The 9th Asia-Pacific Consultation on Refugee Rights (APCRR 9) was conducted on Tuesday, September 12, and Wednesday 13 September, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting took place both in-person and online and brought together over 120 participants with diverse profiles and from diverse backgrounds and regions, including our individual and organisational members.

The key outcome of APCRR 9 was the adoption and in-depth discussion of the 2023-2027 APRRN strategy which will guide the work of APRRN in the next four years and lays out our vision, mission, and commitment to be more impactful in protecting and promoting the rights of refugees and other vulnerable groups on the move in the Asia-Pacific region. It also contains APRRN’s commitment to improve, widen, and diversify the inclusion of people with lived experiences at all levels of APRRN, along with other lived intersectional identities.

Prior to APCRR9, APRRN had an online nomination and election process for APRRN’s new governance. The new Steering Committee (SC) was welcomed and presented at the APCRR. We thank the outgoing SC for their hard work and dedication and welcome the new SC with whom we look forward to working. Click to see our new SC  

The UNHCR NGO Consultation Asia Pacific was organised in partnership with APRRN, ICVA, UNHCR, and APNOR, and held on September 14th and 15th, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand. The hybrid event, “Promoting Inclusion for Sustainable Solutions” drew a diverse range of participants, including several APRRN members and partners, experts, advocates, and other stakeholders to engage in critical discussions on refugee and displacement issues in Asia and the Pacific. Klaus was on the welcoming panel, Hafsar was a co-panelist in the plenary session and many APRRN members moderated, led, and contributed to working group discussions throughout the two days.

Messages from Hafsar and Klaus, Co-Secretary Generals

September was a very important month for us with the APCRR and the election of the new Steering Committee, and we are ready and excited to continue our joint journey towards taking APRRN to the next stage. We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet so many members in person and hope we hope that we will be able to meet many more of you in person soon. We have received evaluations of the event and will analyse and take your comments into consideration so that we can improve on the next APCRR and similar future consultations and meetings.

We would like to thank David Keegan and Lynette Nam, as members of the Strategy Committee, for leading and moderating the strategy process and the online consultations with members. We would also like to thank May Kim, Pillkyu Hwang, and Hamsa Vijayaraghavan for forming the Election Committee. And a big thank you to our dedicated team who worked tirelessly with us, on and behind the scenes, prior to and during the APCRR.

In terms of the next steps, an email will come out soon from the Chair asking for nominations for the remaining three vacant positions in the Steering Committee; a call for members of the Sub-committee on Governance Review; a summary report of the APCCR; and a final version of the 2023-2027 APRRN strategy.

Updates on consultants at the Secretariat

Farewell to Sharon, Caroline, and Victoria

As many of you may know, we have had some changes in our secretariat in the last couple of months. Sharon Nsimire Kisub – Membership Support and Communications Officer Consultant, left in late July to pursue her studies in the U.S.

Caroline Gaal, the Rohingya Consultant, and Victoria Forsgate, the Fundraising, and Development Specialist Consultant, left APRRN in August and September to pursue other opportunities. We would like to thank all three for their dedication and hard work and wish them all success in their future endeavours!

Welcome to Ali, Amrita and Emma

As many of you may also know, we have three new recruitments, namely Ali Reza Yawari, Amrita Paul, and Emma Goldie.

Ali is the new Membership Support and Communications Officer Consultant (full-time), He is a Hazara refugee from Afghanistan and a multifaceted advocate, filmmaker, and published author currently based in Indonesia. Having experienced displacement as a refugee himself and his subsequent involvement in various initiatives that have driven positive social impact, his journey has been marked by a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by forcibly displaced communities.

Amrita is the new Rohingya Consultant (full-time). She brings a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in the assessment and refinement of access to justice frameworks for individuals in custody. Her primary focus is on protection concerns vis-à-vis detained refugees and asylum seekers in non-signatory states in the region. Her work encompasses critical aspects such as identification, registration, and facilitating access to legal representation, all aimed at reducing prolonged detention, preventing unnecessary incarcerations, and ensuring effective legal aid for refugees and foreign nationals.

