8. Sponsorship pathways
© UNHCR/Mikael Bjuremalm
Programmes in which private individuals, entities or organizations (nomination sponsors) directly engage in admission efforts by identifying, selecting and supporting the entry and stay of nominated individuals in need of international protection. Sponsorship can often include the provision of financial, emotional, social and/or settlement support in a third country (an integration tool which UNHCR refers to as “community sponsorship”).
Overview
Sponsorship programmes present important opportunities to increase access to third-country solutions by leveraging public support for refugees. They engage a broad range of actors across communities and are an important tool for family reunification; while sponsors can choose whom to support, sponsored individuals often include nuclear and/or extended family members of the sponsors (or people known to the community).
UNHCR advocates for protection safeguards, transparent selection processes, effective monitoring systems and complementarity to resettlement quotas. On the departure country’s side, UNHCR also negotiates with States to ensure smooth departure, including through issuance of travel documentation and exit permits.
What is the difference between sponsorship pathways and community sponsorship?
Community Sponsorship
Community sponsorship is a reception and integration tool that involves the pairing of resettled refugees or persons admitted under complementary pathways with individuals, groups of individuals or organisations (i.e. sponsors such as local clubs, businesses, university communities, faith groups, etc.). These entities commit to providing clearly defined financial and/or in-kind contributions, emotional support and volunteer services to help refugees or other persons in need of international protection upon arrival.
Sponsorship Pathways
Sponsorship pathways (sometimes referred to as private or named sponsorship) are a third-country solution that should lead to an overall net increase in the number of persons in need of international protection admitted to receiving countries. Scenarios where communities identify beneficiaries and/or facilitate admission are sponsorship pathways. Such pathways, are likely to be accompanied by the expectation that sponsors will take on settlement support upon arrival.
| ACTIVITY | Community Sponsorship | Sponsorship Pathways |
| Identification of beneficiaries | ❌ | ✅ |
| Referral to programme for State selection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Facilitation of admission | ❌ | ✅ (transport, travel logistics and other practical arrangements) |
| Reception and integration | ✅ | ✅ |
Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI)
The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI) is a joint initiative led by the Government of Canada, UNHCR, The Giustra Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, The Shapiro Foundation, the University of Ottawa Refugee Hub-Pathways International, Porticus and Robert Bosch Stiftung. GRSI works with civil society and States to promote the expansion of sponsorship programmes around the world.
Resources
UNHCR webpage on private sponsorship
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