NEWSLETTER DETAILS
News Briefs (November 2023)
Our News Briefs bring you the latest highlights from the advocacy efforts of APRRN and our members, as well as keeping you informed on upcoming events and activities. We strive to provide regular updates on the networkโs activities and developments in the refugee protection sphere, alongside the emerging political climate in the Asia Pacific region. We welcome contributions from members! Please share your updates, information, or resources with Ali at msco@aprrn.org
From 28 - 30 November, Hafsar Tameesuddin, APRRN’s co-secretary general, participated and led sessions in an event in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for young Myanmar activists to strengthen bonds, and strategise long-term with the Milk Tea Alliance. There were discussions on trans-local solidarity and mutual aid initiatives. The event sought to empower young leaders to ensure their voices are recognised and heard, despite challenges posed by patriarchal norms and marginalisation imposed by the Myanmar military and others, and to promote the diverse inclusion of young activists in decision-making.
Two Dialogues with the Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP)
APRRN co-hosted two Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) - APRRN Dialogues; the first focusing on the issue of Access to Mental Health Services for refugees and other people on the move on November 1, 2023. The second dialogue, centered around Ensuring Access to Education for refugees and other people on the move, took place on November 8, 2023.
During the first Dialogue, refugees from India and Australia shared their experiences and proposed potential success models. ADSP presented findings from a recent Roundtable Consultation. The event had 27 attendees and engaged in a collaborative whiteboard activity to generate concrete and pragmatic solutions.
The second Dialogue featured voices of refugees in Australia and an academician from Thailand. Speakers shared their lived experiences and suggested practical models, while ADSP presented findings from an upcoming report. The session was attended by 28 participants and included a collaborative whiteboard activity aimed at generating actionable solutions.
Member Spotlight!
Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN): The voice of LGBTIQ+ people in forced displacement
The Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) is an Australian organisation advocating for the rights and well-being of forcibly displaced individuals within the LGBTIQ+ community who have faced persecution due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. As the first registered organisation led by LGBTIQ+ individuals with lived experiences of forced displacement in Australia, FDPN dedicates itself to amplifying voices, fostering inclusivity, and shaping a future where every member not only survives but thrives. Their vision is to create a world where LGBTIQ+ forcibly displaced people are fully integrated into society, safe, free, and supported. FDPN is actively involved in the Refugee Community Sponsorship Pilot initiated by the Australian Government, focusing on assisting LGBTIQ+ refugees. They collaborate with Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia to identify and train groups capable of providing support to LGBTIQ+ refugees, ensuring they have a positive start in their new home. Visit FDPN's Website
ACTIONS AND NEWS FROM MEMBERS
Malaysia:
R-WE CAN, a consortium of eight refugee women groups from seven ethnicities co-organised the very first expo known as the ‘Empowering Women Expo’ (EWE) with the theme ‘Breaking Barriers and Building Futures’. The event aims to advocate for gender equality, address sexual and gender-based violence, promote meaningful participation and leadership of refugee women, and acknowledge and build support towards the work refugee women are leading in their communities. The EWE expo, as is the formation of the R-WE CAN is made possible through the ‘Refugee Women and Girls: Key to the Global Compact on Refugees’ project, led by Dr Linda Bartolomei and Dr Eileen Pittaway of the Forced Migration Research Network, University of New South Wales (UNSW). Civil society organisations including APRRN, Tenaganita, the Malaysian Social Research Institute, and Asylum Access Malaysia partnered together with UNSW and the refugee women in the preparations leading up to the event and supporting the running of the day’s event. The event was grazed by the presence of refugee women, youth, children, and men from all communities, signatories, the UNHCR Representative, celebrities, and people from all walks of life. Some of the activities led or organised by refugee women include workshops such as basics to self-defence, jewellery making, baking; running of sale booths with a variety of food and services such as henna making, ethnic foods and snacks, homemade beauty and healthcare products, and more. Read More Here
Australia:
In a letter addressed to the Australian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia and APPRN member, Paul Power, highlighted the pressing situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan facing imminent deportation and urged the Australian Government to promptly engage with Pakistan to halt forced returns and regularise the legal status of Afghan refugees. The letter expressed deep concern over Pakistan's crackdown on an estimated 1.7 million "undocumented" Afghans, emphasising the risks it poses to their lives and livelihoods. The Refugee Council urged the Australian Government to prioritize visa processing for Afghan nationals in Pakistan, particularly those awaiting outcomes on applications for the Community Sponsorship Program, Humanitarian visas, and Partner visas. The letter underscored the significant human rights implications of Pakistan's deportation orders, calling for diplomatic efforts to halt forced returns, regularise legal status, and expedite visa processing for Afghan refugees. Read The Letter Here
PARTICIPATION IS A RIGHT! On 17 November during the 7th Asia Pacific Population Conference (7APPC) at the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) and APRRN co-hosted a side event - "Migrants and refugees as actors of development: Bringing and amplifying migrants and refugees’ voice in the population and development discourse." Klaus Dik Nielsen, APRRN’s co-secretary general, moderated discussions underscoring the importance of recognising the substantive contributions of migrants and refugees, tackling human rights violations, and promoting inclusive, meaningful, diverse, and sustainable participation. Hafsar Tameesuddin expressed concerns about forced displacement faced by Afghan and Myanmar nationals who continue to be in situations of vulnerability and face multiple barriers, including legal protection, access to education, work rights, with many men, women, and children facing risks of detention, deportation, and other serious harm. The event emphasised the fact that participation is a right and the need for continued collaboration among governments, civil society, and refugee and migrant communities to ensure effective and meaningful participation.