Emma is our Learning Lead Consultant (new position – part-time). Emma will be coordinating and supporting APRRN in the change and learning process to a co-leadership model and to the wider shift towards a more meaningful and diverse representation and participation of those with lived experience of forced migration experiences, along with other lived intersectional identities. Emma has, for the last ten years, worked for multiple refugee-led organisations, leading, evaluating, and providing strategic oversight to refugee-led projects, that promote meaningful change and refugee and migrant voices.

We are currently recruiting for a Fundraising and Development Consultant (part-time) and hope to have someone in place in early November.

Member Spotlight!

Society for Human Rights and Prisoners Aid (SHARP-Pakistan)

Introducing the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners Aid (SHARP), a non-profit, non-political, and non-governmental organisation that has been making a significant impact in Pakistan since its establishment in 1999. Registered under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance of 1961, SHARP is committed to building a more human rights-friendly Pakistan by focusing on the well-being of vulnerable communities. Through various interventions, including advocacy, community services, capacity building, and emergency response, they have extended their support to marginalized groups, such as refugees, women, juvenile delinquents, street children, and prisoners. Their work spans critical thematic areas such as child protection, emergency response, advocacy, education, infrastructure development, and healthcare. SHARP's vision is to create an inclusive Pakistan that recognizes and protects the rights of all, regardless of caste, creed, color, sex, ethnicity, or nationality. By partnering with like-minded national and international humanitarian organizations, SHARP aims to promote social justice and empowerment while advocating for policy changes. Visit the Website

FROM OUR MEMBERS

Brian Barbour, Senior Refugee Protection Advisor at Act For Peace, contributed to the Kaldor Centre Policy Brief Series with the publication released on September 7, 2023. In this publication, Brian presents a comprehensive framework outlining the essential characteristics and standards for assessing proposed or existing asylum systems. Furthermore, the document includes a set of indicators designed to measure progress toward achieving these standards. Of particular significance is the emphasis on adopting a 'whole-of-society approach' in the development of asylum capacity. For those interested, the publication is introduced and linked below, providing valuable insights into enhancing asylum systems and fostering a more inclusive approach to capacity development. Read More Here

A recent development in Thailand's refugee screening process has raised concerns among asylum seekers, as reported in the article "New refugee screening system stirs fear among asylum seekers". The new system has generated apprehension within the asylum-seeking community, highlighting the importance of monitoring changes in refugee policies and their impact on vulnerable populations. Stay informed about this evolving situation by accessing the full article through this link. Read More Here

On September 19, 2023, the 4th Quarterly Regional Rohingya Advocacy Forum, jointly hosted by IOM/ADSP/UNHCR, took place as a hybrid event in Bangkok. This forum served as a platform for valuable insights, including lessons learned and reflections on advocacy efforts concerning the Irregular Maritime Movement in 2022/23. Participants engaged in discussions about forecasting upcoming irregular maritime movements and identified key advocacy targets within this context. Chris Lewa, The Arakan Project, delivered a comprehensive presentation on movement routes, the feasibility of forecasting irregular maritime movements, and effective response strategies.

On 20 September 2023, the Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) held a Conference, titled "Cherishing Multiculturalism in Australia: Advancing rights of refugees in Asia Pacific," a significant event for those passionate about refugee rights and multiculturalism. This conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions and insights into advancing the rights of refugees in the Asia Pacific region. Hafsar also attended this inaugural event and took part in panel discussions with other advocacy groups. Read More Here

On 21 September 2023, in a press release, SUAKA condemned the deportation decision made by immigration officers at the Kupang Immigration Detention Center in Indonesia. This incident has sparked concerns over the protection of human rights for refugees, further highlighting the challenges faced by asylum seekers in Indonesia. The deportation raises questions about the adherence to Indonesia's own constitutional and legal provisions regarding the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. Despite Indonesia not being a party to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, it is, like every other state, obligated to uphold human rights standards and norms, including the principle of non-refoulement. SUAKA has called for an urgent evaluation of the handling of refugees by immigration authorities to prevent such incidents from recurring. Read More Here

On September 22, 2023, an online report launch, titled “This Persecution is the Worst There is” hosted by The Fort and organized by Youth Congress Rohingya (YCR), presented a fresh and community-driven perspective.

