rather economic barrier, the lifestyle can be a barrier to always been a welcoming land for because you need to welcome them, you integration. A group of women will be refugees and it must carry on this way.” need housings, food; medical costs. I think better received than a group of men. some groups will integrate more easily Indeed it is more reassuring to have Female, 35-44, Overtly positive than others for several reasons. First the groups of women than groups of men as environment which they find themselves in they are better regarded in our society.” is a factor of integration. Indeed an, an “Like any type of immigration, when they environment of voluntary organizations, of Male, 35-44, Overtly positive are small groups, I don’t think they pose a support helps integration. So does the threat if they are well integrated into the region’s quality of life.” community as they will be necessarily integrated into the French life.” Male, 35-44, Overtly positive Male, 75+, Mixed views As always, integration is easier for people who share a common background with “Yes, I think that if refugees don’t manage European culture and the Christian religion, to find a job, and a decent place to stay, it for people who are educated and cultured can become a problem.” and for the parents of children who go to Female, 35-44, Mixed views French schools” Female, 35-44, Mixed views

30 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 6 WALKING IN A REFUGEE’S SHOES

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 31 WALKING IN A REFUGEE’S SHOES

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

This activity looked to determine the Create a story about a refugee’s journey extent to which participants could to France: INSERT empathize with refugees, putting their • Where did they come from? stories into their own words. • Why did they come to France? TASK Participants were free to write in the • How are they finding life in France? first or the third person and to base VISUAL their story on wherever they felt • What are their hopes for the appropriate. future?

32 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

AN ARDUOUS JOURNEY MYTH OF FRENCH RESISTANCE

Interestingly, even participants who were quite hostile to refugees in Some “overtly negative” participants tended to invoke the French other activities and during the quantitative survey were quite capable experience of World War II as a means to criticize present-day Syrian of showing empathy for the refugees’ situation when asked to build a refugees. They drew reference to the French Resistance as a means to narrative. Positive and mixed respondents focused on the journey at ask why the Syrians who had come to France did not stay and fight. large and were especially likely to address the difficulties with people This perspective is clearly bound up in a particular nationalist traffickers during their transit. narrative and is used to deny empathy to refugees.

“But things are not as easy and less pleasant than they would have thought. “I did not answer as I did not know how to express myself but I make the effort They live in miserable and poor conditions. Their hope is to reach England to say what I think of the refugees’ situation knowing that I am not going to because they think life will be more pleasant there. Once settled there they please everyone. I take my responsibilities. When we French were at war we will send over their mother and children so they can escape the dictatorship defended our country to death but they often leave women and children behind. of their country as well. My thoughts go to all these people who have not What love do they have for their country and their family? I can’t feel sorry for asked for anything apart from living in peace.” them. I apologize for those who are going to read me and disagree.”

Female, 45-54, Overtly positive Female, 65-74, Overtly negative

33 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

WHERE THEY CAME FROM LIFE IN FRANCE HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS AND WHY THEY CAME

This activity sought to determine the extent There were mixed narratives regarding the Judging from the narratives put forward by to which participants could empathize with experiences of refugees in France. Some French participants, the prevailing refugees, putting their stories into their participants recounted warm welcomes assumption is that refugees want to stay in own words. While the largest proportion from the French people and assistance with France in the medium- to long-term were quite capable of putting the stories of asylum while others would want to go although some assume that Syrians will refugees in their own words, and some elsewhere, such as the UK or Germany. want to go home once the war there is over. based their narratives on stories of Some of the negative commentators Hopes and aspirations were mostly refugees they had met, there were also engaged in this activity in a constructive grounded in simple needs for security, participants of a more negative persuasion manner and seemed willing to accept the peace and a place to live. The capacity to who did not seek to empathize. dangers that led refugees to flee. Others build a new life featured strongly in the It will come as little surprise that most were more likely to look upon their motives narratives put forward too. participants based their stories on Syrian in a hostile light. Positive participants’ refugees and drew considerable on narratives were strongly imbued with narratives of families fleeing conflict there. empathy and solidarity. They came to France to find safe haven and stability far from war.