Read More Here & Also Read Here
APPRN’s short film was presented and shown at the PRIDE event in Bangkok, organised by APCOM Foundation, Thailand
On 24 November, Klaus Dik Nielsen presented and showed the short film: “Not Always Rainbows” at an event outside Bangkok City Hall, organised by APCOM Foundation, Thailand.
The film was co-produced by APPRN and Equal Asia Foundation (APPRN member) earlier this year and tells the story of an LGBTQI asylum seeker arriving in Bangkok and the many challenges they face in terms of enjoyment of their human rights, access to quality services, and livelihood opportunities. Thailand hosts 1000s of refugees and asylum seekers, with increasing numbers due to ongoing conflicts such as Myanmar and Afghanistan and this includes the LGBTIQ+ community, which are often invisible, both in camps and as urban refugees. Watch Here
News from the region
Myanmar:
The parallels between the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar and the current situation in Gaza underscore the need for a unified international response. Despite the global condemnation of Myanmar's mass atrocities, the humanitarian system was ill-prepared and largely unable to access affected populations. Now, a similar silencing is happening in Gaza, where opposition to civilian displacement and killing is met with suppression. The humanitarian system faces existential questions, and a shift towards "humanitarian resistance" is crucial. The humanitarian system's influence must be leveraged for long-term justice, opposing justifications for atrocities and supporting those calling out perpetrators. Read More Here
Human Rights Watch reports that Thailand's government has engaged in mass pushback of Myanmar refugees at the border, endangering their lives upon return to Myanmar. The Thai military began forcibly returning refugees to Myanmar's Karenni State in late October 2023, prompting many to quickly re-enter Thailand due to fears of renewed clashes in southeastern Myanmar. While Thailand has accommodated approximately 90,000 refugees from Myanmar since the 1980s, an additional 45,000 sought refuge after the February 2021 coup. The recent pushbacks violate international law, and Human Rights Watch calls on Thai authorities to cease these actions, provide humanitarian aid, and enable UNHCR to conduct refugee status determinations for those seeking protection. Read More Here
Intense clashes persist between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various groups, leading to widespread displacement and urgent humanitarian needs. Conflict hotspots include northern Shan, Rakhine, Sagaing, Chin, and Mandalay. In Rakhine's Pauktaw township, over 20,000 people have newly displaced since mid-November. In total, approximately 335,000 people across various states and regions have been displaced since late October, adding to the existing 2 million nationwide. Critical transport routes are blocked, impeding both movements to safer areas and humanitarian access. The report details specific challenges in Northern Shan, Rakhine, and Northwest regions, where fighting, casualties, and displacement continue to unfold. Read More Here
Myanmar grappled with an escalating humanitarian crisis in the third quarter of 2023, marked by ongoing conflict, monsoon floods, and widespread explosive ordnance. Nearly 2 million people faced internal displacement, heightened vulnerability, and the threat of landmines, especially in the Northwest and Southeast. Severe monsoons exacerbated challenges, causing floods, infrastructure destruction, and increased needs. Despite obstacles, humanitarian partners demonstrated resilience, assisting at least 2.5 million people. However, efforts fell short of planned depth and coverage, reaching only half of the 5 million prioritised. Read More Here
Afghanistan:
As the risk of deportation increases for undocumented Afghans in Pakistan and Iran, former members of the Afghan National Security Forces fear returning to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, anticipating threats to their lives. Tens of thousands of ex-security personnel, who fled as the Taliban seized power in 2021, are among the millions of Afghans in neighbouring countries. Recent orders for Afghan migrants without documentation to leave Pakistan by November 1 have led to over 300,000 returning to Afghanistan, fearing potential police roundups and forced deportations from Pakistan. Iran has also adopted a strict stance, with around 4.5 million Afghans, seeking refuge and temporary work, at risk of deportation. Read More Here
A major disease outbreak is surging in Afghan camps as 250,000 people, predominantly children, return to Afghanistan from Pakistan, warns Save the Children. The refugees are facing alarming levels of severe illnesses, including life-threatening acute diarrhoea, with over 3,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and 1,200 cases of diarrhoea in children reported at Save the Children health facilities in the past month. Limited access to clean water for drinking and washing, along with open defecation due to a lack of toilets, are contributing to the crisis. The returnees, predominantly women and children, lack proper shelter, warm clothes, and sufficient food, with many living in basic shelters. Read More Here
