ADVOCACY BRIEF ON CHILDREN DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY

On February 01, Carolina Gottardo, APRRN’s Board Member and Co-SG, Klaus Dik Nielsen, spoke at a side event of the UN Migration Network annual meeting during the launch of a new Advocacy Brief by the United Nations Task Force on Children Deprived of Liberty. The brief advocates for an end to immigration detention of children, and to mobilise pledges and promote effective practices to eliminate the detention of children. This initiative aligns with previous commitments made during the 2022 International Migration Review Forum and the 2023 Global Refuge Forum, reinforcing the multistakeholder pledge to Developing Alternatives to Immigration Detention and Ending Immigration Detention of Asylum-Seeking, Refugee, Stateless, and Migrant Children and their Families. Detention of children in Asia and the Pacific will likely form part of the regional review of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in March 2025 and the 2026 International Migration Review Forum. Watch the Event Here

On 9 February, APRRN held its first Board Meeting in 2024.

Hafsar was on an intentional advocacy trip to Kuala Lumpur to better understand the ground realities of refugee communities in February. During the trip, they met with the refugee communities, APRRN members, and other relevant entities such as ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and UNHCR.

Hafsar also spoke at the Migration Expert Workshop hosted by the Malaysian International Studies Association on February 15. The workshop provided an opportunity to critically evaluate Malaysian policies, inspire scholarly discourse on international migration from various perspectives, and foster research collaboration towards more progressive policy responses.

Hafsar attended and spoke on several panels during the second World Statelessness Conference 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, which was held from 26 February to 29 February. During the conference, Hafsar raised the urgent need to address statelessness issues within the human rights and humanitarian framework and explored opportunities to complement and collaborate with diverse agencies and actors from the civil society, human rights, and humanitarian fields, as well as responsible States.

On 14 February APRRN was invited to contribute to an OXFAM regional strategy meeting by providing a short overview of current challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in the region.

On 20 February, Klaus attended the opening ceremony of the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) Exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), hosted by IOM Thailand and Sea Junction. The event included talks by various UN agencies and centred around living conditions in Cox’s Bazar, lack of access to education, health services and livelihood opportunities and xenophobia and toxic narratives of Rohingya in Bangladesh. Klaus had talks with IOM Thailand on ways in which to counter dominant negative narratives.

On 21 February, Klaus and other Bangkok-based human rights organisations were invited to a meeting convened by the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights from the UN Human Rights Office in New York (OHCHR). He presented APRRN’s key concerns and recommendations and highlighted APRRN’s approach to and practice of intentional, diverse and meaningful participation of people with lived experiences in policy and decision-making processes within APRRN and beyond.

On 26 February APRRN co-hosted, moderated and contributed to a Virtual Learning Forum - with IMA (International Migration Alliance) on the situation in Cox’ Bazar in Bangladesh. Several people with lived experience contributed to the forum. A short report to follow.

AFGHANISTAN - Information sharing

• APRRN continues to update the APRRN Afghanistan website and Information on Afghanistan's Facebook page with information on legal pathways,  education, employment opportunities, psychosocial support, and migrant news for Afghans in transit. The website is available in Dari and English. The main users are those in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.

LEGAL AND AND PATHWAY PROJECT

• APRRN is collaborating with PILNET, APNOR, and AMERA International with the collaboration of APRRN members on the legal aid and pathways project: providing updated country information sheets on legal pathways for Afghan refugees. To date, Country Information Sheets for the USA, Canada, France, UK, Italy, Ireland, and Hong Kong are available in Dari and English. We are currently working to finalise the Germany and Australia Country Information SheetsKey legal pathway updates this month relevant to displaced persons including Afghans include 

1. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its policy to allow H-1B visa applicants to use valid travel documents instead of passports for registration. 
2. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence confirmed that all rejected applications from members of CF 333 and ATF 444 will be reviewed for eligibility and, if necessary, changed. It has been confirmed that each case will be reviewed by a different team than previously, with careful and thorough assessment to determine their eligibility for resettlement under the ARAP scheme.

Members Spotlight!

