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Using strategies rooted in evidence and in behavioural science, the Kaldor Centre and the highly regarded Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) developed a practical framework to guide when and how to tackle migration misinformation.

Countering misinformation about refugees and migrants: An evidence-based frameworkÌýsets out an easy-to-follow framework for countering misinformation.Ìý

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A research-backed strategy to counter 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 report is not a prescriptive messaging ‘playbook’. Instead, it provides key principles and a structured framework: a step-by-step approach to help you engage with misinformation effectively. It lays the groundwork for you to create responses aligned with your own aims.

With an easy-to-follow decision tree and how-to examples, this report can equip you to respond across a range of situations— so that it’s clear:

✅ when you should ‘prebunk’ (a technique that helps people recognise and resist misinformation before it takes hold);

✅ when you should ‘debunk’ (expose and correct false claims); and

✅ when you should just ignore misinformation and tell better stories.Ìý

The report also includes evidence-backed engagement strategies to support maximum impact when you do intervene to stop misinformation. 

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Why this matters

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 DirectorÌýDaniel Ghezelbash, a coauthor of the report, highlights the challenge:

The Kaldor Centre is grateful to the Knights Famiy Jabula Foundation whose generous support has made this report possible.Ìý