Refugees SEAT

🚨 New Report Alert! 🚨 "We were seen, but were we heard?” Meaningful Refugee Participation at the Global Refugee Forum 2023, an Assessment by R-SEAT. The second Global Refugee Forum (GRF) took place in Geneva from December 12-15, 2023. This GRF saw a significant increase in the number of participants with lived experience of forced displacement, from: 🔹 2019: 72 participants  🔹 2023: 328 participants Despite this increase, we must ask: Was refugee participation in the GRF 2023 truly meaningful? This report assesses the quality of refugee involvement and offers policy recommendations to all stakeholders, including UNHCR, states, NGOs, INGOs, and refugees themselves, for enhancing meaningful participation 🔗 Download the full report and join us in enhancing meaningful refugee participation for more effective and improved global refugee responses! 🌍 https://bit.ly/3Ssb8a0 #GRF2023 #RefugeeParticipation #RSEAT #UNHCR #Refugees 

🌍9 Refugee Leaders completed R-SEAT’s Geneva Advocacy Training in collaboration with The Sanremo Institute, empowering them to represent refugee voices at ExCom 2024 in Geneva. Focused on advocacy skills, navigating global refugee policy, and fostering meaningful participation, this training prepared them to elevate refugee perspectives at this critical event. Meet the leaders⬇️ Muzna DUREID, MA PPPA Apajok Biar Sirazul Islam Ntobuah julius Paul kithima Ayda Z. Christy Chitengu Cheng Laban Majdi Laktinah 🎤Facilitator James Milner, a professor at Carleton University Department of Political Science and leader in refugee research, brought valuable insights from global refugee governance. 🎤Mustafa Alio, M.S.M, co-managing director of Refugees SEAT and co-founder of Jumpstart Refugee Talent, shared his expertise in advocacy for economic and social inclusion. Together, they laid a foundation for impactful refugee-led advocacy. Martina Ranieli Valentina Rossi [she/her] #ExCom #GlobalVoices

R-SEAT attended the 75th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee (ExCom) from October 14-18 in Geneva. ExCom is the UNHCR’s key governing body and meets annually to review and approve the agency’s programmes and budget, advise on international protection and discuss a range of other issues. This year was particularly significant, as it marked the first time a refugee-led organization drafted and delivered the statement on behalf of the NGO community. This historic achievement highlights the growing importance of engaging refugees not only as individuals but also as leaders and institutions. #ExCom #Refugees #RSEAT

At the 75th UNHCR Executive Committee, the NGO statement highlighted the vital role of refugee-led organizations (RLOs) in shifting forcibly displaced people from aid recipients to active contributors, driving stronger global responses. Yet, RLOs remain critically underfunded, receiving just a small portion of the 1.2% allocated for local actors—cutting off crucial support. The statement calls on states to recognize RLOs as true and equal partners, as envisioned by the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), ensuring they are not only consulted but meaningfully engaged. #ExCom #Refugees #RSEAT

R-SEAT is honored to be the first refugee-led organization (RLO) to draft & deliver the NGO Collective Statement at the UNHCR #ExCom in Geneva. Our East Africa Regional Lead, Ishimwe Jean Marie, delivered the statement at the 75th session of the ExCom. The statement calls for an urgent and effective action to protect & save lives and promote equal dignity, protection, and peace for all. Key recommendations are: 1️. Prioritize saving lives and ensure access to protection and essential services, such as education and healthcare; 2️. All stakeholders must proactively address the public backlash against forcibly displaced and stateless persons, both in public discourse and political rhetoric; 3. Recognize the importance of meaningful refugee participation as a tool to enhance refugee responses at all levels. You can read the full statement here: https://buff.ly/4dSfE9u #ExCom #Refugees #RSEAT

R-SEAT attended the 75th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee (ExCom) from October 14-18 in Geneva. ExCom is the UNHCR’s key governing body and meets annually to review and approve the agency’s programmes and budget, advise on international protection and discuss a range of other issues. This year was particularly significant, as it marked the first time a refugee-led organization drafted and delivered the statement on behalf of the NGO community. This historic achievement highlights the growing importance of engaging refugees not only as individuals but also as leaders and institutions. #ExCom #Refugees #RSEAT

The Welcome Corps on Campus is now accepting applications from refugee students currently in Jordan and Kenya!     Through this program, refugee students receive academic and community support as they embark on their studies in the United States.     Don't miss this opportunity—check the eligibility requirements and apply today!    📅 Application Deadline: October 13, 2024  📄 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/daRSm6yE  

"I stand as a voice for the youth, for the refugees, and for all those forgotten." Monicah Malith, a South Sudanese refugee living in Kenya, opened the Summit of the Future at the #UNGA in New York with a powerful call to action. Her speech emphasized that the escalating forced displacement crises are among the world’s most pressing issues and highlighted the need for long-term, compassionate solutions that preserve dignity and foster meaningful contributions from refugees. She reminds us that when refugees are not meaningfully included, we all lose out. #Refugees #MeaningfulParticipation #SummitoftheFuture 

On September 26, R-SEAT, in collaboration with Refugees International and the US Refugee Advisory Board, hosted a High-Level Reception during the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Our panel discussion, “Refugees: At Risk or a Risk?”, brought together global leaders, diplomats, and advocates to engage in candid and thought-provoking conversations about refugee leadership, inclusive policies, and the challenges of misinformation. A heartfelt thank you to our partners, speakers, and attendees for making this event a success!  You can find all the event pictures here: https://lnkd.in/enyUiWpP #RSEAT #Refugees #UNGA  Bob Rae Julieta Valls Noyes Kelly T. Clements Raed Alsaleh Tawakkol Karman IKEA Foundation Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Open Society Foundations Robert Bosch Stiftung

🚨 RLRH is hiring for two senior leadership positions! The application for the Director of Operations & Strategy closes next Tuesday, October 8th, and the application for the Director of Academic Programmes closes the following Tuesday, October 15th. Check out the requirements and apply today! We strongly encourage individuals with lived experience to apply. Don’t miss this opportunity!