7 ways displaced and stateless persons can actively engage in the next Global Refugee Forum

1. Join a Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) Initiative 

Following the affirmation of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) by the UN General Assembly in 2018, several initiatives were launched to support States in achieving the objectives of the GCR Initiatives can be regional (e.g. Support Platforms), thematic (e.g. Education Co-Sponsorship Alliance), or stakeholder group-specific (e.g. Global Academic Interdisciplinary Network). These initiatives bring together like-minded actors to plan, design, implement and track progress of pledges for the Global Refugee Forum (GRF). Participation of displaced and stateless persons in these groups is essential to ensure that global advocacy and pledges are aligned with the priorities and needs identified at the local level. You can find more information about these initiatives on the GCR in Action page and indicate, through this short online survey, the key areas on which you would like to support.

2. Submit a good practice

The GCR Digital Platform is a hub for all relevant stakeholders to find relevant information related to the GCR and the GRF. By submitting a good practice, displaced and stateless persons can share innovative and tailored approaches they developed to ensure that actions are impactful and sustainable. Submit yours using this form.

3. Advocate for States and other stakeholders to include refugee advisors in their delegation

Following the example of Canada, Germany and the United States of America, UNHCR strongly encourages stakeholders, particularly governments, to include refugee advisors in their delegations to attend the Global Refugee Forum. Refugee advisors should be adequately prepared for the GRF, briefed, and included in bilateral meetings involving their delegation, as appropriate. For more information on how to meaningfully engage refugee advisors, you reach out to Refugees Seeking Equal Access to the Table (R-SEAT), a refugee-led organization.

4. Contact UNHCR’s office in your country

Displaced and stateless persons are encouraged to reach out to UNHCR in their country to find out more information about how the office is including persons under our mandate in the preparation of GRF pledges, as well as in other national and local preparations for the GRF in 2023. You can find contact information for your country here.

5. Contact UNHCR’s Advisory Board of Displaced and Stateless Persons 

The Advisory Board was established in September 2022 and is mandated to ensure that UNHCR’s Framework on meaningful engagement of and participation of displaced and stateless persons is aligned with their own understanding of meaningful participation, priorities, and needs. The Advisory Board will provide advice on the preparation and design of the GRF in 2023, including through consulting with their communities. In order to become part of this community that will be consulted, please contact [email protected].

6. Subscribe to the GRF Newsletter

UNHCR is committed to facilitate the participation of displaced and stateless persons in all processes related to the GRF. In line with this commitment, members of displaced and stateless communities are invited to subscribe to the GCR Newsletter, so that they can be kept abreast of latest developments. Subscribe here.

7. Submit an individual or a joint pledge

Pledges are commitments to advance the objectives of the GCR through concrete actions and contributions that will achieve tangible benefits for refugees and host communities. They may be made either jointly by a group of stakeholders towards a common objective or individually. They need to be additional, quantifiable, and needs-driven in order to be considered high quality. Pledges can include financial, material, or technical assistance; as well as other actions that will support policies and practices promoting refugee inclusion, protection and solutions. Key recommendations for GRF 2023 pledges were identified at the High-Level Officials Meeting in 2021 and criteria to identify a quality pledge can be found here.

Submit your pledge today!