34 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““I came to Europe to have a real life ““My name is Sonia. My trip started at “ “After a long perilous journey for them finally far away from the violence, the home in Syria, a country at war; when my and their children, they finally arrived in bombs, the severe lack of power, to parents decided to escape this place France, where they did not get a very provide for my basic needs, to eat, to get which had become too dangerous for our warm welcome. Many people are hostile. medical care and to work. I find France a family. My dad, my mother, my two They sleep in refugee camps, in the freer country than most in all aspects brothers, my little sister and I left by foot, cold, close to each other; they live on and it is said to be a better place in all carrying a backpack. We travelled the last resources they have left. Even which to live and where the food is of together with a group of twenty though it is tough to live in those great quality.” something people who, like us, was conditions, at least they feel safe and fleeing Syria. With the help of a smuggler; peaceful. They hope to go back to Syria Male, 55-64, Overtly positive who my father gave all his savings to we as early as possible." crossed all the borders on foot, in the cold and resting only very rarely.” Female, 18-24, Overtly positive “We were hoping for a new, quiet life in this place where my brothers, sisters and Female, 35-44, Overtly positive I could go to school, learn English for a chance to survive. “

Female, 35-44, Overtly positive

35 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 7 YOU’RE IN CHARGE: APPROACH TO POLICY

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 36 YOU’RE IN CHARGE: APPROACH TO POLICY

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

The primarily objective of this activity Imagine you are representing France at was to get participants to offer a world leaders’ summit discussing the INSERT pragmatic ideas and solutions by refugee crisis. The leader of another getting them into policy makers’ country presents you with a proposition: TASK mind-sets. If the movement of refugees is effectively coordinated between all of the countries VISUAL To achieve this, it placed them in a represented at the summit, it will be position of substantial power but where possible for each country to manage the they were also in the midst of incoming refugees effectively. If some bureaucracy. countries do not constructively contribute and accept a fair quota of refugees, it will be left to just a few countries who will find it increasingly difficult to provide sufficient resources. • What would you do and why? • Are any of the other world leaders being particularly helpful or unhelpful?

37 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

EUROPEAN APPROACH THOSE WHO DON’T CONTRIBUTE

In discussions about coordination with others, the conversation tended It seems that for French participants, the EU’s framework offers a more to drift to focus on the European Union in particular, although some did effective conduit to coordination and assigning quotas. Equally, in reference the United Nations and negotiations with Syria’s neighbors. terms of punitive measures for non-cooperation, the EU offers a pre- existing mechanism for sanctions etc. Overall, all but the most deeply negative tended to agree that each country had some level of “For me all the countries part of the EU, must be supportive together and if each responsibility to help and that this should include France, especially country accepts its quota, the problem will be fixed much faster. And we could given its location, financial resources and influence. make sure that these people are safe and then put an end to this migrant crisis.” Male, 18-24, Overtly positive “Everyone must be involved to help the flow of refugees. If some countries don’t want to help, some diplomatic measures need to be taken.”

“Of course there are other world leaders who could help but what do the refugees Female, 18-24, Overtly positive want? Where are they going? To Europe, where life is safe and where human rights are respected, unlike at least what it is in their countries." “I would take part in the fair repartition of the refugees in order to manage the Male, 18-24, Overtly positive incoming flow effectively. I find that the UK doesn’t take part in this effort at all today.” Female, 35-44, Overtly positive

38 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

COORDINATED EFFORTS DEFINED BY CIRCUMSTANCES POINTS OF FRUSTRATION NEEDED

Comments from the French community Still, there was also a recognition that it Some expressed frustration at the failure of tended to focus on the role of the European would prove extremely challenge to find a other countries to take some responsibility Union as the primary platform through mutually acceptable solution to such a and accept quotas. Some overtly negative which to broker any subsequent complex situation, especially given the respondents directed this at states international deals. Across the varying differing perspectives and political realities neighboring Syria or other predominantly perspectives, there was a keen recognition of each potential host country. Muslim countries. There was a certain level that effective coordination would be key to of cultural determinism in this perspective. Several indicated that quotas should be addressing the crisis in any meaningful based on economic resources, Others criticized EU members who refused way. This also extended beyond the EU to infrastructure, levels of unemployment and to go along with the quota system. There coordination at UN level and with other international partners. other measurements of a country’s means. were occasional criticisms of the UK as well as France’s own government.