INHURED International

In Nepal, INHURED International has been actively engaged in advocacy efforts for refugee rights, particularly focusing on incorporating the principle of non-refoulement into domestic law. Through 22 rounds of meetings with political leaders, policymakers, and various stakeholders, the organisation has made significant strides. Recently, a successful multi-stakeholder meeting was conducted, with representation from refugees,The advocacy work continues, aiming to bridge the gap between law and policymakers. An event on January 22, 2024, brought together 58 participants, and featured thematic presentations, including discussions on the Immigration Bill, 2020, and the importance of the Principle of Non-Refoulement. Stakeholders from different sectors expressed their views and engaged in an interactive dialogue. The collaborative efforts aim to promote policy reform for the protection of refugees and foster a constructive dialogue among concerned stakeholders. The program highlighted the challenges faced by refugees and encouraged a collective approach to address them. Visit INHURED's Website 

Seventh Alternatives to Child Detention Peer Learning Platform roundtable

On February 28 and 29, Center for Policy Development held the 7th meeting of our Alternatives to Detention roundtable, co-convened with the International Detention Coalition, in Jakarta. The meeting brought together policymakers from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Thailand, as well as civil society agencies and experts, to discuss more humane approaches to migration and detention of refugees and asylum seekers in the region. Read More Here

Workshop #3: Building Equitable Partnerships with Refugee-led Organisations

The third workshop of the “Building Organisational Pathways Towards Meaningful Participation and Refugee Leadership” series, co-organised with Asylum Access, unpacks “Building Equitable Partnerships with Refugee-led Organisations”. 

What are equitable partnerships and why are they important? How are they different from standard approaches to partnerships? How to best embark on co-design, enable trust and transparency, and promote donor buy-in? 

Watch the third workshop of the "Building Equitable Partnerships with Refugee-led Organisations" series by Cohere, accessible via the YouTube link.

Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways

APRRN member, Refugee Council of Australia, and the Government of Australia, Home Affairs Department co-hosted Australia`s annual  Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways.  

By boat or by plane? If you’re seeking asylum in Australia, the outcome is similarly bleak

APRRN member Savitri Taylor voiced her opinion on the reignited debate on border security after the recent arrival of 39 foreign nationals in a remote part of Western Australia by boat, highlighting that while unauthorised air arrivals in Australia are subject to screening interviews and potential access to the protection visa application process, unauthorised maritime arrivals face a different process. Australia, bound by international treaty obligations such as the UN Refugee Convention, must refrain from sending refugees to places where they face persecution. Regional processing, a complex history that involves arrangements with countries such as  Nauru and Papua New Guinea, is characterised under Operation Sovereign Borders. While some regional processing agreements have ceased, others, like the one with Nauru, continue. The recent boat arrivals, which have been transferred to Nauru, raise questions about the effectiveness of the screening process and the challenges of finding resettlement solutions, highlighting regional processing as a policy failure. Read More Here

Billion Dollar Benefit: Talent is distributed equally, but opportunity is not.

Unlocking the economic potential of skilled refugees and migrants in Australia is the focus of the Billion Dollar Benefit initiative led by APRRN member Settlement Services International (SSI). Currently, one in four permanent skilled migrants find themselves in jobs below their skill level, hindering their ability to contribute fully and to reach their full potential. The initiative seeks to reduce employment barriers and leverage the skills of refugees and migrants, potentially adding billions to the Australian economy. It includes a roadmap, launched on World Refugee Day in 2023, outlining five actions to unleash economic potential by 2025. Endorsed by over 50 organisations, including Allianz, IKEA Australia, ACOSS, the Salvation Army, and Jobs Australia, the roadmap is complemented by the "Welcoming Tech Talent" employer guide, providing ten tips for recruiting, retaining, and embracing tech talent from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Read More Here

Fencing borders for a closed Bharat

APRRN member Priyanca Mathur published an opinion on the Ministry of Home Affairs' decision to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar and fence the entire Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) highlighting that the closure of the border violates the non-refoulment principle and is, impacting thousands of Myanmar citizens who have fled persecution since the military coup. Priyanca referenced India’s obligations under customary international law and the country’s long history of hosting refugees. She recommended that India should address border region needs, prioritise development, and avoid complete fencing,  as well as reassess the Citizenship Amendment Act's religious discrimination elements, as they contradict the inclusive spirit of India. Read More Here

