Not just a seat at the table: refugee participation and the importance of listening

In December 2019, UNHCR convened the first ever Global Refugee Forum (GRF), bringing together over 3,000 participants to consider new approaches to addressing refugee protection and solutions globally. One of the most celebrated aspects of the Forum was the novel inclusion of refugee representatives...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forced migration review 2022-09 (70), p.25-28
Main Authors: Harley, Tristan, Lee, Suyeon, Wazefadost, Najeeba
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Access to education
Displaced persons
Gender identity
Human rights
Listening
Participation
Refugees
Speeches
Women
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Summary:In December 2019, UNHCR convened the first ever Global Refugee Forum (GRF), bringing together over 3,000 participants to consider new approaches to addressing refugee protection and solutions globally. One of the most celebrated aspects of the Forum was the novel inclusion of refugee representatives, with 70 refugees from 22 countries of origin and 30 host countries. Furthermore, refugee representatives gave speeches on nearly all the panels convened at the event. After the event, UNHCR reflected that "[t]he pivotal role of refugees, both in preparing for and participating in the GRF -- demonstrated the importance of keeping refugees at the centre of matters that relate to their lives and futures", setting an "important precedent" and serving as "a model for future good practice". Here, Harley et al report that the 2019 Global Refugee Forum was significant for its inclusion of refugee representatives, and there is much to be learnt by paying close attention to the speeches they gave -- that is, by really listening to their voices.
ISSN:1460-9819
2051-3070