39 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““I would take my responsibility as a leader ““Logically, all countries from the EU should ““We can notice that some countries do not wish representing France. I would listen carefully contribute on the basis of fair quotas, carefully to help. The UK which is isolated on its island and and would do anything to accept my quota of defined and studied according to each member’s the Scandinavian countries which think they have refugees. If only one country refuses to take means. If some countries protest, I would take received enough migrants.” part, it will be difficult for other countries to.” away the advantages they get from belonging to the EU. “ Female, 25-34, Mixed views Female, 18-24, Overtly positive Female, 75+, Overtly negative “I would try to ask the Arabic countries to help “Each country must accept a quota of refugees with a financial contribution to the poorest according to their economic capacity. The “Indeed, it would be easier if everyone would get countries like Greece, which welcome a lot of criteria are still to be defined. The release of an involved. There is a solution to every problem. people although it has huge debts and its people exceptional financial aid to be split between all European Union was created to unify differences. are suffering.” the EU welcoming countries is necessary. This Unfortunately, I have the feeling that it is the Female, 75+, Mixed views will be used to cover the emergency situations exact opposite which is happening.” then for the integration of the refugees. The EU Female, 55-64, Mixed views countries must accept this.” Male, 25-34, Mixed views

40 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 8 POSITIVELY INFLUENCING PUBLIC OPINION

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 41 POSITIVELY INFLUENCING PUBLIC OPINION

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

The objective of this exercise was to • Can you think of a friend or family establish the most effective types of member who might disagree with INSERT discourse when seeking to positively you about the refugee crisis? TASK influence public opinion towards • How have you/ might you go about refugees. trying to change their perspective? VISUAL Participants were asked to imagine/ • How have/ would you go about recollect their approach to convincing convincing people who are friends/ family to take a positive undecided or have no strong stance towards refugees. opinions?

42 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

UNIVERSAL RIGHTS REAL LIFE EXAMPLES

When faced with the challenge of changing someone else’s opinion, Further to this, it was felt that real life examples would increase the several French respondents appealed to the universality of human appeal of arguments in favor of providing assistance to refugees. This rights. This is to underscore that peace and security and the civil would foster a greater sense of empathy among the target audience. rights and liberties that come with living under the rule of law should not just be confined to countries such as France. For several respondents, this appeal to universality was seen to be potentially “Surely giving an example to support one’s opinion would be a good way to effective. convince them. I would try to encourage them to come along with me to see some organizations helping the refugees, to give away some of their time so that they can really understand the situation these people are in.” “I would try to change her/his mind by asking him/her first to put Female, 35-44, Overtly positive herself/himself in the refugee’s shoes, by telling them that each human being, whatever their color, their religion or their status (social or economic) has the right to personal happiness and to a stable life. And it is not because he or she had the good fortune to be born and live in a developed country, that it is the case for everyone. We all have the same rights." Female, 18-24, Overtly positive

43 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

TALKING TO FAMILY AND CONCRETE EXAMPLES EMPATHY AND VALUES FRIENDS

This was seen by several participants as a The first point of call for many was to There was a strong tendency to focus on challenging task as people often tend to be address the misconceptions held by the building empathy through asking other entrenched in their opinions about issues people they are trying to bring over to their people to imagine themselves in the position such as these. It was evident that many perspective. Therefore, when there are false of refugees. It was felt that this would help would feel uncomfortable bringing this up assumptions that refugees come to France stop narratives that dehumanize refugees. as a source of conflict or controversy with to take advantage of the system, this can be Added to this, several participants invoked family and friends. countered by talking directly to the refugees the need to defend the universality of human themselves, or at least hearing their stories Still they made efforts to figure out ways in rights. These should not just be the preserve of their previous life. This could make those which this might be approached, drawing of people lucky enough to have been born with opposing views understand that the on a mix of pragmatic and abstract refugees’ situation is not a choice but a in prosperous, peaceful societies, but also approaches. necessity driven by terror and war. should be extended to those fleeing war and conflict.

44 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““It is difficult, even impossible to change “ “We live on the same planet. Unless “ “To make them understand that people’s minds because people are often proved otherwise, other life has yet to [refugees] are not here to take very opinionated on this issue and think be discovered on another planet. On advantage of the system can be done that having refugees in our territory this planet we are the only intelligent by going to a refugee camp to meet increases unemployment, insecurity species. What benefits do we get from them. They can tell us their stories, talk although these problems already existed it? Borders are falling, distances are about their previous life, and make long before this. That is what I am trying getting shorter over times… it is them understand that their situation to make people understand but often unavoidable, unless our intolerance is not a choice but an obligation.” without success.” and our blindness send us back to the Female, 35-44, Overtly positive stone age. Our rich societies, rather Female, 45-54, Overtly positive than turning inward and complaining about the rich people’s problems, must open up to each other. In spite of being “In order to convince someone, they “I would suggest a role playing game : in mostly secular, our religious need to feel involved in and concerned the shoes of a refugee. I think it will open references remain vivid: tolerance, by the problem. I think you need to, their eyes. And this along with meeting hospitality, solidarity; empathy.” play the game of ‘in someone else’s with a person in need." shoes’.” Male, 65-74, Mixed views Female, 35-44, Mixed views Male, 18-24, Overtly positive

45 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 SECTION 9 INCREASING THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

FRANCE | JUNE 2016 46 INCREASING THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

OBJECTIVES DISCUSSION POINTS/ TASKS

This exercise looked specifically at Several refugee organizations are practical ways of increasing finding it difficult to raise money and INSERT volunteering and donations to recruit volunteers in France. People say charitable causes linked to refugees. they don’t have enough money, time or TASK knowledge about how they can help. VISUAL It asked participants to come up with • How do you think these ways to overcome commonly cited organizations could overcome obstacles (e.g. time and money), as well these obstacles and increase as any others they could identify. donations and volunteer numbers?