Western countries must take responsibility for the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, ensuring timely processing of visa applications. The mass deportation, initiated by Pakistan on November 1, targets over 1.7 million Afghans deemed illegal residents, with an estimated 10,000 returning daily. While Pakistan cites border security concerns, it's likely influenced by domestic issues like inflation and housing shortages. The UNHCR struggles to register the influx of Afghans, facing challenges like varied documentation levels and limited processing resources. Western nations, especially NATO members, fall short of resettlement promises, with slow processing times and inadequate support for Afghan women facing heightened barriers. The dire situation in Afghanistan, marked by gender apartheid under Taliban rule, underscores the urgent need for Western countries to fulfill their commitments and expedite refugee processing, preventing further hardships for vulnerable Afghans. Read More Here
Pakistan:
In a recent press release, Refugee Rights Network Pakistan extends gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees for over two decades, emphasising Pakistan's commitment to international law principles, despite not being a signatory to the refugee convention. RRN Pakistan expresses concern about the recent arrest and detention of Afghan refugees, urging government authorities to address issues of harassment, arrest, and forceful deportation, especially targeting refugees with valid registration documents. RRN Pakistan emphasises the need to distinguish between registered refugees and undocumented migrants, urging the government to issue clear instructions to protect refugees, particularly women and children, in line with international law. Read More Here
Human Rights Watch reports widespread abuses by Pakistani authorities against Afghan residents, creating a humanitarian crisis and forcing thousands to return to Afghanistan. The mistreatment involves mass detentions, property and document seizures, and coercive tactics targeting refugees and asylum seekers, including those born in Pakistan and those at risk of persecution in Afghanistan. The actions violate international law, and Human Rights Watch urges Pakistan to cease abuses, while the US, UK, Germany, and Canada expedite resettlement for vulnerable Afghans, emphasising the need for a robust response to the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Read More Here
Bangladesh:
A delegation of 36 officials from the Myanmar Junta commenced a visit to Bangladesh to initiate a pilot repatriation process, introducing an updated booklet outlining the National Verification Card (NVC) system as a key element. Despite purported benefits, such as freedom of movement and access to education and healthcare, the Rohingya perceive the NVC as a symbol of ongoing persecution. The NVC application process, entangled with Myanmar's contentious citizenship laws, further exacerbates Rohingya disenfranchisement, mislabelling their identity and diminishing their rightful claim to citizenship. The lack of innovative solutions and genuine empathy in the pilot repatriation process underscores the need for substantive change. Read More Here
On Thursday, November 9, 2023, a boat carrying about 150 Rohingya refugees who were attempting to sail to Malaysia landed back in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh after three days adrift at sea. Local residents said the refugees were sitting on the road and crying with small children as they disembarked the trawler and prepared to return to their camps. Read More Here
Living in Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee camp, Rohingya photographers Abdullah Habib, Mohammed Salim Khan, Shahida Win, and Sahat Zia Hero capture the stories of their fellow Rohingyas, a stateless minority from Myanmar. The photographers use their storytelling skills to remind the world of the Rohingya's plight, recently winning the 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award for Asia and the Pacific, Abdullah, Shahida, and Zia, who experienced life in Myanmar before the outbreak of violence in 2017, are dedicated to documenting challenges, sharing their community's narratives, and ensuring they are not overlooked. Read More Here
India:
India’s National Investigation Agency arrested 44 people during raids on areas inhabited by Rohingya refugees across multiple states, in an operation aimed at ‘dismantling illegal human trafficking support networks. Read More: Read More Here
Indonesia:
