Uwizerwa Rachel’s Post

On December 2nd, 2024, Let's Help International (LHI) was proudly highlighted during the 4th Quarterly Informal Briefing on the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) held in Geneva Switzerland, for its outstanding contributions to advancing meaningful refugee participation. LHI’s pledge centered on Localization focusing on capacity building initiatives. We are incredibly honored to be recognized for our tireless efforts in empowering #refugees and ensuring their voices are heard in discussions that affect their lives. This acknowledgment inspires us to continue our mission of fostering community and collaboration, as we work together towards a more inclusive and supportive world for all. More about the Briefing: Since the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, we have witnessed strong multi-stakeholder momentum around the #MeaningfulRefugeeParticipation pledge and its purpose: to help Centre refugees in decision-making at all levels, emphasizing diversity across age, gender, and disability.  We see great progress in all three areas for the pledge: inclusive decision making, accountability, and sustainable funding and resourcing. But we are far from achieving meaningful refugee participation. Representation is often tokenistic. Funding barriers and legal restrictions still prevent full refugee engagement. We must all join a deeper shared commitment to dismantle these barriers and ensure refugees are not just included, but lead the way. See full progress statement in the link below : https://lnkd.in/gQZFcg9A Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey! Special thanks: Oxfam International, Equal Asia Foundation (Stichting EqualA Foundation) Asia Pacific Network of Refugees UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency WeAreCohere, New Women Connectors, KRLON-Kyaka II Refugee-led Organizations Network Independent Diplomat, United Nations Global Compact Festo Nduwayezu, MAIR Dayo Alabi United Nations RTSW-Refugees' TV and Stories Worldwide  #RefugeeRights #LetsHelpInternational #GlobalSolidarity #GlobalCompact #refugees #GlobalHumanity #Localization #CapacityBuildinginitiatives #UN

Celebrating Labour Day in Kakuma Refugee Camp! In the heart of Kakuma Refugee Camp, amidst the resilience and spirit of its inhabitants, we celebrate Labour Day with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. This year, however, our celebration is tinged with a sense of urgency and advocacy. As we commemorate the contributions of workers worldwide, it's essential to reflect on the unique challenges faced by refugees, particularly in light of ongoing demonstrations regarding the reduction of food and essential supplies. The recent protests underscore the critical need for sustainable solutions to support refugee communities. Amidst these challenges, it's crucial to recognize the untapped potential within the refugee population. Refugees are not just beneficiaries of aid; they are capable, skilled individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society. By harnessing their talents and fostering an environment conducive to economic empowerment, we can unlock a wealth of opportunities for both refugees and their host communities. I call upon all stakeholders to prioritize investment in education, vocational training, and job creation initiatives within refugee camps. By equipping refugees with the tools and resources they need to thrive, we can empower them to become active participants in their own economic development. To my fellow refugees, I urge you to harness your skills, talents, and entrepreneurial spirit. Let us seize the opportunity to create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. Together, we can defy the odds, break down barriers, and build a more inclusive and prosperous society. Finally, let us condemn those who perpetuate conflict and displacement, exacerbating the refugee crisis. It's time for global leaders to address the root causes of forced migration and work toward lasting solutions that prioritize peace, stability, and human dignity. This Labour Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a world where every individual has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. #LabourDay #RefugeeEmpowerment #StepUpOne

