Event on Switzerland's contributions to the Global Refugee Forum 2023 (Public Event in Bern)
Event on Switzerland's contributions to the Global Refugee Forum 2023 (Public Event in Bern)
An informational session about Switzerland's contributions to the Global Refugee Forum 2023 was organized by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) on 28:11;2023. The program consisted of presentations of Swiss NGOs and a panel discussion. The Swiss NGOs first held an exhibition where they showcased their work and how they are contributing to the GRF. The exhibition's primary focus was on the multi-stakeholder commitments that Swiss NGOs have joined, along with their own pledge.
After the presentation, a panel discussion about Switzerland's contribution to the GRF followed. Key official from the SDC and State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), a representative of the city of Zurich, a refugee representative who will be a member of the Swiss delegation in the GRF, and representatives of Swiss non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as AsyLex, were on the panel.
The panel discussion focused on Swiss contribution to the GCR and UNHCR such as yearly contribution, quality financing and secondment. They discussed Switzerland pledges to the GRF and how these pledges are consistent with the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). They also discussed the challenges that refugees are facing in different countries but particularly in Switzerland. In this regard Ms.Tahmina, the refugee representative, highlighted the challenges that women refugee faces in asylum centers and provided recommendation on how to overcome these challenges. The panel emphasized the role of cities as first responders and highlighted the importance of Switzerland pledges on the role of cities and the side event on this topic. The city of Zurich played a leading and important role in the formation of the pledge on cities.
In terms of approaches to address forced displacement the panel emphasized on these three important approaches:
- Whole of society approach: It guarantees the involvement of all stakeholders and creates environments in which all relevant stakeholders can participate actively.
- Locally led development and humanitarian action: In one hand It improves aid efficiency and effectiveness. On the other hand, Switzerland has commitment, for example, under the Grand Bargain, to localize aid.
- Meaningful refugee participation: Refugees bring a plethora of knowledge and experience. They can contribute to their community. Their engagement in the decision-making process builds confidence and sense of belonging. " Nothing for us without us."