In Sabang, Indonesia, over 200 Rohingya refugees, stranded on a wooden boat for weeks, were moved from the beaches of a remote island after locals' attempts to push them back to sea were rejected by authorities. This latest group adds to over 1,000 Rohingya refugees who have arrived in Aceh province in the last week. The refugees, including men, women, and children, arrived in Sabang city but faced rejection from locals threatening to return them to the sea. This influx marks the largest wave of Rohingya arrivals in Indonesia since 2015, and the situation is characterised as an emergency and humanitarian crisis by rights groups. Indonesia, not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, has faced calls to provide more assistance under international conventions ensuring safety at sea. Read More Here
Muhammed Hasson, an 18-year-old Rohingya in a Bangladeshi refugee camp, embarked on a perilous sea journey to Indonesia, determined to pursue his dream of attending university despite the limitations in the camps. Hasson, among a wave of over 1,000 Rohingyas arriving since November 14, aims to pursue his education. While Indonesia is not a UN Refugee Convention signatory, refugees face challenges in accessing education, and opportunities remain limited. The lack of education access, movement restrictions, and inadequate health services contribute to Rohingya desperation, highlighting the need for a comprehensive response to address their plight. Read More Here
IOM expresses concern over reports of vessels carrying Rohingya refugees being intercepted and pushed back in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. At least five vessels with 1,087 Rohingya refugees, primarily women and children, arrived in Indonesia between November 14 and 22. IOM urges regional support, commending Indonesia for assisting refugees. The deteriorating conditions in Bangladesh, lack of humanitarian aid, and conflicts in Myanmar prompt people to embark on perilous journeys. Read More Here
Australia:
In a landmark decision, the high court ruled that detaining asylum seekers and migrants indefinitely is unlawful. Close to 100 people who are being held indefinitely stand to be released. Australian governments have long used indefinite detention to try to deter asylum seekers and migrants from attempting to reach the country. Read More Here
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has expressed its approval of the recent High Court ruling and the ASRC urges the Australian government to promptly release individuals subjected to prolonged, inhumane treatment, potentially affecting 92 people immediately, casting doubt on the detention of 340 others, and influencing future detention management. The decision challenges a 20-year-old precedent and could impact those detained for an average of 708 days, with some held for over five years, including those fleeing violence and persecution. The ruling offers hope for dignity and safety, prompting the ASRC to call for swift government action to release those unlawfully detained, restoring their dignity and futures. Read More Here
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) applauds the recent High Court ruling declaring indefinite immigration detention as unlawful and unconstitutional when there is no prospect of people being returned. RCOA CEO, Paul Power calls for an urgent review of all immigration detention cases, advocating for the release of individuals, including refugees, those fleeing war and persecution, and stateless people. Power emphasises the moral and legal wrongness of indefinite detention under international human rights law, commending the High Court's move to overturn its 2004 decision in Al-Kateb. Power urges the Australian government to legislate reforms, introducing time limits on detention and an independent oversight body to prevent future instances of indefinite detention. Read More Here
The Rohingya, the world's largest stateless population, continue to face severe challenges, including violence, funding shortages, and natural disasters in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar. Escalating hardships drive Rohingya to seek dangerous onward journeys. Ongoing political instability in Myanmar hinders their safe return. Host countries, Australia included, must acknowledge this reality and work on meaningful regional solutions. Australia, co-chairing the Bali Process, can enhance emergency preparedness, coordinate responses, and commit to Global Refugee Forum pledges. Forums like the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways provide opportunities for Australia to showcase leadership in addressing the protracted Rohingya crisis, aligning with its commitment to a humane but firm approach to borders. Read More Here
Emergency legislation passed by the Australian Parliament imposes up to five years in prison on migrants with criminal records who violate their visa conditions, responding to a High Court ruling prohibiting indefinite detention as an alternative to deportation. In reaction to the court's decision, the government released 84 individuals, mostly convicted of crimes like murder and rape. This ruling overturned a 2004 decision allowing stateless individuals to be held in migrant centres for an indefinite period when deportation was not feasible. Read More Here
International
