UNHCR's NGO consultations bring together partners across Asia-Pacific to discuss the inclusion of refugees amidst the pandemic

Following a year in which the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated lives and livelihoods worldwide, UNHCR and partner organizations came together to discuss how to ensure that refugees continue to be included in the economic and social welfare systems across Asia and the Pacific.

In collaboration with the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), UNHCR’s Regional NGO Consultations for 2021 were held from 21 to 30 June. The virtual event brought together over 200 participants from some 80 organizations to discuss topics around the central theme of “Socio-economic inclusion of refugees in the COVID context”.

The Consultations provide an opportunity for UNHCR and partner organizations to discuss best practices and approaches in the delivery of assistance and protection. It is also a vital element in fulfilling the objectives of the Global Compact for Refugees, which envisions stepped-up collaboration between UNHCR and fellow UN agencies with governments, civil society, and the private sector.

Among the specific topics discussed were the impact of COVID-19 on the education, health and livelihoods of refugees; the opportunities and challenges of localization; Addressing climate risks in situations of forced displacement; the Global Compact for Refugees Regional Review and Stocktaking; and stateless persons’ access to public services.

Throughout the Consultations, participants noted that the pandemic has underlined the importance of inclusion. Refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons cannot be left behind by the societies in which they are living. The dictum “no one is safe until everyone is safe”, used often over the past year, should go beyond inclusion in health systems and encompass other facets of life needed to ensure a safe and dignified life, including protection, education and livelihoods.

UNHCR will continue the dialogue with NGOs on different thematic topics, including the ones that were discussed during the Consultations. The key recommendations and outcomes of the Consultations are being carefully studied by UNHCR at both regional and global levels, to ensure that they are properly addressed.

Read the Outcomes of the Consultations

Visit the event page for the Consultations