I had the privilege of attending the NGO consultations on refugee resettlement and complementary pathways in Geneva this week. Over 300 delegates from 25 countries came together to discuss how we can meet the urgent needs of the 3 million refugees requiring resettlement by 2030. The discussions centered around equity, trust, and protection-centered complementary pathways. 🔑 Key takeaways included the UNHCR's strategy to achieve three main goals by 2030: 1. Expanded Resettlement 2. Improved Access to Complementary Pathways: Offering alternatives like educational opportunities, employment, family reunification, community sponsorship, and humanitarian admissions. 3. Building Welcoming and Inclusive Societies: Establishing a foundation for long-term integration and support. 💡 Addressing Key Tensions and Opportunities in the Room: 1. Equity in Response: How can we extend successful strategies from the Afghan and Ukraine responses to other crises like Sudan? This includes utilizing complementary pathways, fast-tracking employment authorization, and allowing refugees to choose their settlement locations. 2. Protection vs. Labor Pathways: As labor mobility programs grow, we must ensure we don't create a two-tiered system of refugee eligibility. 3. Engaging Refugees in global discussion: Is it about quantity or quality? We need mechanisms that ensure meaningful participation, influence, and decision-making for refugees in institutions like UNHCR, and in forums such as these. Delegates emphasized the importance of investing in refugee leadership and building the necessary infrastructure for effective collaboration. ❗ What was missing: - AI in Refugee Solutions: There was no conversation on AI, even though UNHCR is well-positioned to set standards and guidelines on data architecture and empowerment. - Inclusion Strategies: The focus was on getting people into host countries, with no modeling around effective inclusion models to ensure people are set up for success. ➡️ Next steps: - National Migration Framework: The U.S. should invest in developing a national migration framework that connects with inclusion strategies. Canada and Italy are already modeling the way. Yes, I know, I said Italy. I'd love for those of us focused on refugee inclusion to make a joint pledge at the next Global Refugee Forum to show how inclusion should be on the map. Thoughts? Listen to some of my thoughts about the consultations. #RefugeeResettlement #ComplementaryPathways #GlobalRefugeeForum

TODAY: Summit of the Future side event Young Refugees’ Participation, Leadership & Self-Reliance - The Future We Cannot Afford to Ignore UNICEF House 3 UN Plaza Danny Kaye Conference Room Ground Floor 18:00 (local time) Co-Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Global Compact for Young People in Humanitarian Action, Danish Refugee Council, War Child, Global Refugee Youth Network, Women’s Refugee Commission, Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative, Tertiary Refugee Student Network, ILO, Save the Children, UNHCR, UNICEF, and UNFPA. This Dialogue & Reception will use this pivotal moment at the close of the Summit of the Future to showcase how and why investment in young refugees’ active participation and leadership can strengthen their resilience, reduce vulnerabilities and lead to more sustainable outcomes. Through dialogue, we will showcase good practices that finance and support access to higher education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, and strengthen meaningful youth engagement and youth-led initiatives. The dialogue will also seek commitments to strengthen investments that scale up these good practices in order to advance self-reliance and solutions for young people across forced displacement settings in ways that actualize and complement the Pact for the Future. Expected outcomes Strengthen commitment from stakeholders to invest in higher education, skills development, transition to decent jobs, and programming that promotes refugee youth self-reliance. Cultivate the critical role of young refugees as positive agents of change and the value of empowering them, including through partnerships with refugee youth-led organizations, to contribute to their communities and local economies. Promote innovative approaches to address and overcome the legal and practical barriers to economic inclusion for young refugees. Scale up good practices and partnerships that channel funds and provide technical support to refugee youth-led organizations (RYLOs), that are positively impacting and driving change in their communities. 6:00 - 6:20 Reception Networking 6:20 - 6:30 Welcome & Opening Remarks 6:30 - 6:38 Refugee Youth Keynote Speech and short video 6:38 – 6:43 Remarks by Mr. Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High Commissioner 6:43 - 7:15 Intergenerational Dialogue  Ms. Reinette Klever, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mr. Victor Mafigi Turatzine, Refugee youth representative and co-founder of UNLEASHED Mr. Ted Chaiban, Deputy Executive Director UNICEF Mr. Barthelemy Mwanza, Refugee Youth Led Organization (RYLO) Coordinator for the Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN) Ms. Laura Thompson, Assistant Director-General for External and Corporate Relations, International Labour Organization Ms. Daria Mierhut, UNICEF Youth on the Move Fellow 7:20 - 7:30 Closing Remarks and reflections from the floor 7:30 - 8:00 Networking Session 