COP28 declaration to tie climate funding to conflict for the first time. The draft declaration for COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aims to link climate funding to conflict for the first time. The draft, seen as a landmark attempt to integrate climate and humanitarian policy at a UN climate conference, emphasises the neglect of people in conflict and fragile settings by global climate action. It highlights the challenges faced by these communities and urges structural actions in financial support, programming, and partnerships. The non-binding declaration is viewed as a crucial step to spotlight the intersection of climate and conflict, recognising the urgency of funding for resilience in conflict and disaster-affected areas. Read More Here
Reports & Publications
As of 21 November 2023, six years following the genocidal assaults by the Myanmar military, Rohingya survivors in Rakhine State and refugee camps in Bangladesh face dire conditions. Despite the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha and the breakdown of the year-long ceasefire, they confront alarming challenges. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh contend with escalating violence, reduced food rations, and coercive repatriation efforts, while those in Rakhine State grapple with humanitarian aid blockades and intensified armed conflict. Six months post-Cyclone Mocha, internment camp residents endure unsanitary conditions, insufficient resources, and restricted medical access, resulting in preventable deaths and reports of suicides.
Struggling to Survive - Report by Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK. Available here:
The intricate relationship between the climate crisis and human displacement is debunking five prevalent myths. In 2022, over half of newly reported displacements were triggered by climate-related disasters, and currently, almost 60 percent of refugees and internally displaced individuals reside in nations highly susceptible to climate change. This report dispels five common misconceptions surrounding the climate crisis and displacement, providing factual insights into these intertwined issues. Read More Here
The article in the Journal of Education in Emergencies addresses the substantial impact of COVID-19-related school closures on Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Even before the pandemic, Rohingya refugees faced educational challenges due to government restrictions on their access to public schools. Instead, nonformal education was provided through informal learning centres by UNICEF and international NGOs. Read the Article Here
The Sisterhood's Survivor's Guide stands as a valuable tool for female refugees living in Jakarta and neighbouring areas in Indonesia who have encountered or are presently grappling with sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The guide underscores the significance of resilience for survivors and fighters who are enduring the echoes of their pasts while navigating life in Indonesia. It offers crucial information on understanding SGBV, reporting incidents, and accessing support for survivors.
Read More Here Download and Read the Guide
Global Refugee Forum 2023
APRRN members will represent the region in several side and linked events during the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva between 11 - 15 December 2023.
11 December
HUMAN RIGHTS 75 YOUTH DIALOGUE: Amplifying the HR75 initiative among young people
Monday, 11 December 2023, 15.00 – 18.00, Room XVII, Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland
Hafsar Tameesuddin will speak at this side event which is co-sponsored by the Governments of Greece, Portugal, and Qatar, the Human Rights Council Core Group on Human Rights Education and Training (Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Morocco, Philippines, Senegal, Slovenia, and Thailand) and the CoNGO NGO.
12 December
Multi-stakeholder Approaches Towards Ending Statelessness (incl. APRRN member Nationality for All)
๐ Time: 14:30-16:00
๐ Venue: Hilton Geneva Hotel - Room Zurich
A group of leading civil society organizations working to end statelessness will host a GRF-linked event on multi-stakeholder efforts to end statelessness. The event will feature a dialogue between two formerly stateless activists on the importance of meaningful participation of stateless people, followed by a panel composed of various stakeholders to take stock of multi-stakeholder action to end statelessness. In-person attendance is limited and the event is now fully subscribed.
Leveraging the HDP Nexus and Improving Protection through a Whole-of-Society Approach: Good Practices from the Asia Pacific
Open to the public, please register to attend
๐ Time: 11:00-13:00
๐ Venue: Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG) - Plenary Room E+F
Based on pioneering research and participatory action by the development and humanitarian actors from the Asia Pacific, panellists representing refugees, governments, and NGOs will share best practices for implementing the whole-of-society approach to: strengthen refugee self-reliance; integrate HDP Nexus in refugee solutions; and promote refugee-led initiatives for protection. The event is co-sponsored by KOICA, Good Neighbors, Act for Peace, KCOC,โฏJPF,โฏBRAC,โฏAPRRN, and Host International.
