Glimpsing displaced people through a comparative narrative: A visual semiotic analysis of Reuters’ photo representation of Ukrainian and Syrian refugee crises

This study applies visual social semiotic analysis to examine how Reuters represents the Syrian and Ukrainian refugee crises through photography. Drawing on a qualitative sample of images from key periods of both crises, the research explores how meaning is constructed through visual elements such as composition, framing and subject interaction. The findings indicate that Reuters frequently portrays refugees across both contexts through shared themes of displacement and humanitarian need, often focusing on women and children as central figures. However, notable differences emerge in the visual framing of each group. Images of Syrian refugees tend to emphasize hardship, scarcity and camp-based living conditions, while Ukrainian refugees are more often depicted in transit settings with comparatively greater access to resources and support. Variations are also observed in the portrayal of gender roles and emotional expression, particularly in representations of men. These patterns suggest that visual news coverage is shaped by broader sociopolitical contexts, influencing how refugee experiences are communicated and understood. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on media representation, highlighting the role of visual narratives in shaping public perception of humanitarian crises.