YCR, a community-led initiative, has taken on the task of documenting the constraints on the freedom of movement imposed by the Bangladesh government and the abuse carried on by APBN against Rohingya refugees in the camps. Their report is a testament to the community’s resilience and determination to voice their barriers and concerns, seeking solutions on their terms.

Hafsar participated as a panelist at the launch, emphasizing the urgency of not normalizing the ongoing oppression and persecution of the Rohingyas. They stressed the need to hold the responsible state accountable for human rights violations against the Rohingya population.

On 25 September 2023, in a significant development that had direct involvement from APRRN members, from the early stages, including identifying lawyers, Sri Lankan asylum seekers in the UK successfully avoided forced deportation to Sri Lanka just days before their scheduled High Court challenge. Citing the risk of persecution, torture, and ill-treatment upon return to Sri Lanka, the asylum seekers filed for a judicial review. However, in an unexpected twist, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Commissioner withdrew all the deportation decisions, effectively allowing the claimants to remain. The legal battle, led by human rights lawyers from law firms Leigh Day and Duncan Lewis, revealed numerous flaws in the asylum screening process, prompting the Commissioner to reevaluate and address the deficiencies. The decision is hailed as a victory for refugee rights and the fair processing of asylum claims. Read More Here and also Here

national updates

India

India has voiced "serious concern" over reports of renewed violence and attacks by terrorists in the northern Rakhine State of Myanmar. The External Affairs Ministry expressed deep sadness at the loss of lives, including members of the Myanmar security forces, in the recent attacks. The Indian government strongly condemned these acts and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. India reaffirmed its commitment to the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar during this challenging period. Read More Here

Myanmar

More than 1,000 people from Myanmar’s northeastern Shan state have reportedly fled across the border to China since July when fighting broke out in two townships between the military and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Read More Here

Thousands of Myanmar nationals are stranded near the Chinese border checkpoint in Shan state, with a thousand more arriving each day, according to local residents. Read More Here

Pakistan

The government of Pakistan issued a deadline for an estimated 1.7 million undocumented Afghan nationals to leave the country by 1 November or face deportation. The move follows a recent crackdown by Pakistani authorities, in which hundreds of Afghans have been detained for lacking proper documentation. The Taliban leadership in Afghanistan called the ultimatum ‘unacceptable’ and urged Pakistan to reconsider. Amnesty International said forced repatriations could put Afghan refugees at ‘grave risk’. 

Bangladesh

World Architecture Day: Exploring 'Architecture for Resilient Communities' - The Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre by Rizvi Hassan in Bangladesh.

In an effort to address the identity crisis faced by Rohingya refugees who have endured displacement from their homeland in Myanmar, IOM collaborated with Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazaar, Bangladesh, to establish the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC). Under the guidance of architect Rizvi Hassan, the project sought to create a unique space that embodies resilience and cultural preservation. Hassan drew inspiration from documentation provided by Rohingya artisans, which detailed architectural models and bamboo patterns from Myanmar. The resulting structure, built primarily from bamboo and organized around four courts, stands as an icon for the community, serving as a testament to their heritage and determination to preserve it amidst adversity. Read More Here

Australia

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has introduced a landmark Refugee Advisory Panel, a formal body that will inform and advise the government on refugee-related decisions and policies. While the move is seen as progressive, the positions are unpaid. The panel, comprising 7 to 9 members serving for an initial 18 months, is expected to dedicate about 10 hours a month to its work, including preparing for the UNHCR Global Refugee Forum. This has raised concerns about the government undervaluing the lived experiences of some of Australia's most vulnerable individuals by not providing compensation for their expertise and time commitment. Advocates, including Dung Tran, Co-Founder and Director of Our Race, have called for the Department of Home Affairs to reconsider this approach, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the value of lived experience. Read More Here