Welcome Japan Symposium
Open to the public, please register to attend
๐ Time: 10:00-13:30
๐ Venue: Impact Hub
This event is organised by Welcome Japan, an independent platform led by civil society members in Japan, aiming to promote a whole-of-society approach to challenges faced by those who have been forcibly displaced. The event seeks to connect voices and insights from Japan and other countries to go far beyond the Global Refugee Forum (GRF). For more events at the Refugee Leadership Multipurpose Space (R Space) see here.
Advancing Refugee Leadership and Participation as a Core Element of the ‘Whole-of-Society Approach’ (incl. APNOR)
- Open to the public, please register to attend
- ๐ Time: 14:00-16:00
- ๐ Venue: Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG)
This session will explore how we can more effectively work to advance refugee leadership and participation in humanitarian and development responses as a part of a 'whole-of-society' approach. Research indicates that while refugees and other displaced communities possess unique knowledge, skills, and perspectives that can significantly contribute to effective solutions in international development, their expertise and experiences are often overlooked or marginalized within the top-down governance models that exist. The session will consider and help to address the inequitable nature of knowledge production, funding, and power dynamics more broadly within the humanitarian system. The session will showcase pioneering research and new guidelines that were developed through extensive consultation, are co-owned, and are now widely endorsed.โฏ
Shifting Power, Decision-making and Funding: Refugee Leadership in Humanitarian Responses
๐ Time: 17:00-18:30
๐ Venue: Impact Hub
This linked event – organised by Oxfam, the Global Refugee-Led Network, the Overseas Development Institute, and Development Initiatives - will bring together refugee-led organisations, researchers, humanitarian actors, and donors to explore the current state of affairs when it comes to ensuring refugee leadership in humanitarian response - with a particular focus on shifting funding to RLOs. This linked event is a walk-in and open to the public.
13 December
Speakers Corner in Palexpo:
14:10–14:20 Inclusive policy making: lessons from stateless activists - Noor Azizah, Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network and Maha Mamo, Stateless Activist
15:30–15:40 Alternatives to Immigration Detention for refugees and migrants - Carolina Gottardo, Executive Director of the International Detention Coalition
14 December
Collaborating with academic partners to advance refugee-led advocacy – Refugee Hub
09:00-11:00: Joint event between UNSW, APRRN and APNOR
13:15-15:00 Access to Protection: Asylum Systems, Legal Assistance, and Human Rights
Room: W Palexpo
Presenters include David Manne, Executive Director, Refugee Legal; Julia Mayerhofer, Co-Executive Director, PILnet and Lynette Nam, Executive Director, Justice Centre Hong Kong and Deputy Chair of APRRN
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87396269916Link is external
Speakers Corner at Palexpo:
14:00 – 14:10 Building Inclusive Societies with the Private Sector - SSI in Partnership with Allianz Insurance - Sonia Vignjevic and. Yamamah Agha
16:15-17:30 Meaningful Refugee Participation: How Partnerships with Forcibly Displaced and Stateless People Improve Policies and Solutions
Room: X
Presenters include Renee Dixson, Co-Founder, Forcibly Displaced People Network
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83543763108Link is external
16:00-17:30 Rohingya refugees: Enhanced Resilience, Expanded Solutions
Room: V
Including presentations from H.E. Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Indonesia and Hafsar Tameesuddin.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89380878533Link is external
16:00-17:30 Building Resilience Through Inclusion in National Social Protection moderated by Najeeba Wazefadost, Founder and CEO, APNOR
Room: W
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84326017663Link is external
15 December
From Refugee Inclusion to Shifting Power: Building a Global Refugee Sector that Puts Refugees First ๐ Time: 10:30-12:30
๐ Venue: Hilton Hotel Geneva - 10:30-11:00 coffee welcome in Foyer room, 11:00-12:30 Panel in Roma room
Join Refugees International, The New Humanitarian, and Asylum Access at the Geneva Hilton from 10.30 am-12.30 pm on 15 December for a candid conversation about refugee inclusion in policy making. This panel, comprising refugee participants from around the world, will chronicle the impact made to date. We invite all stakeholders from across the spectrum – from governments and international organisations to the private sector and donors – to join us for this essential conversation.
