Russia’s war on Ukraine has caused a massive exodus of refugees within Europe. Contrary to how many nations have closed their borders to those fleeing wars in Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, and other non-European nations, Ukrainians are generally being welcomed with open arms. Many leaders and even journalists are fueling the notion that Ukrainian refugees are somehow more deserving than their non-white counterparts.

CBS News correspondent Charlie D’Agata on February 26th said, “this isn't a place, with all due respect, like Iraq or Afghanistan, that has seen conflict raging for decades. This is a relatively civilized, relatively European — I have to choose those words carefully, too — city, one where you wouldn’t expect that, or hope that it’s going to happen.” The Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association pointed out his statements as an example of “racist news coverage that ascribes more importance to some victims of war over others.”

Rising Up with Sonali is a radio and television show that brings progressive news coverage rooted in gender and racial justice to a wide audience. Rising Up With Sonali was built on the foundation of Sonali Kolhatkar's earlier show, Uprising, which became the longest-running drive-time radio show on KPFK in Los Angeles hosted by a woman. RUS airs on Free Speech TV every weekday.

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Afghanistan Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association CBS News Charlie D’Agata Iraq or Afghanistan non-European nations refugees within Europe Rising Up with Sonali Russia’s war on Ukraine Somalia Ukrainians Yemen