Responders, representing relevant authorities and humanitarian actors, rely on online communication during and after disasters and emergencies - both as a tool to reach exposed populations, to organize and coordinate responses and to mobilize resources. However, disasters and emergencies also spark more problematic online attention and reactions including the targeting of marginalized populations.

IFRCs World Disaster Report 2026 featured a contribution from Yasin Duman, Research Specialist and Shona Whitton, Heading the Technical Team both representing the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub. The topic of the contribution was Online racism and mental health after disasters.

This podcast, moderated by Dr. Carmen Valle-Trabadelo, Head of the Communications, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Research Team in the MHPSS Hub, pics up some of the key-examples discussed in the contribution and links them to the broader discussion of the mental health implications, the causalities that generate them and the potential mitigation measures needed to address them.

For further information:

IFRC World Disaster Report, Contribution, Online racism and mental health after disasters. (page 49)

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