10:00-13:00 GCR in Action: Multi-stakeholder pledge announcements in the Plenary
Developing Alternatives to Immigration Detention and Ending Immigration Detention of Asylum-Seeking, Refugee, Stateless and Migrant Children and their Families. Announced by Carolina Gottardo, Executive Director of International Detention Coalition (IDC)
11:00-12:30 Resettlement (Room: W)
Including presentations by Yamamah Agha, General Manager, Settlement Services International, and Najeeba Wazefadost, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, of Asia Pacific Network of Refugees
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84292827508Link is external
Speakers Corner
14:10–14:20 Pioneering the Whole of Society to Co-create "Refugee Inclusion Industry" through Corporate Engagement - Jintae Kim, Representative Director of Welcome Japan
APRRN/Membersโ Job Vacancies
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is seeking candidates for diverse positions. Join their team and be a part of the mission to provide crucial assistance to refugees on an international scale. Explore opportunities available with IRAP and contribute to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. various positions
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - Front Line Defenders 2024 Award for human rights defenders at risk
The call for nominations is now open for the 2024 Front Line Defenders Award, which recognizes human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk. The award is dedicated to shedding light on their work, providing them with a national and international platform to advocate for their causes. Winners will be selected from various regions worldwide, including Asia-Pacific. The nomination process is open to anyone, allowing the submission of HRDs, collectives, organisations, or communities working on human rights issues under significant risk or within insecure environments. The award aims to raise visibility for HRDs often unrecognised on the international stage while prioritising their safety. Along with the award, winners will receive financial support, security grants, collaboration for media work, advocacy, a visibility event in their respective countries, participation in a ceremony in Dublin, and ongoing security consultation with Front Line Defenders. If you wish to nominate an HRD for this award, please use the online nomination form provided.
Deadline for nominations: 5 January 2024
Vigdís Prize for Women's Empowerment
will be awarded by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in order to reward outstanding initiatives promoting the empowerment of women in all their diversity, with a broad remit ranging from achievements in gender equality, in equal access to participation and decision-making, to championing women’s opportunities and helping them to take their place in society, as well as action to encourage inclusive policies and practice.
Deadline Date: February 15, 2024
Grant Size: 60,000 Euro
The Rafto Prize: Empowering Human Rights Defenders
awards a person or an organization who stands up for human rights and democracy
Eligibility Criteria
- A candidate should be active in the struggle for the ideals and principles underlying the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- A candidate's struggle for human rights should represent a non-violent perspective.
- A candidate may be a person or an organization, and two or more candidates may share the prize.
Deadline Date: February 01, 2024
Grant Size: $20,000
2024 Ashden Awards for Powering Refugees and Displaced People: countries receiving ODA funding
Deadline Date: January 25, 2024
Grant Size: £10,000 orโฏ£25,000
Funding opportunities
U.S. Embassy Bangkok FY24 Notice of Funding Opportunity - Thailand
The U.S. Department of State, Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the fiscal year 2024. The funding opportunity, BKK-2024-NOFO-01, is open for organisations or individuals to submit Statements of Interest (SOI) for programs funded by the U.S. Embassy Bangkok. The deadline for the three rounds of applications is February 7, 2024, May 1, 2024, and July 3, 2024, respectively. The maximum award for each project is $75,000, and the performance period can be up to 12 months. The program areas of focus include Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights; Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Renewable Energy; and Education. The submission process involves a two-step process, starting with a concise SOI through a Google application form. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations, educational institutions, individuals, public international organisations, and governmental institutions from the United States and Thailand. The NOFO emphasises the importance of adhering to the guidelines and outlines the criteria for evaluating the SOIs, including the quality of the program idea, program planning, engagement of target audiences, and organisational capacity. The notice encourages but does not require cost sharing or matching, and the funding instrument types include grants, Fixed Amount Awards (FAA), or Cooperative Agreements. The NOFO also provides details on the application review process, federal award information, eligibility requirements, and required registrations. Read More Here
๐๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ, ๐๐ฎ๐ผ๐, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐ ๐๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฐ!
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands invites eligible applicants active in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia to participate in the call for project proposals, for projects to be implemented with the support from the Dutch Human Rights Fund. The objective of the Human Rights Fund is to strengthen the role and position of civil society, while supporting and strengthening human rights, democratic development and the promotion of the (international) legal order and rule of law.