Rohullah Hussaini, a volunteer with the State Emergency Service (SES) in Swan Hill, Australia, celebrated after being granted permanent protection by the Australian government after 11 years. However, his joy is overshadowed by the looming threat to his wife and three-year-old daughter, who have less than three months before being forced to return to Afghanistan from Iran. Hussaini, a Hazara refugee, arrived in Indonesia in 2010 and spent over a year waiting for refugee status. He was later detained in Australia but eventually granted government housing in Adelaide and relocated to Swan Hill in 2013. Hussaini has been a dedicated SES volunteer for seven years, playing a vital role during regional floods and serving as a liaison for the local Hazara refugee community. Now, his fight is to reunite with his family and protect them from the dangers of returning to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Read More Here

International

President Biden has signed the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2024, marking a significant step in addressing the unprecedented global displacement crisis. The determination sets the ambitious refugee admissions target at 125,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, a milestone not reached in three decades. The United States is actively working to rebuild, streamline, and expand the US Refugee Admissions Program, with initiatives like the Welcome Corps and the Welcome Corps on Campus, empowering everyday Americans and institutions to play a vital role in welcoming refugees. Read More Here

As preparations intensify for the second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva from December 12-15, 2023, UNHCR is hosting formal briefings to inform stakeholders about the Forum The organization is holding the 3rd quarterly informal briefing on the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) on October 18 and the 4th quarterly informal briefing on the GCR on November 17. These briefings offer an opportunity for key stakeholders to stay updated on the latest developments and discussions surrounding the GCR. Read More Here

Open Online Course on “Children’s Mental Health: Rights and Perspectives

A new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled "Children's Mental Health: Rights and Perspectives" aims to shed light on the pressing global issue of declining children's mental health, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. UNICEF and WHO reports highlight the urgent need for greater support and services for children's mental well-being. This MOOC seeks to emphasize that children have the right to mental health, backed by legal and policy frameworks and offers insights into addressing the challenges they face. One key focus area explores involving children and adolescents directly in decision-making about their mental health. By providing information, materials, and practical guidance, the MOOC aims to empower individuals to contribute to the mental well-being of the younger generation.

Course Date: From 16 October to 19 November 2023 (Free enrolment till 7 November) How To Enroll

FUNDING UPDATES 

Funding to support women’s participation in local, regional and national peace processes

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office UK is inviting proposals by 20 October 2023 for projects supporting women’s participation in local, regional and national peace processes. Funding will be up to a maximum of £850,000 across financial years 2024 to 2025, with a maximum of £500,000 provided in the first year and a maximum of £350,000 in the second year. This initiative spans various critical areas including climate change, education, empowerment and accountability, girls' and women's rights, humanitarian emergencies and disasters, peacebuilding, access to justice, and research in countries like Afghanistan and Myanmar… Read More Here

The Freedom Fund: Applications open for Survivor Leadership Fund

The Survivor Leadership Fund is now accepting applications from survivor-led organisations in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This fund, backed by the Freedom Fund, is dedicated to uplifting and empowering survivor-led groups in the fight against modern slavery. It provides unrestricted grants to these organisations, allowing them to utilize the funding as they see fit to enhance their capacity and impact. By shifting the power back to those most affected by modern slavery, the Survivor Leadership Fund aims to make a genuine difference. Survivor-led organisations are uniquely positioned to offer expertise and leadership in combating the systems that perpetuate modern slavery.

Deadline Date: October 31, 2023

Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000

Survivor Leadership Fund - Freedom Fund

International Documentary Association’s Direct Access Fund

The Survivor Leadership Fund is now accepting applications from survivor-led organisations in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Thailand. This fund, backed by the Freedom Fund, is dedicated to uplifting and empowering survivor-led groups in the fight against modern slavery. It provides unrestricted grants to these organisations, allowing them to utilize the funding as they see fit to enhance their capacity and impact. By shifting the power back to those most affected by modern slavery, the Survivor Leadership Fund aims to make a genuine difference. Survivor-led organisations are uniquely positioned to offer expertise and leadership in combating the systems that perpetuate modern slavery. This trust-based approach to funding seeks to support their sustainability and growth, recognising the crucial role they play in ending modern slavery.