NEWS FROM THE REGION

THAILAND

In Bangkok, three Cambodian human rights activists, including a former government party member, were arrested, along with their families, just days before Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's official visit to Thailand on February 7. Lem Sokha, Phan Phana, and Kung Raiya, recognised as persons of concern by UNHCR, had fled to Thailand to avoid political persecution. The activists, planning a political protest on the day of Hun Manet's arrival, were arrested on charges of illegal border crossing and visa overstaying. Human rights groups have called for their release, emphasising the unjust nature of the arrests. Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch, an APPRN member,  urges that the activists and their families should be sent to a third country for their safety. The arrests are seen as a manifestation of transnational repression amid Cambodia's political climate, and concerns have arises regarding possible deportations. Read More Here

MALAYSIA

Hui Ying Tham, director of Asylum Access Malaysia called on the Malaysian government “To grant refugees the right to work is to ensure that they are able to have access to livelihood that is safe, decent and dignified,” in light of the review of Malaysia’s human rights record in Geneva during the Universal Periodic Review under the framework of the UN Human Rights Council on 25th January, in which 15 states pressed Malaysia to do more to protect refugees. Read More Here

MYANMAR

On-going armed clashes

In Rakhine, ongoing armed clashes involving airstrikes and artillery shelling have intensified in many townships, affecting communities increasingly distressed. The Arakan Army moved closer to the state capital, Sittwe. Since late February, there has been an increase of shelling from Myanmar Armed Forces bases in Sittwe Town. On 29 February a stray shell landed in the downtown market in Sittwe and is believed to have killed at least 21 civilians and injured more than 30 others. An estimated 148,500 people have been newly displaced in Rakhine and Paletwa in Chin State since the previous informal ceasefire broke down on 13 November 2023. Nationwide, more than 2.7 million people are now displaced.

Revival of Conscription Law for men and women in Myanmar

The junta's revival of the 2010 People’s Military Service Law on February 10, marked g a stark escalation in the regime's attempts to formalise the conscription of men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27. Alarmed by these troubling developments, a Facebook live meeting held on February 19 featuring prominent Rohingya figures urged the Rohingya community to stand united against the military's oppressive tactics, emphasising the importance of not aiding the junta's efforts. Read More Here

Sources in Myanmar said many young people are attempting to flee to Thailand to avoid a new conscription law, with at least 27 Myanmar nationals reportedly having been arrested by Thai authorities after crossing the border to northern Thailand. Thousands of people queued outside the Thai embassy in Yangon to apply for tourist visas after Myanmar’s military leaders announced the law introducing two years of compulsory military service.

After at least 21 Rohingya people of eligible age fled an IDP camp in Rakhine State to escape forced military service, junta officials have taken at least eight of their family members—including young children—into custody.

The renewed violence  has seen military attacks on Arakan Army fighters in Rohingya villages, resulting in civilian casualties, property destruction, and the displacement of over 100,000 people. The situation poses a significant threat to Rohingya villages caught between both warring parties, HRW urgent calls for international intervention to address the escalating crisis. Read More Here

Arakan Army recently clarified that a ceasefire with the military in Shan state has no bearing on its activities in Rakhine, where it aims to establish total control.  Read More Here

APRRN member, Fortify Rights, called upon all parties involved in the armed conflict in Myanmar to safeguard civilians, especially in the wake of an attack on the predominantly Rohingya-Muslim village of Hpon Nyo Leik in northern Rakhine State. The organisation documented indiscriminate attacks, killings, destruction of homes, and forced displacement during a four-day assault by the Myanmar junta starting January 25, potentially constituting war crimes. The attacks, triggered by the Arakan Army's actions, led to 44 civilian casualties, with 12 dead and 32 injured, including eight children. Fortify Rights urges International Criminal Court (ICC) member states to refer the situation in Myanmar to the Chief Prosecutor under Article 14 of the Rome Statute, emphasising the need for accountability for these atrocities.  Read More Here

BANGLADESH

Eight Rohingya refugees, including five children, were injured in a fire at a camp on Bhasan Char island in Bangladesh, which houses some 32,000 refugees relocated from camps in the Cox's Bazar region. 1,250 more Rohingya refugees taken to Bhasan Char. Read More Here

The recent devastating fire in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, where around 1 million Rohingya refugees currently reside, received minimal international media coverage. The fire, which left thousands homeless, is part of a series of major fires in the overcrowded and congested camps, with conditions described as that of a tinderbox. Rohingya refugees face numerous challenges, including natural disasters, overcrowding, limited access to resources, and the threat of armed violence within the camps. The deteriorating conditions have led to increased onward movement from the camps, with Rohingya taking risky sea journeys to neighbouring countries. Human rights advocates, including Noor Azizah, co-founder of the Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network, emphasise the urgent need for attention to the Rohingya crisis, urging Australia to play a more significant role. The Australian government recently announced $235 million to support displaced Rohingya, but advocates stress the importance of increased resettlement of Rohingya to Australia and other countries, and stronger leadership in addressing the crisis. Read More Here