Selected projects can start from March 2024 onwards and have a duration of maximum four years.
There is no minimum or maximum amount, but projects between 50.000 EUR and 80.000 EUR are encouraged.
Deadline: 29 December 2023
U.S. Embassy Rangoon Public Affairs Small Grants Competition - Myanmar
The U.S. Embassy Rangoon of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organisations or individuals to submit a statement of interest (SOI) to carry out a programme to strengthen the cultural ties between the U.S. and Myanmar through cultural programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.
All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organisation/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote an increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
Priority Program Areas
- Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following program areas:
- U.S.–Myanmar Bilateral Relationship
- Supporting Inclusive & Diverse Society
- Education & Culture
- Media Literacy, Independent Media & Press Freedom
Deadline Date: September 15, 2024
Grant Size: $5,000 to $99,999 (most about $25,000)
Direct Aid Program 2023-24 (India)
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program funded by the Australian Government and managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) overseas posts. DAP projects should promote a distinctive and positive image of Australia.
- To fund activities that have a direct, practical, and immediate impact, including capacity-building programs in the areas of governance and human rights engagement.
- They will favourably consider:
- projects that incorporate gender inclusion (including LGBTQIA+) and/or disability inclusion
- projects that provide educational or occupational/skills training, particularly in STEM
- projects that enhance cultural exchanges and people-to-people links between India and Australia
Deadline Date: December 15, 2023
Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000
Applications open for PDS Small Grants Program - India
The U.S. Consulate General Chennai’s Public Diplomacy section (PD Chennai) is inviting non-profit organisations to apply for its PD Small Grants Program, aiming to strengthen bilateral and regional ties through diverse public diplomacy initiatives. Examples of eligible programs include academic lectures, U.S. expert participation in events, projects showcasing U.S. models, and creative projects advancing PD Chennai's priority areas. The program emphasises themes such as Global Threats (e.g., human trafficking, climate change), Economic Prosperity (entrepreneurship, education), Regional Security (U.S.-India partnership, cybersecurity), and Shared Democratic Values (human rights advocacy, gender-based violence awareness, press freedom). The funding ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 25,000, with 2-10 awards available, not exceeding a 12-month project period. Interested organisations can submit applications that align with the outlined priorities.
Deadline Date: February 28, 2024
Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program - Japan
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, Public Affairs Section, announced the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program for Fiscal Year 2024.
Purpose of Small Grants – includes Human Rights:
PAS Tokyo invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Japan through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organisation/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote an increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
Deadline Date: September 30, 2024
Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects - Bangladesh
The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh is seeking applications for Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects. Priority Areas:
- Basic Health Care
- Primary Education
- Poverty Alleviation
- Water and Sanitation
- Women’s Empowerment
- Child Welfare
- Support for Persons with Disabilities
- Agriculture
- Disaster Risk Reduction
Deadline Date: March 30, 2024
Grant Size: up to $140,000 (over 12 months)
U.S. Mission to Indonesia Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program - Indonesia
Program Themes may include, but are not limited to:
- Combating Disinformation: activities that encourage identification of and resistance to dis/misinformation or hoaxes, knowledge of reliable sources for accurate factual information, cybersecurity awareness, and associated critical thinking skills.
- Diversity and Inclusivity: activities that promote the value of human diversity and inclusiveness of Indonesians in business, academia, government, and civil society. Areas of diversity include race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other status.
Deadline Date: June 30, 2024
Grant Size: $30,000 to $100,000 (up to 12 months)
Working Hand in Hand for Human Rights (Malaysia)
By German Embassy Kuala Lumpur
tackling the challenges faced by marginalized groups in Malaysia
Deadline Date: December 31, 2023
Grant Size: Maximum of 100.000 RM (to be completed by Dec. 2024)
Global Women, Peace and Security Rapid Response Fund
is designed to respond to urgent needs in the current women, peace and security (WPS) landscape across 78 countries (listed in link). The objective is to provide simple-to-access funds directly to a diverse range of women-led initiatives to respond to emerging crises, and seize new openings for the advancement of WPS outcomes in fragile and conflict affected contexts.
Deadline Date: Ongoing
Donor Name: Search For Common Ground
Grant Size: $500 to $25,000 (for 3 months or less), $25,000 to $100,000 (over 3-9 months), or $100,000 to $250,000 (9-12 months projects)