47 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 KEY THEMES

SEVERAL WAYS TO HELP BETTER INFORMATION IS PARAMOUNT

During the quantitative phase of research, respondents offered There was also a variance in approach as to how to inspire people to get several reasons for their inability to become involved in involved. In general, the provision of adequate information regarding refugee-focused NGOs, either through direct volunteering or through the refugees’ situation and the opportunities to help them, combined donating. Here community members elaborated further, with some with positive and enthusiastic publicity campaigns would win out. indicating they lacked the financial means but that it might be possible to help in other ways, such as through donations of second-hand clothes or other items. “It is necessary to make French people aware that they are lucky to be born in a free and peaceful country. The reason for the important influx of refugees needs to be explained. Testimonials in the media (radio, newspapers, TV) must be “Unfortunately, between the economic reality and our individualistic society, published. It is necessary to create enthusiasm. The organizations helping the this problem is very real. Maybe asking for a concrete help more than a refugees should send out more messages and explain how to help a refugee financial one would be more efficient (time; clothes, food…)." without necessarily donating money (offer food, accommodation).” Female, 35-44, Mixed views Male, 25-34, Mixed views

48 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 AREAS OF DISCUSSION

BORROW FROM EXISTING THE CHALLENGE OF A AWARENESS AS BASIS FOR EXAMPLES CROWDED FIELD APPROACH

As might be expected, several participants French participants pointed to a challenge From certain perspectives, the drive to raise thought it wise to borrow from that would undoubtedly be faced in most donations and increase volunteerism came longstanding success stories in the charity destination and transit countries. Namely, down to awareness of the situation. Once and voluntary sector to provide guidance the multiplicity of other causes to which again, people need to have the situation for refugee-focused NGOs. Two concrete, people already donate and for which they properly explained in order to motivate specific examples were ”les Restos du volunteer. In France, according to them to become involved. Cœur” and “Secours Populaire”, both of community participants, people are already In terms of how information campaigns which carry out work in combatting food attached to Telethons and health and aimed at encouraging donations and poverty and social exclusion. poverty related charities. volunteering would work, some proposed Beyond this, there were varying Added to this, given how many other causes campaigns that would tug on one’s perspectives as to how one might actually are in the public mind, some warned that heartstrings, even verging on guilt-oriented mobilize French citizens to give of their people might be going through a sense of messages at times. Others tended to favor time, money or other resources. charity fatigue, i.e. that they are fed up with campaigns that stressed enthusiasm and being asked to donate to various causes. positive messaging as a more appropriate way to inspire involvement.

49 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

““Personally, I donate a bit of money (a few “ “What a challenge! Personally, I don’t have ““Unfortunately, I think that these organizations tens of euros per year) to Amnesty many ideas. The best would be to raise won’t manage the donations ( except through the International and MSF (doctors without awareness among the French people. elected representatives). French people are borders). For me it is the duty of the state to Indeed, the picture of the young Syrian boy already very generous but primarily regarding provide these organizations with the correct was a trigger to take into account the illnesses (Telethon, cancer, etc…) and the food means if it does not want to look after the problems regarding the refugees. Ads aids (Restos du Coeur, Secours Populaire…).” refugees. So our taxes should be used to help showing this refugee crisis is also possible Male, 45-54, Overtly negative such organizations financially. As for the but costly. In any case these organizations volunteers, I hope that the civil service could need to express themselves/ communicate give them the workforce they need.” to make us react. It is true that we are busy with our own problems (unemployment, “Don’t you think there is a general feeling of Male, 25-34, Overtly positive terrorism). being fed up of always being asked for charity for everything.” Male, 35-44, Overtly positive Male, 65-74, Mixed views “They should run campaigns like the Restos du Coeur or the Food Bank at least to collect food. “ Female, 35-44, Overtly positive

50 FRANCE | JUNE 2016 TENT TRACKER

51 FRANCE | JUNE 2016