In 2023 we transitioned to a co-leadership model in a deliberate attempt to embed refugee lived experience into our leadership structure. This transition has been positive but not without its challenges as we seek to develop new ways of working. This year we also had our Asia Pacific Consultations on Refugee Rights (APCRR) conference and elected new Chairs and Deputy Chairs to working groups. The members also endorsed our new strategic plan and a commitment to review our Governance structures to ensure they were accessible and logical.
I am enthusiastic about the direction and future of APRRN as it becomes more recognised globally as an invaluable voice on forced displacement in the Asia Pacific region. Our membership has grown to over 250 organisational and individual members and there is growing interest from refugee led organisations. Despite this growth we have faced significant funding challenges this year that will continue into 2024 as global financial burdens and cost of living increases continue to impact donors as well as organisations. We also continue to experience challenges in getting the Asia Pacific Region onto the agenda of international forums and are seeing significant reductions in funding for UNHCR in the region as conflicts continue to rise. The need for APRRN is even greater and we need to remain united in our cause to shed a light on the human rights needs of displaced people across the region.
I am pleased that we have continued to make important contributions to advocacy on the rights of people fleeing Afghanistan and those impacted by the conflict in Myanmar. We have also worked together to make significant representations in relation to alternatives to detention and basic legal protections in the region.
On behalf of the APRRN board and Steering Committee, I want to thank all of our members for their support and the secretariat for their passionate commitment and investment in the work of APRRN and its members. I also want to thank the working group chairs and deputy chairs as well as the board members for the time they invest in ensuring that APRRN is governed well.