2020 UNHCR Annual Consultations with NGOs
Responding to Pandemics - 29-30 September 2020
The 2020 UNHCR-NGO Annual Consultations took place place virtually on 29 and 30 September 2020, focusing on Responding to Pandemics.
The consultations had three main themes:
- Protection considerations
- Resilience and inclusion
- Climate action
A side event dedicated to Partnership Agreements in Pandemics, with the participation of Robert Hurt (Head of the Implementing Management and Assurance Service) took place on Monday 28 September
Agenda and concept note
For more information, please refer to the summary agenda and consult the detailed concept note.
Final recommendations
The final recommendations were agreed upon during the Consultations, and presented by ICVA at the 71st session of the Executive Committee. (full statement)
The recordings of the sessions can be accessed on this password protected page. Please contact the Partnership and Coordination Service to request access.
Agenda
Monday 28 September
- 14:00 - 16:00 Side event on Partnership Agreements in Pandemics
Tuesday 29 September
- 11:00 - 12:30 Opening conversation with the High Commissioner on our collective response to COVID-19
- 13:00 - 14:30 Resilience and Inclusion
- 15:00 - 16:30 Protection Considerations
Wednesday 30 September
- 11:00 - 12:30 Climate Action
- 13:00 - 14:00 Closing session with the Deputy High Commissioner
Background
From March 2020, COVID-19 has emerged as a major, worldwide disruptor to the provision of protection and assistance of UNHCR and partners to refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional in-person Global UNHCR Consultations with NGOs could not take place in June.
This notwithstanding, UNHCR held global weekly virtual consultations with NGO partners between March and July on preparedness and response to COVID-19 in refugee situations. Co-organized with ICVA, the objective of these consultations was to create a space for regular dialogue between UNHCR and NGOs on challenges and for sharing of good practices on emerging responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building on these weekly exchanges with NGOs, the 2020 Annual NGO consultations aim to contribute to the preparations of the 2020 UNHCR’s High Commissioner Dialogue on Protection Challenges focusing on on “Protection Challenges in Pandemics”.
Related resources
- How Covid-19 pandemic has impeded efforts to protect the displaced and affected their access to basic rights
- Covid-19 Situation page on Global Focus UNHCR Operations Worldwide
- UNHCR Data Operational Portal Global situation: COVID-19
Welcome to UNHCR’s first digital art exhibition: “A world where kindness defeats Covid-19”
Our 3D museum features 35 winning drawings created by young artists aged from 12-25 that participated in UNHCR’s Youth with Refugees Art Contest. You can either walk around or follow a guided tour by clicking on the arrows at the bottom of your screen. To have the best possible experience on your computer, Google Chrome or Firefox are recommended.