INDIA

On February 29 India’s Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea seeking direction to the government to release Rohingya refugees in March. Many Rohingya have been "illegally and arbitrarily" detained in jails and detention centres across India. Read More Here

AUSTRALIA

The theme for Refugee Week 2024, "Finding Freedom: Family," is shedding light on the crucial role families play in providing solace, support, and a sense of belonging to those compelled to flee their homelands. The theme invites exploration of the stories of refugees who, despite challenges, discover a source of freedom within the embrace of their families. Whether through the unwavering support of parents, protective love between siblings, or communal strength found in extended and chosen families, these connections become beacons of hope. Read More Here

INTERNATIONAL

Welcome Japan, an intermediary support organisation focusing on refugee inclusion in Japanese society, has initiated the "Welcome Japan CxO Council" in collaboration with 20 business leaders. Launched on February 19, 2024, the council aims to establish a "refugee-inclusive market" that fosters both a uniquely Japanese cohesive society and sustainable growth for the Japanese economy. The community encourages open innovation, going beyond donations and employment, to co-create economic independence and social inclusion for individuals with refugee backgrounds. The CxO Council plans to conduct its first meeting in late May 2024 and invites companies interested in joining the initiative to reach out through their website. The council's principles emphasise building a sustainable society, open innovation, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering solidarity and cooperation in addressing refugee issues. Read More Here and Also Here

Welcome Japan DX Talent Committee Introduction Video

Welcome Japan Symposium 2023 linked event to the GRF 2023

Welcome Symposium in collaboration with APRRN and APRRN EAWG members will be shared with a summary on the UNHCR website later. Watch Here

UNITED KINGDOM

A report by UN inspectors said a group of 61 asylum seekers on the island of Diego Garcia are being held under conditions of arbitrary detention and should be urgently relocated. The asylum seekers, who have been held for more than two years on the disputed British territory in the Indian Ocean, told inspectors about incidents of sexual assault, harassment of children, self-harm and attempted suicide.

Reports & Publications

A roadmap for unleashing the economic potential of refugees and migrants

This report is based on the insights and views of more than 50 experts who attended the Refugee and Migrant Skills and Jobs Summit held at Parliament House on 22 March 2023. The cross-sector experts included representatives from employers, community organisations, unions, government officials, and most importantly, people with lived experience as skilled refugees and migrants seeking meaningful employment in Australia. The Summit was co-hosted by Settlement Services International (SSI), the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA), Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA), and Community Corporate. Read More Here

Call for Proposals

Call for submissions on a concept paper for the CERD-CMW Joint General Comment /Recommendation on Obligations of State Parties on public policies for addressing and eradicating xenophobia and its impact on the rights of migrants, their families, and other non-citizens affected by racial discrimination. The deadline is 31 March 2024. Read More Here

Call for input by Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan - Phenomenon of an institutionalised system of discrimination, segregation, disrespect for human dignity, and exclusion of women and girls. The deadline is 17 March 2024. Read More Here

Online self-study course with a certificate from the Canadian Government on Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) provides you with an analytical tool to support the development of responsive and inclusive initiatives, including policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet the diverse needs of the people most impacted, and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. Read More Here

Emerging scholars network

Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law is launching its Emerging Scholars Network (ESN), a global community uniting graduate and early-career scholars focused on refugee and forced migration issues worldwide. With diverse expertise spanning migration law, refugee mental health, history, political theory, and climate change-induced displacement, ESN members collaborate, share ideas, and engage with senior academics and policymakers. The network provides opportunities to connect with fellow scholars, stay updated on research and job prospects, and participate in the annual workshop. To apply, interested scholars in the field of refugee and forced migration studies can complete the ESN Application Form, and any inquiries can be directed to the Kaldor Centre ESN Coordinator via email. 

UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is given annually to an individual, group, or organisation that has shown outstanding dedication and service to people forced to flee their homes or people who are stateless. Since 2017, we have also recognized several regional winners each year.

themes: statelessness, climate, sports, solutions and inclusions

Deadline: March 20, 2024

Amount: US$100,000 for the global laureate, US$25,000 for regional

Funding opportunities

Country-based support scheme (CBSS)

The European Commission (EC) has announced a country–based support scheme (CBSS) to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Pakistan. Deadline: Apr 22, 2024.