On this World Refugee Day, we reflect on the plight and resilience of refugees around the globe, including those in Malaysia. Malaysia hosts a diverse refugee population, predominantly from Myanmar, including the Rohingya community, as well as individuals from other countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are over 180,000 refugees and asylum seekers registered in Malaysia. Despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Malaysia has become a place of refuge for many fleeing conflict and persecution. However, the journey for refugees in Malaysia is far from easy. Access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and legal employment remains limited. Refugees often face challenges such as: 📚 Limited Access to Education: Refugee children struggle to access formal education, with many relying on informal learning centres run by NGOs and community groups. 💼 Restricted Employment Opportunities: Without the right to work legally, refugees are often forced into the informal job market, where they face exploitation and inadequate wages. How You Can Help: 🗣️ Advocate for Policy Changes and Educate Others: Learn more about the refugee situation in Malaysia and share this knowledge to foster understanding and empathy. Join advocacy efforts to push for better legal protection and access to services for refugees. 🙌 Volunteer and Donate: Contribute your time, skills, or resources to organisations working directly with refugees. On this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to stand with refugees in Malaysia and around the world, by building a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone, regardless of their status, can thrive. 🕊️💪🌍 #WorldRefugeeDay #WithRefugees

🌍 **Honoring World Refugee Day 2024** 🌍 Today, Stream Digital Services joins the global community in observing World Refugee Day. This day is a vital reminder of the resilience and strength of millions of refugees worldwide, who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety and new beginnings. **Reflecting on Refugee Contributions:** Refugees bring invaluable skills, perspectives, and cultural richness to our societies. Their stories of survival and perseverance inspire us and reinforce the importance of fostering inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. **The Importance of World Refugee Day:** - **Awareness:** It’s crucial to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by refugees. Understanding their experiences helps combat misconceptions and fosters a more empathetic society. - **Celebration:** This day is also about celebrating the incredible contributions refugees make to their new communities. From enriching our cultural fabric to driving innovation, their impact is profound and positive. - **Action:** Beyond recognition, World Refugee Day calls us to action. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting refugees and advocating for their rights and well-being. **Our Commitment at Stream Digital Services:** While today is a special occasion to reflect, our commitment to refugees is ongoing. We strive to create a workplace that values diversity and promotes inclusion. By working with local organizations and supporting initiatives aimed at helping refugees integrate and succeed, we hope to make a meaningful impact. Let’s take this day to not only honor the resilience of refugees but also to recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone. Together, we can make a difference. #WorldRefugeeDay #SupportRefugees #InclusionMatters #StreamDigitalServices #GlobalCommunity

✨ It was a privilege to organize a key session at the Summit of the Future in New York, alongside the Government of the Netherlands, International Labour Organization, UNICEF, Danish Refugee Council / Dansk Flygtningehjælp and our Youth Compact partners. Together, we amplified the voices of refugee youth who called for stronger global commitments on education, employment, and leadership. The message was clear: Investing in refugee youth is investing in our shared future. Their call to action centered on equitable access to higher education, skills development, and employment—critical pathways to resilience and self-reliance. These are not just rights, but key to their leadership and contributions to global solutions. As we continue advancing the goals of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the Pact for the Future, these youth-led perspectives are crucial. At UNHCR, we deeply value these engagements. Supporting refugee youth in shaping their own futures is central to our mission, and we remain committed to ensuring they have the platforms and opportunities to lead. A huge thank you to all the refugee delegates, the Netherlands government, our partners, and stakeholders for making this dialogue a success. Together, we’re working toward a future where no one is left behind. 🌍✨ #RefugeeYouth #EducationForAll #YouthLeadership #GlobalCompactOnRefugees #PactForTheFuture #SummitOfTheFuture 👉 Read more about this initiative: https://lnkd.in/dpYzvQeG

Meaningful refugee participation: Young voices matter! Young refugees are stepping up and making their voices 🗣️ heard in decisions that affect their lives. One young advocate arrived in Germany 🇩🇪 as a child and faced the struggle of not being able to communicate. This experience sparked a passion for giving a voice to those who feel unheard. The Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) (German 🇩🇪 Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) is dedicated to fostering this engagement by actively involving refugees in policy-making processes. They recognise that refugees are not just victims but resilient 💪 individuals with valuable insights ✅. By adopting the principle of “nothing about us without us,” the BMZ ensures that young voices are included in conversations about their futures🚀. This approach not only empowers 💪🌟young refugees but also leads to more effective solutions tailored to their real needs. The more we involve them in decision-making, the more we can support their self-reliance as they rebuild their lives. Let’s trust and support these young leaders—they’re ready to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities! 🌟 Read more of this amazing collaboration below 👇. Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) #YouthVoices #RefugeeParticipation #BMZ #Empowerment #Germany #GermanyInAfrica #YoungPeople #Refugees #PolicyMaking #Participation #Collaboration