Deadline Date: October 31, 2023

Grant Size: $1000 to $10,000 

NAI Direct Access Fund | International Documentary Association

Call for Proposals: Insurance Innovation Challenge Fund - Malaysia

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Generali are seeking innovative insurance solutions to enhance the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Powered by UNDP and Generali, the IICF is looking for innovative ideas for insurance products and services for underserved population segments and new markets. The Challenge Fund facilitates and incentivizes the development of two solutions in Malaysia for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) resilience. The proposed solutions should involve scaling up existing solutions and tailoring them to SME resilience while partnering with diverse distribution channels and integrating new technology solutions.

Deadline Date: November 03, 2023

Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000

Insurance Innovation Challenge Fund (IICF) Malaysia (undp.org)

SIDA/Global Fund for Women - Call for Proposals: Feminist approaches to Anti-Corruption - Nepal

Corruption and oppression go hand in hand. That’s why, with support from  the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Global Fund for Women has launched a learning project to explore feminist approaches to anti-corruption.

To kick off this project, we invite proposals from groups, organizations, collectives, and networks eager to learn, share, and wrestle with questions to prevent and mitigate corruption.

Deadline Date: October 31, 2023

Grant Size: $20,000 USD to $50,000 USD (flexible funding)

https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/latest/article/call-for-proposals-feminist-approaches-to-anti-corruption/

Child’s Dream Foundation Grant Program (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand)

If you plan to submit a grant proposal, please read our proposal guidelines first to make sure that your proposal is eligible and contains the necessary information. The proposal guidelines also outline how and to whom the proposal should be submitted.

We are looking forward to receiving your proposals on:

• Building Schools & Other Educational Infrastructure
• Improving Access to Basic Education
• Improving Quality of Education
• Providing Skills Training to Enhance Employability
• Supporting Youth Development and Empowerment
• Developing Future Leaders, Specialists and Entrepreneurs
• Supporting Basic and Essential Health Care
• Supporting Targeted Emergency Relief

Deadline Date: Ongoing

Apply for Grants - Child's Dream (childsdream.org)

Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi: Local Transition Projects to promote Human Rights and Democracy (India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal)

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi announces a call for proposals for the Local Transition Projects 2024. The LTP´s fall under the Transition Promotion Program, which is the framework of the support of human rights and democracy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The program aims to support non-governmental organizations that promote human rights and democracy in their countries.

Deadline Date: October 26, 2023

Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000

https://www.mzv.cz/newdelhi/en/pr/human_rights/call_for_proposal_local_transition_1.html

Commonwealth Foundation Open Grant

This funding supports civil society organizations working towards fostering positive interaction between civil society and decision-makers. It enables civil society to participate in developing policies and decision-making processes in various sectors, such as health justice, climate justice, freedom of expression, gender, and youth participation, among others.

Grant Size: £30,000

Deadline: October 23, 2023

Donor: Commonwealth Foundation

Countries/Regions: Commonwealth countries

Link: https://bit.ly/3RKlCC4  

Australian High Commission Islamabad: Direct Aid Program

DEADLINE: 19 November 2023

Application Process: Who can apply for Direct Aid Program (DAP) funding?

Funding is available on a not-for-profit basis to community groups, NGOs, and other entities registered in Pakistan.

There is no minimum amount that a single DAP project can receive but the maximum is AUD 60,000 over the life of the project. Projects of a lower value (up to AUD 40,000) are highly encouraged. DAP partners are encouraged to contribute to at least 25 percent of the total project cost. Activities can run up to a maximum of two years.

The preferred and priority sectors for DAP projects this year are climate change and gender. DAP projects engage a wide range of partners including community groups, non-government organisations, educational institutions and local governments. 

What activities are eligible for DAP Support?

DAP activities should achieve practical and tangible outcomes of high development impact. DAP is able to fund activities that have a direct, practical and immediate impact. Preference will be given to projects:

• where applicants and their communities make a contribution to the success of the project (e.g. labour, materials, transport or cash);
• that enhance educational and cultural exchanges and people-to-people links;
• that are achievable and have sustainable outcomes; and
• that provide educational or occupational/skills training.

The online application form can be found here

General information and criteria on the DAP programme can be reached via this link.

If you have any questions while completing your application, please contact us at +92 51 835 5500 or at DAP.Islamabad@dfat.gov.au during business hours. Make sure to include your application number in your email subject.