THE CANADA FUND FOR LOCAL INITIATIVES – MALAYSIA (2024)

The High Commission of Canada in Malaysia is pleased to launch its annual call for proposals for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). 

Donor: High Commission of Canada in Malaysia 

Area: Nutrition, Democracy & Good Governance, Education, Climate Change, Environment, Health, Human Rights, Indigenous Communities, LGBTQ, Water Management, Gender Equality, Women & Gender. 

Deadline: Apr 17, 2024 

Amount: Up to CAD$100,000

Julia Taft Thailand

Each year, the Julia Taft Refugee Fund awards grants of up to $25,000 per country to address gaps in refugee assistance by issuing grants to local nonprofit organisations for quick-impact, time-limited projects. Grants are intended to address one-time needs or interventions, and/or respond to needs not addressed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), or other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receiving U.S. government funding. The activities of the proposed project should not be directed to sustained, long-term programs. Community-based organisations (CBOs) and NGOs are encouraged to submit proposals. Please note the beneficiaries of your proposed project must be at least 50 percent refugees, internally displaced persons, vulnerable migrants, and/or stateless persons. 

Deadline: March 18, 2024

Amount: $25,000

Urgent Action Fund

Protection and support to women, non-binary (e.g., lesbian, Trans) human rights defenders, or organisations that face urgent risk in their advocacy to uphold women’s human rights and human rights. There are two funding streams: 

1) Security and Well-being Grants          2) Resourcing Resilience Grants.

Deadline: Ongoing

Alstom Foundation

focuses on 4 key areas:

• Economic and social development
• Environmental protection
• Access to mobility
• Access to energy and water

Deadline: 24 March 2024

Digital Defenders Partnership

Digital Defenders Partnership - rapid response funding for human rights defenders, journalists, activists & orgs facing digital threats/attacks. Duration: 4 months. Amount: 10,000 EUROS.

reduce the risk or impact of a digital attack

Deadline: Rolling

Amount: €10,000

MAMACASH: Resilience Fund 

The Resilience Fund supports feminist groups, collectives and initiatives that are founded, led, and/or run by people who belong to the communities whose rights they seek to advance. They are working to advance their own political and social agendas, to build connections across issues and borders, and to strengthen feminist and other social justice movements.

Work from a feminist, women's, girls, trans rights and/or intersex rights perspective; Self-led by the women, girls, trans people and/or intersex people they serve Promotion of women’s, girls’, trans people's and/or intersex people’s human rights as primary mission; Push for structural and fundamental change; Focus on issues that are under-addressed and/or contested.

Deadline: 17 March 2024

Amount: €5,000 - €50,000 per year, average grant size €35,000

LEAD2030 CHALLENGE FOR SDG 3

One Young World is addressing health and environmental equity challenges through the Lead2030 Challenge for SDG 3, offering a $50,000 grant to a youth-led non-profit organisation striving to tackle climate and health issues affecting young people. The chosen recipient will not only receive the grant but also a fully-funded scholarship to attend the 2024 One Young World Summit in Montreal, Canada. AstraZeneca will provide mentorship, and inclusion in a development program through the YHP's Impact Fellowship. OYW seeks a young leader (18-30 years old) heading a non-profit organisation, demonstrating a commitment to global health, innovative solutions with scalability potential, and projects aiming to bridge equity gaps for marginalised youth in healthcare while integrating environmental sustainability.

Livelihoods programme strategist (remote consultant), Refugee-Led Research Hub

The Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH), an initiative of the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC) at the University of Oxford, seeks a Livelihoods Programme Strategist (Remote Consultant) to lead the design and implementation of the strategy for their Professional Placements Programme (PPP). This role involves expanding advanced career opportunities for individuals completing academic and research training within RLRH. The consultant will collaborate internally with the RLRH management team and externally with professional placement hosts, ensuring alignment with RLRH's mission and vision. Responsibilities include designing the strategy, developing partnerships, delivering professional development training, and ensuring program alignment. The ideal candidate should have over 3 years of project management experience, expertise in displacement-related themes, and strong communication and interpersonal skills. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those affected by displacement, are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: March 25, 2024