Nurturing Autonomy: Empowering Refugee-Led Organizations through Genuine Assistance In the intricate tapestry of humanitarian aid, there exists a delicate balance between offering assistance and respecting autonomy, particularly in the context of displaced communities. While initial support from organizations partnering with UNHCR may provide a lifeline for refugees, the sustainability of such aid hinges on empowering individuals and communities to become architects of their own futures. Within this framework, the role of UNHCR partners in nurturing refugee-led organizations becomes paramount. These partnerships extend beyond mere provision, aiming to foster self-reliance and resilience among displaced populations. By recognizing the expertise and ingenuity inherent within these communities, partners can amplify voices that are often marginalized, advocating for inclusivity and participation in decision-making processes. In this pursuit, the principle of "nothing about us without us" serves as a guiding light, emphasizing the importance of centering refugee voices in all aspects of aid and advocacy. Through meaningful engagement and collaboration, partners can harness the collective wisdom and experiences of refugees, ensuring that interventions are not only relevant but also culturally sensitive and sustainable. At the heart of this approach lies the concept of "hope away from home," acknowledging the resilience and aspirations of displaced individuals to rebuild their lives and communities. By investing in capacity-building initiatives and providing opportunities for skills development and leadership training, partners empower refugee-led organizations to address their own challenges and shape their own narratives. Furthermore, by reframing assistance as a collaborative endeavor rather than a top-down imposition, partners foster a sense of ownership and agency among refugees. This shift from dependency to empowerment not only dignifies individuals but also paves the way for long-term solutions that transcend mere survival, laying the groundwork for thriving and inclusive societies. As advocates for genuine assistance, let us heed the call to action to support refugee-led organizations and amplify the voices of those whose resilience knows no bounds. In doing so, we uphold the principles of humanitarianism and solidarity, weaving a tapestry of hope and empowerment for all those forced to seek refuge away from home. #localisation #actionsspeaklouderthanthevoice #withrefugees #nothingaboutuswithoutus #hopeawayfromhome RELON UGANDA KRLON-Kyaka II Refugee-led Organizations Network Let's Help International (LHI) COBURWAS International Youth Organization to Transform Africa (CIYOTA) CIYOTA or COBURWAS B. Thomas Henry Justin Mahamba Julia Zahreddine Anne van den Ouwelant Ann DeChenne World Food Programme Eastern Africa Alight Texas A&M University Talent Beyond Boundaries Laura Marshall Kelly Mizell 🌟

#RefugeeWeek 2024: Our Home 🌍🏠 Refugee Week 2024 focuses on “Our Home,” highlighting the incredible challenges faced by those forced to leave theirs due to conflict, natural disasters, or persecution. Unfortunately, displacement has reached record levels and will likely grow as we confront climate change, inequality, and other root causes. Here are a few organizations making a significant impact by supporting refugees and creating opportunities: Tent Partnership for Refugees: Connecting refugees with job opportunities in leading companies to help them rebuild their lives. Techfugees: Innovating with technology to provide solutions in education, employment, and integration for displaced people. Na'amal: Empowering refugees with digital skills training and remote work opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Some other remarkable organizations include: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency: Providing critical aid and protection for millions of refugees worldwide. International Rescue Committee: Offering emergency relief and long-term support to refugee communities. Refugees International: Advocating for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced populations. Who else would you add to this list? For more insights and resources on supporting refugees and building impactful careers, check out PCDN.Global Explore more about Refugee Week 2024 and how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/eWDxxuHt #RefugeeWeek #OurHome #refugeeday #sdgs #humanity