Marian Sitar’s Post

On #WorldRefugeeDay, I want to share reflections on the key asks we raised as the Global Refugee-led Network (GRN) during the second preparatory meeting of UNHCR in Geneva last year. While challenges for refugees are increasing, it's essential to highlight progress and achievements. In my statement, we raised six key asks for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the GRF co-hosts: 1. Prioritize meaningful refugee participation—"Nothing about us without us"—throughout the GRF agenda. 2. Encourage stakeholders to sign the Refugee Participation Pledge as early as possible. 3. Include a refugee advisor on national delegations and in preparatory meetings. 4. Achieve a refugee participation rate above 10% at GRF 2023, with refugees on all panels. 5. Increase financial resources to support refugee-led organizations and participants. 6. Send GRF invitations at least four months in advance. I'm happy we've made decent progress on these key asks, but we are far from perfect. Since my last speech, conflicts, wars, and natural disasters have drastically increased, putting more pressure on the international community, UNHCR, and us as refugee advocates. This is our duty and mission in life. On #WorldRefugeeDay, I ask for one more thing: be kind to refugees. It's not their fault, and they don't deserve harshness or hate speech. Treat them with empathy and kindness, and they will be great friends, partners, and valuable assets to their communities. 💫💫 #refugees #TheWorldRefugeeDay #GRF #UNHCR #Geneva

Sir Richard Branson is one of a very few people of a select minority in powerful positions actively supporting everyday causes that effect the majority, and this article from Virgin's website briefly mentions how i always approach problems, and that is resolve the root cause of the problem and have changes ripple down stream. I do not know the answer, but addressing the root causes of the global refugee crisis, as mentioned in the article, is complex and often stem from internal civil conflicts. These problems require many Branson like individuals to collaborate their resources, power and voices. Powerful people and organisations can take several actions to help resolve these and possibly other problems. Firstly provide immediate relief and support to displaced families so they are not forced to flee their country. Work with local governments and advise changes to policies to promote stability, ultimately leading to something towards peace. Invest in countries to develop their economy.

Refugee Week 2024 has kicked off this week. It is Australia’s peak annual activity to promote awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions refugees are making to the Australian society. This year's theme "Finding Freedom: Family" comes as at a time when forced displacement has soared drastically over the last few years around the world. The UNHCR states over 120 million people have been forcibly displaced, out of which 43 million are refugees. Australia as one of the world's active refugee host nations has housed thousands of refugees over the last few years that come from countries around the world and now call Australia home. It is important that we reflect on the challenges refugees face in Australia and around the world while cherishing the important contributions they make to the stable growth of the Australian communities and economy. Refugee Council of Australia #RefugeeWeek #RefugeeWeek2024 #Migrants #Refugees

On June 20, the world observed World Refugee Day, a global event dedicated to honoring the resilience, courage, and strength of millions of refugees around the world. This year's theme, "Hope Away from Home," emphasizes the importance of creating supportive and inclusive environments for refugees as they rebuild their lives in new communities. Through this blog I tried to explore the challenges faced by refugees, celebrate their inspiring stories, and discuss how we can all contribute to making a difference. #WorldRefugeeDay #HopeAwayFromHome #RefugeeAwareness #HumanRights #SupportRefugees #GlobalSolidarity #StandWithRefugees #InclusiveCommunities #RefugeeAdvocacy #EmpowerRefugees #HumanitarianAid #RefugeeResilience

The 2023 Global Refugee Forum (GRF) made significant progress in enhancing refugee participation. Now, Refugees SEAT reports on whether that participation was truly meaningful. Their assessment outlines ongoing challenges in achieving meaningful refugee participation and offers policy recommendations to overcome these barriers, aiming to empower refugees to have a lasting and significant influence on policies affecting their lives. Read about their findings: https://lnkd.in/gnVyPBsw

Today, 20 June, we celebrate World Refugee Day. It's a day to honour the courage and #resilience of the millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes because of war, persecution or #human rights violations. The theme of this year's World Refugee Day is 'For a world that welcomes refugees'. Now more than ever, refugees need our solidarity and support. Together, we can all make the world a more welcoming place for refugees by: 1. Promote solidarity: Together, let's keep our doors open and recognise the assets and achievements of refugees. Let's work hand in hand to create a more welcoming and inclusive world. 2. Raise awareness of the challenges faced by refugees: Refugees face barriers in accessing education, health and employment. Let's support initiatives that improve their situation. 3. Highlight refugee success stories: Discover inspiring stories of refugees who have overcome difficulties and made a positive contribution to their host communities. This can help change perceptions and promote inclusion. 4. Advocate for refugee-friendly policies: Let's work together to advocate for policies and laws that protect the rights of refugees. Our collective voice is powerful. #worldrefugeeday #solidaritywithrefugees UNHCR, the UN Refugee AgencyHealth of Mother Earth FoundationPlan InternationalYALI Regional Leadership Center - West Africa - Dakar AHISHAKIYE P. PatrickOrnelle TiomoUNLEASHED (Potentials In Motion)NDAYIZEYE Emery

Each year on June 20th, we recognize World Refugee Day, the international day to acknowledge and honor people who have been forced to flee from their homes. Some reading this post may be refugees themselves, or a child of refugees, or know someone who is a refugee. So many people worldwide are displaced. World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of refugees. And while it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. The theme of this year's World Refugee Day is "Hope away from Home," highlighting the need to give refugees the opportunity to study, work, and live healthy lives wherever they find safety. Inclusion is the best way to help refugees restart their lives, contribute to their new communities, and prepare them for a successful return home when conditions allow. With global forced displacement at record levels, the need for solutions and hope for millions of people fleeing conflict and persecution has never been greater. For more information, visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR) website: https://lnkd.in/gGjBjVih. #WithRefugees #cambodianamericans #community #supportrefugees

Refugees working towards more effective policies   Today, R-SEAT highlights the importance of meaningful refugee participation in decision-making through the story of Nejra Sumic, Deputy Chair of the United States Refugee Advisory Board from Refugee Congress and National Field Manager of We Are All America    #RefugeeVoices #MeaningfulParticipation   Read the full story here 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/3xIl5ce

This year, the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel developed a working definition for Meaningful Refugee Participation (MRP) to guide effective engagement with people with lived refugee experience. Join us at the upcoming National Refugee Resettlement Forum on August 6-7, 2024 as we delve into practical applications of this critical concept. We look forward to seeing you there! What is meaningful refugee participation? “Meaningful refugee participation occurs when refugees from diverse backgrounds and at all levels have sustained and tangible influence in all fora where decisions, policies, and responses that impact their lives are being designed, implemented, and measured in a manner that is accessible, broad, informed, safe, free, and supported. MRP requires upskilling and training refugees how to strategically advance the objectives of their participation and how to identify and address tokenistic approaches. MRP happens when refugees choose to participate or not to participate based on their expertise as well as their lived experience” #refugees #RefugeeVoices