Why consent matters to us (and why it should matter to you too).
In a world of selfies and social media where much of our private lives is posted for public consumption, we forget that for some, sharing personal information may be a matter of life and death.
For many of our Afghan friends, having their photo or name on the internet may heighten the risk that the Taliban can trace them or their family members, some of whom may still be in Afghanistan.
We offer a reminder:
Always obtain consent before posting photos or sharing personal details.
Remember:
Their loved ones at home may be at risk.
They might be at risk. Even after a refugee or asylum seeker has reached a “safe” country, they may still be at risk from those that don’t hold welcoming views. Political and cultural beliefs can and have led to aggression.
Protecting the security of our friends is something we at Their Story is Our Story take seriously. Our team members obtain informed consent from each individual before an interview takes place. Individuals dictate where their stories may be shared and what personal information they wish to keep private. In situations where the individual is at risk and/or wishes to remain anonymous, alias names are used and other identifying information is removed from interviews immediately after they are received by TSOS.
We are grateful to witness an increasing number of welcomers in communities where displaced persons have been resettled. News agencies and partner organizations alike have encouraged greater involvement and many locals have responded by stepping forward as sponsors, as volunteers, and as neighbors. To those who have actively welcomed a newcomer, we thank you.
Our top priority should be to protect and honor the wishes of our new neighbors and friends. We call upon journalists, organizations, volunteers, and community members to join us in the practice of seeking informed consent out of respect and care for their safety.
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.