THE National is celebrating after two stories published in the paper were nominated for awards that recognise journalism on refugees and asylum seekers.
Articles by Anita Bhadani and Kirsteen Paterson published in The National have been shortlisted at the Refugee Festival Scotland’s Media Awards 2022.
The annual arts and culture festival celebrates Scotland’s growing diversity and showcases the talents of people with refugee backgrounds. More than 100 events will take place across Scotland over ten days in June.
The awards celebrate coverage that is fair, responsible and contributes to the wider public's understanding of issues around forced migration in Scotland.
An exclusive report by Kirsteen Paterson headlined “‘We are very afraid’: Father, 67, taken to hospital after Home Office dawn raid” is among four nominees in the Print – News category.
Meanwhile, Anita Bhadani has been nominated in Print – Features, for a piece headlined “‘In Our Shoes’: poetry collection showcases writing from refugee women”.
Published by Maryhill Integration Network, the booklet of poetry stands as a showcase of new writing by women in Glasgow. The collection tackles themes such as motherhood, migration and even the art of navigating the Glasgow bus network, and Bhadani's piece includes works by individual writers and poems.
Bhadani said: “I am so thrilled to have this piece shortlisted alongside some incredible journalists working in Scotland today.
“Accurate, empathetic, and incisive media coverage of issues affecting refugees and centring their voices is so vital, especially in this political climate.
“It’s great to see the variety of examples of this championed in these awards, and hopefully there will be many more to come across Scottish media.”
Kirsteen Paterson wrote a hard-hitting exclusive about a father with heart problems living in fear after a Home Office dawn raid sent him to hospital.
She reported the fears of activists saying the raid was a potential return of controversial practice – reporting the angst as Home Secretary Priti Patel planned her immigration changes.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday June 16 in Glasgow followed by the Refugee Festival Scotland will run from June 17 - 26.
